Hi I’m Caitlin,
I’m a therapist for the ones who hold it all together—for everyone but themselves.
Thanks for being here!
Before I was a therapist, I was the “go-to” person for a lot of people. I even wrote my college essays about being the “mom” of my friend group. I demonstrated how capable, responsible, and good at reading the room I was all the time. But under the surface, I often felt anxious, overwhelmed, and unsure how to make space for myself without over-analyzing after the fact. Starting my own mental health journey gave me language for what I was experiencing, and space to figure out what I actually wanted—without the full weight of everyone else’s needs and expectations.
That’s a big part of why I do this work now. I support people who are thoughtful, high-achieving, and often harder on themselves than anyone else is. Folks who look like they’re doing fine from the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck, or like they’ve lost touch with who they are. I’m multiethnic Chinese American and many of my clients are AAPI, mixed-race, or multicultural, and I also work with college students, young professionals, and couples navigating identity, stress, and big life shifts. I also work with couples—especially interracial or multicultural ones—who want to communicate more clearly, repair old patterns, or feel more understood.
Getting my Master’s in Social Welfare and becoming a licensed therapist (LCSW #128351), I now have the education, evidence, and research in conjunction to my lived experience to give you the support you need. I want you to realize that your crazy busy schedule, plethora of activities, and over-giving behaviors aren’t necessary for keeping anxiety at bay. There are other ways and I’m happy to help you discover them.
Therapy with me is about slowing down, getting curious, and making space for what you actually need. You don’t have to have it all figured out before you start.
Most of my clients come to therapy feeling tired, unsure where to start, and like something needs to shift. Over time, they begin to feel more clear, more connected, and more like themselves again. They discover a sense of personal balance that feels in line with themselves, their culture, and their family.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#128351) in California
Master’s in Social Welfare with a focus on Adult Health and Well-being Across the Lifespan, a Certificate in Aging, from the University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations with a Minor in Social Work from Pepperdine University
Education & Credentials
My Approach
Holistic
I will help you discover new and practical ways to support your holistic well-being through self-care routines, organizational techniques, and finding a supportive network of professionals. I’ll guide you in strengthening the connection between your mind, body, and spirit. You’ll learn to replace habits that may be negatively impacting your mental health with ones that are more supportive.
Somatic
Your body reacts to mental and emotional distress in physical ways. You may experience headaches, stomaches, and/or chest tightness due to chronic stress. You may feel physically exhausted from all the mental gymnastics your brain has been doing lately. I use mindfulness techniques to build awareness of your body, calm the nervous system, and teach you how to apply these skills in real life.
Integrative
I have training in a variety of modalities including: narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, internal family systems, trauma informed care, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I incorporate these modalities based on your needs, problems, and preferences. If you have questions or interest in any specific modality, please let me know during our consult call.
Systems Approach
You don’t exist in a bubble. Think of your life like a series of concentric circles. In the smallest inner circle is you, then the next is your family, then your culture, then society, etc. You are constantly interacting with all different systems and factors that impact your life. We take all that into account by exploring the ways your environment impacts you both negatively and positively.
Cultural Humility
I use curiosity and respect to learn the wisdom you and your ancestors already carry. We will explore what your culture means to you, not what I think or what other people think it should mean. We will work together to figure out how cultural values, goals, and expectations influence your life.
Resources & Referrals
I know that psychotherapy can’t fix everything. Sometimes you need concrete or additional support to help your situation whether it be support groups, financial assistance, or other tangible resources. I keep up to date on local resources to make referrals that meet your needs so that our sessions can be most effective.
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my dog and husband, going on hikes, and enjoying naps on the beach. I also have a passion for curating playlists for even the smallest of occasions, embracing seasonal activities, and discovering new boba spots. I love “grandma” hobbies like knitting, reading, and crafting— and am usually down to binge a comfort show on Netflix. I enjoy traveling and have spent time living abroad.
Outside of Sessions
Why the name tiny cottage therapy?
When we're in therapy together I want you to feel like you’ve been invited to rest for a while in a tiny cozy cottage.
Up until now, it feels like you’ve been on a long strenuous uphill hike. It’s been rough, you’ve gotten lost before, you’re exhausted. But you just came across the perfect place to set your heavy bag down, kick your feet up, and curl up on a couch with a hot beverage & a fuzzy blanket.
You’re ready to settle in to a deep and meaningful conversation with someone who’s ready to listen.
You are so welcome here and I am happy to have you at my tiny cottage.