I’m Alex, Your Asian American Trauma Therapist

You need therapy as a struggling adult

Every day is just another battle to get through.

You’re exhausted, tired, and drained from the constant struggle. Even though you’ve accomplished so much in life, it still feels like it’s never enough. You’re not alone in this. You put on a brave face while silently wrestling with feelings of inadequacy, stress, and burnout.

You’re dealing with anxiety that never seems to give you a moment’s peace, or depression that makes even the simplest tasks feel insurmountable.

The overwhelming stress from trying to juggle work, family, and personal responsibilities is making you feel like you’re falling short in every area. You find yourself constantly worrying about the future or ruminating on past mistakes, unable to break free from the cycle of negative thoughts. Self-esteem issues leave you feeling like no matter what you do, you’re just not good enough.

You feel like no one understands what you’re going through. But you don’t have to go through this alone.

My Story as an Asian Therapist

I am a 2nd generation Asian American therapist. I was born in Canada, and I immigrated to California when I was 9. I am of Chinese (Cantonese-speaking) descent, yet my last name (Ly) speaks of a Vietnamese story. Both my parents are Vietnam refugees. Immigration is in my blood; multiple generations in my family have experienced immigration of some sort.

Much of my story aligns with the narrative of never feeling like you belong or difficulty finding a place called home.

As a product of my culture, I understand aspects of being Asian American and a Bay Area native, where achievement and success are overemphasized.

I understand the trauma is often interwoven with these experiences, whether it's from the pressure to excel, the struggle to fit in, or the unspoken expectations from family and society. I have faced these challenges myself and have navigated through them, which allows me to connect deeply with others going through similar experiences.

My journey as a trauma therapist began with my own experience in therapy. In my early 20s, I also felt the confusion of young adulthood where I didn’t know what to do with my life. That was where I was first exposed to therapy as a tool to navigate this crucial time in my life. It was one of the best investments and choices I made in my life which ultimately led me down this amazing career path. Going through the process of healing and personal growth profoundly impacted my life in tangible ways.

Therapy provided me with the tools to navigate my challenges and helped me understand myself better. This transformative experience inspired me to become a therapist myself, with the hope of bringing the same positive change to others.

What I’m like as a Trauma Therapist

Therapy with me is engaging, connecting, and dynamic.

I believe in creating a collaborative and interactive environment where we work together to explore your thoughts and feelings. I ask questions, engage in meaningful conversations, and provide insights tailored to your unique experiences. Unlike the aloof therapist who just sits back, I am actively involved in our sessions making sure that you feel seen, heard, and helped.

I make it a point to "show my work" by explaining, from a trauma-informed perspective, why I choose certain interventions and helping you understand the root causes of your struggles.

I also value your input and ask for feedback throughout our therapeutic journey. This allows you to reflect on your therapy experience and ensures that our work together is truly beneficial. Therapy with me is not just about scratching the surface; we dive deep to uncover and address the underlying issues. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you feel empowered to make meaningful changes and achieve lasting healing.

I don’t just want to be a 'clinician' or a 'fixer'; I want to be a guide to help you heal.

My goal is to support you in achieving a better life, filled with real, tangible benefits. I believe in the power of therapy to bring about meaningful change, not just in gaining insights for insight's sake, but in making a genuine difference in your day-to-day life. I am committed to helping you work through your trauma, anxieties, and stresses, so you can experience the true benefits of therapy.

Start Your Therapy Journey Today

You are ready to transform your life and heal from trauma. Take the first step by scheduling a free 15-minute consultation with me. This is your opportunity to experience how therapy can bring about meaningful and lasting change. During our brief consultation, we’ll discuss your unique needs and how my trauma-informed approach can help you overcome your challenges.

Don’t let trauma and pain dictate your life any longer.

Contact me today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation and discover the transformative power of therapy.