Born in Malaysia of Chinese descent and raised in a Buddhist context, I immigrated to New Zealand as a teenager. After studying engineering (PhD @ Canterbury), I worked in the corporate world (Vodafone) while studying business (MBA @ Henley). I then worked in the environmental policy sector (WEF, NZ government, UN) while studying economics (MPhil @ Waikato). Later on, I studied experimental psychology (MA & PhD @ NYU) and became a neuroscientist.
Despite all these career and life transitions, I felt my life lacked true purpose, and I began searching for deeper meaning.
About Me
BODY: Acupuncture, in conjunction with psychotherapy, helped me greatly in healing from developmental trauma. Recognizing its potential, I studied acupuncture (MS @ Pacific College), during which I treated clients with emotional issues, including veterans at the Manhattan VA. After earning my New York State (NYS) Licensed Acupuncturist credential, I deployed self-care ear seed acupressure kits for students at The New School, to help them alleviate anxiety and stress.
MIND: The abrupt emergence of COVID led me to pivot towards studying substance use counseling (MA @ The New School). During that time, I worked with justice-involved individuals in the Bronx and earned my NYS CASAC Advanced counselor credential. I then broadened to clinical social work (MSW @ Rutgers), during which I provided short-term psychotherapy to students at The New School and earned my NYS LMSW credential.
SPIRIT: My mental health clinical training had been focused on biological, psychological, and social aspects, largely devoid of spiritual content. I sought to fill this gap by studying Christian spirituality (MA @ Fordham) and became a certified layperson spiritual director. I am guided by the teachings of St. Ignatius, St. Teresa of Avila, Buddhism, and Taoism. At present, I am studying Buddhist contemplative care at the New York Zen Center.
I have worked with adults across diverse racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds, including secular, spiritual but not religious, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Hindu clients, as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. As a Resident Psychotherapist at the Psychotherapy & Spirituality Institute (PSI), I strive towards PSI’s goal of “treating mind, body, and spirit as one.” As a longtime New Yorker, I enjoy jazz and spending time at the dog run in the park.
“Money is important, but it is not the most important thing.” – Eamon Mark Paul Molloy QSM
“Time swiftly passes by, and opportunity is lost. On this night, the days of our life are decreased by one …… Do not squander your life.” – Zen Buddhist chant
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know that one is me." – ACA Serenity Prayer
“If you die before you die, you won’t die when you die.” – Inscription at St. Paul’s Monastery, Mount Athos, Greece