I’m Mi Ae,

Welcome! I am so glad you are here. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (#135709) and AACAST ( American Association of Couples and Sex Therapist) Certified Couples and Sex Therapist. I approach therapy from a relational attachment theory perspective, believing that our early relationships shape how we connect with others and ourselves throughout life. I work with clients to explore these patterns and deepen self-awareness within the context of their most important relationships. By understanding the ways attachment dynamics influence emotions, behaviors, and interactions, we can begin to heal old wounds and create healthier, more fulfilling connections. I also focus on building emotional regulation skills and helping clients manage their emotions with greater ease and resilience. As a compassionate, direct, and sometimes humorous therapist, my goal is to provide a supportive space where you can work through challenges, gain insight, and develop the tools to foster more meaningful relationships.

I am fluent in both English and Spanish, with proficiency in Korean and Portuguese at a conversational level.

Change isn’t easy (even when it’s “good”).

My Style of Therapy:

Compassionate

In our sessions, I strive to create a space where you feel truly heard and understood. I believe that healing begins when you feel accepted for who you are.  I bring warmth, empathy, and patience into the room, meeting you where you are in your journey. My compassion allows me to be attuned to both your spoken and unspoken needs, and I’ll often check in to make sure you feel comfortable with the pace and direction of our work together. If something feels too heavy or overwhelming, we can slow down or adjust the approach—your emotional well-being is my priority.

Insightful

I bring a deep curiosity to our work together. My goal is to help you uncover the underlying patterns and dynamics that influence your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By gently guiding you toward self-awareness, I aim to help you make connections between past experiences and present challenges. I believe that insight is the key to lasting change, and I will share observations that I think might be helpful, while also encouraging you to develop your own understanding. This process of discovery can be empowering, as you gain clarity on what is holding you back and how to move forward in a more intentional, aligned way.

Transparent

I believe in being open and honest with you throughout our work together. I’m not here to be a passive observer but an active participant in your healing process. If something comes up in our sessions that requires clarification or deeper discussion, I will be transparent about it. This means I will share my thoughts, offer feedback, and ask questions that can help you gain clarity. I also encourage you to be open with me about how our sessions are feeling, what’s working, and what’s not. Transparency fosters trust, and I want you to feel confident that you can speak up at any time and that I’m committed to being real with you.

Specializing in…

  • Relationships are the threads that weave the tapestry of our lives, but sometimes those threads fray and knots form. Whether you're struggling with communication barriers, trust issues, or sexual concerns, I'm here to guide you toward deeper connection and fulfillment. With empathy and insight, we'll explore the dynamics of your relationship, fostering open dialogue to cultivate a greater sense of closeness and vulnerability and rediscover the joy of intimacy.

  • Grieving the loss of a loved one or a significant life change can feel overwhelming and isolating. In our shared exploration, I honor the unique landscape of your grief, nurturing tender connections and gentle reflections. Guided by compassion and empathy, our therapeutic journey unfolds at your pace, allowing for moments of stillness and introspection. With each step, we navigate the complexities of loss with reverence, honoring the significance of every emotion and memory. As we navigate the terrain of grief together, know that your journey is sacred, and your resilience is boundless. Together, we'll navigate the whispers of sorrow and the echoes of joy, embracing the fullness of your experience with tender grace.

    I provide a compassionate space for you to express your emotions, process your grief, and find solace in feeling heard and understood. Together, we navigate the journey of healing, honoring your unique experience every step of the way.

  • Within the safety of our therapeutic space, I provide a relational space where your journey is honored, your wounds are acknowledged, and your resilience is celebrated. Together, we'll gently untangle the threads of your past experiences, weaving them into a narrative of resilience and growth.

    In our work together, utilizing a palette of evidence-based modalities and heartfelt presence I strive to create a space where vulnerability is met with grace, and where the whispers of your inner world find a voice. With each step forward, we'll cultivate a deeper understanding of your story, unraveling the knots of pain to reveal the seeds of healing and restoration.

I hold space for ….

Asian American Issues

01

Spirituality

02

03

Medical Trauma/ Chronic Illness

My Training & Education

    • Licensed in California

    • MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy

    • BA in Child and Adolescent Development

    • Certified Couples and Sex Therapist ( American Association of Couples and Sex Therapist )

    • Trained in Immigration Evaluation

    • Prepare and Enrich Certified

    • CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists)

Get in touch

I’m here to help you grow.

ACCORDING TO THE FEDERAL "NO SURPRISES ACT" PASSED JANUARY 2022, ALL CLIENTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE A “GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE” EXPLAINING HOW MUCH YOUR MENTAL HEALTH CARE WILL COST. YOU MAY ASK YOUR MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER, AND ANY OTHER PROVIDER YOU CHOOSE, FOR A GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE BEFORE YOU SCHEDULE A SERVICE.