About Me

I absolutely love helping young adults think about their lives and identity to determine what they want out of life. The teen and young adulthood life stages are challenging years in deciding what you truly value, what type of relationships you seek, and choosing a career that works for you. Over the past 20 years, I have counseled, mentored and worked with hundreds of young adults at various colleges across the United States through my private practice and university employment at the University of California Los Angeles, California State University Long Beach, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and Washington University in St. Louis. My work at these universities included providing multicultural mental health services, leadership development workshops, lecturing in Asian American Psychology and helping individuals effectively manage their screen time as it impacts their mental health.

My Approach

In therapy, I use a cognitive-behavioral and solution focused approach in working with my clients, asking you thought-provoking questions. I value serving as motivation and inspiration for you in helping you cope, heal and succeed in life. I am culturally-sensitive, empowering, and provide individualized tools, as well as support that fits your personality and learning style.

In coaching my clients, I use a collaborative, motivational style to facilitate your growth and development. Based on your goals, I create individualized tools that help you live with intention, purpose, and achieve what you set out to accomplish. In providing you with support, I value honesty in discussing your areas of growth. Contact me if you would like to work together to identify your life goals to increase your happiness, improve yourself and be the best version of you!

Publications

Counseling and Psychotherapy for South Asian Americans

Asian American Psychology: Current Perspectives

Culturally Responsive Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Practical Social Justice - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategies Based on the Legacy of Dr. Joseph L. White

Culturally Diverse Mental Health - The Challenges of Research and Resistance

Multicultural Competencies: A Guidebook of Practices

Culturally Adaptive Counseling Skills - Demonstrations of Evidence-Based Practice

Media and Diversity Consulting

University Work

Community

Founder, Krishna and Sujata Tewari Scholar Annual Award - UCI School of Biological Sciences and School of Medicine

Board Member, Dean's Leadership Council, UCI School of Biological Sciences

Inaugural Past Board Member, Black Thriving Initiative, UCI

Member, Beauty in Grace Women's Giving Circle, MemorialCare Saddleback Women's Hospital Foundation

Past Board Member, Orange County Behavioral Health Advisory Board, Appointed by Katrina Foley, OC Board of Supervisors, Representing District 2

Past Board Member, Orange County Mental Health Board, Appointed by Michelle Steele, OC Board of Supervisors, Representing District 2

Education

2000 - Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, Southern Illinois University, at Carbondale
1998 - Doctoral Internship, University of California, Los Angeles - Student Psychological Services
1995 - M.A., Psychology, Southern Illinois University, at Carbondale
1992 - B.A., Psychology - University of California, Irvine
License
CA PSY 33824
Awards and Honors
2021 - Corona del Mar High School Honorary Service Award
2021 - Asian American Psychological Association Distinguished Leadership Award

Associations

Lifetime Member, University of California, Irvine Alumni Association
Member, American Psychological Association
Member, American Psychological Association
Member, California Psychological Association