anti-oppressive therapy & gender-affirming surgery letters

in-person & virtually in pittsburgh & pennsylvania

You deserve to live authentically.

Our experiences in society aren't one-size-fits-all, nor should our therapy be. I aim to support those impacted by queerphobia, racism, ableism, fatphobia, adoption, and other oppressive systems which contribute to mental health difficulties, poor self-regard, and complex trauma. Together, I hope we can challenge negative core beliefs, deconstruct the experiences that led to their development, and cultivate an authentic, compassionate sense of self.

services

individual therapy

I provide one-on-one counseling utilizing an eclectic, integrative approach that draws from multiple modalities, tailored to meet clients’ individual needs. Primarily, I see queer/trans folks, Asian diaspora members and other people of color, neurodivergent individuals, and adoptees. Therapy can be face-to-face or telehealth.

gender-affirming letters

I am trained in evaluating and writing referral letters for trans adults in need of gender-affirming surgery, following the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) standards of care. As a trans non-binary individual and therapist, I am dedicated to making this service accessible to all who need it.

adoption consulting

As a trans-racial adoptee, I have extensively studied the impacts of adoption alongside my lived experiences. I am interested in providing consultation with prospective or current adoptive families/couples/parents. This could include education on adoptee mental health, best practices and harm reduction.

specialties

  • As a queer, non-binary individual, I am grateful to work almost entirely with other folks in the LGBTQIA+ community. I recognize that queerphobia and transphobia are rampant in our world and have harmful impacts on mental health. I aim to offer an inclusive and understanding space to explore aspects of queerness/gender identity and process discriminatory experiences. I am also passionate about providing letters for gender-affirming surgeries, with no one turned away for lack of funds.

  • Being neurodivergent myself, I know the importance of having a therapist who “gets it.” I enjoy helping autistic and ADHD folks challenge societal ableism, access resources/accommodations, and cultivate a compassionate sense of self. I aim to strike a balance between helping clients manage symptoms to improve their quality of life, while also acknowledging their neurodivergence as a part of their identity that does not need to be extinguished. I encourage stimming during sessions, prioritize sensory comfort, and have no expectations around eye contact.

  • As a domestic transracial adoptee, I have been personally impacted by the lack of adoptee awareness in the mental health field. I am dedicated to supporting adoptees (especially transracial adoptees) in their journey of identity development, healing from attachment trauma, finding their authentic selves, and coming "out of the fog." I have extensively researched the psychological, behavioral, and systemic impacts of the adoption industry.

  • Since many of my clients hold multiple marginalized identities, it is important to me to address the risk of cumulative trauma and oppression-based traumatic stress. My approach to trauma is rooted in consent, autonomy, and empathy. Together, we can process events, challenge core beliefs, unlearn fawning responses, set boundaries, and self-advocate.

  • As a Vietnamese American, I am passionate about working with other people of color to unpack race-based traumatic stress and explore racial/cultural identity. While I have the most experience working with members of the Asian diaspora, I am committed to solidarity with BIPOC communities, and anti-racism in general.

on the other side of the couch

Hi! I’m Fai (pronounced /fay/). First, I’m a human; I enjoy making art, cooking Viet food, reading, music, gaming, and time with loved ones (people and cats alike).

Second, I’m a therapist, currently entering my third year of clinical practice and my sixth year in the mental health field. I’ve wanted to be a therapist for most of my life, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to support others.