Welcome.

I offer compassionate mental health therapy for teens and adults - a space to slow down, process experiences, and better understand the patterns shaping your life.

Hi, I’m Karen. I’m a mental health therapist based in Hermosa Beach, CA. I also offer virtual sessions for clients throughout California.

Many of the people I work with are used to holding a lot. You might be an overthinker who can explain exactly why you feel the way you do, but still feel stuck in the same patterns. You might feel anxious, disconnected, or unsure how to navigate a relationship dynamic or transition in your life. You may not even know exactly what’s wrong - you just know you don’t quite feel like yourself.

I am here to help you navigate these challenging or overwhelming seasons of life. We’ll get curious about the patterns that keep showing up and pay attention to what your body may be communicating along the way. I want to help you understand yourself, feel more grounded in your body, and build greater self-trust and confidence moving forward. As a second-generation Vietnamese American, I’m especially mindful of how culture and family systems shape our worlds.

Above all, I want therapy to feel human. There’s space for the hard stuff, but also for curiousity, humor, and moments of lightness along the way.

My Background:

  • Alongside my private practice, I provide individual and group therapy to adolescents in residential treatment, supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, suicidality, emotional dysregulation, identity, family conflict, and self-esteem.

    Previously, I worked as a school-based therapist with children and teens across elementary, middle, and high school settings. This experience taught me the importance of meeting young people where they are, building trust at their pace, and understanding challenges within the larger context of family, school, friendships, and development.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Social Sciences from the University of Washington, where I developed a strong foundation in understanding people within their social, cultural, and relational contexts.

    Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, where I was trained to work with individuals, families, and systems through a relational and trauma-informed lens.

    Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in California, AMFT #160496

    Certified in Child & Adolescent Strengths-Based Assessment (CANS)

    Somatic Experiencing Training in progress

    PESI Somatic Trauma Healing Training in progress

  • My own experience in therapy earlier in life showed me how meaningful it can be to have a space where you feel genuinely seen and heard. I remember having a therapist who created a safe, non-judgmental space where I could learn to better understand myself, self-regulate, and grow in confidence. That experience showed me that things can get better.

    That journey shaped my decision to become a therapist and continues to guide my work today. I believe therapy is a powerful and transformative process, especially during teenage years and young adulthood, when so much is changing and it’s easy to feel alone. It feels full-circle now to support others in building lives that feel more grounded and fulfilling.

  • Art has been a constant thread throughout my life. I’m a painter and have hosted gallery shows in the South Bay featuring my ski and surfboard art. Movement is important to me too. I have a background in competitive dance and have been practicing yoga for over a decade, which has shaped how I relate to my body and manage stress. You can often find me in a hot yoga class, surfing, rollerblading, or soaking up the sunshine on a beautiful day.

In therapy, we might explore:

  • Somatic (Body-Based) Therapy

    Sometimes we understand something logically, but our bodies have a different response. You may know you’re ok and still feel anxious, tense, shut down, or on edge. Learn more here

  • Attachment & Relationship Patterns

    We may explore the patterns that show up in your relationships and where they come from. The relationships and environments we grow up in can shape how we experience closeness, conflict, trust, and our own needs.

  • Parts Work

    Most of us have different “parts” that show up depending on the situation. You might have a part that overthinks, people-pleases, stays in control, or is highly self-critical. Rather than trying to get rid of these parts, we can get curious about what they’re trying to protect you from.

  • Practical Tools & Skill Building

    Depending on what you need, we may work on grounding, emotional regulation, communication, boundaries, coping skills, or ways to interrupt patterns that aren’t serving you.

  • Creative Expression

    We can incorporate art or music as ways to explore emotions or experiences that feel difficult to put into words.