Hi, I'm Irene. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist, professor, and researcher, and I've been providing therapy and psychological assessments since 2013.
I became a psychologist because I've always been interested in understanding what shapes who we are -- our relationships, experiences, families, culture, and the ways we learn to navigate the world. That curiosity is still at the heart of how I approach therapy and assessment. I want to understand you as a whole person, not just your symptoms.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in psychological science. I believe that understanding where our patterns come from can be an important part of changing them, but insight alone isn't always enough. In therapy, we'll make space to explore your experiences and understand yourself more deeply, while also working on practical strategies backed by science that can help you make changes in your day-to-day life.
My own background has also shaped the work I'm drawn to. I grew up in Southern California as the daughter of immigrants and as a second-generation Chinese American. I know how deeply culture, family expectations, and the experiences passed between generations can influence our relationships, our choices, and even our ideas about who we're supposed to be. I especially value working with clients who want to explore these influences, break patterns they don't want to carry forward, and decide for themselves what they want their lives to look like.
Outside of my private practice, I'm a professor of psychology at California State University, Dominguez Hills, where I teach and mentor graduate students in clinical psychology. I'm also an active researcher studying mental health, parenting, and child development. My background as both a clinician and a scientist shapes my commitment to providing therapy and assessment that are thoughtful, individualized, and grounded in evidence.
