Welcome, my name is Vi!

Pronouns: She/her/chị

I hold different marginalized identities as a woman of color, an immigrant from Việt Nam, a former international student; and have lived experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, racism, and oppression. I also hold privileged identities: able-bodied, cisgender, straight, Christian, and grew up in a middle-class family. These identities allow me to discover life through these intersectional lenses, and I am grateful for all of them.

My passion for serving others in a clinical setting first led me to explore the profession of psychology when I was a senior at an American high school as an international student from Việt Nam. I was experiencing mild anxiety symptoms then due to my homesickness and readjustment to a new culture, and I had no resources available for me to seek professional help.

At the same time, many of my API-identified, international student and immigrant friends were having similar experiences. I started to wonder how each of our unique experiences and understanding of mental health influenced our acculturation level and attitudes toward seeking help to alleviate the pain and suffering tied to our immigration story.

Through my own healing journey, I realized many people have limited resources and access to mental health services, especially access to clinicians with similar identities and cultural backgrounds who could fully facilitate a space of growth in one's intersectional identities.

This disheartening realization fueled my passion to provide a space to highlight and honor immigrant and API experiences through my work as a licensed clinical psychologist.

It is a privilege and blessing for me to be able to provide the space that was previously unavailable, and to collaborate with young adults, international students, immigrants, and API-identified folks, as well as individuals who occupy an intersection of their identity that is marked by marginalization and oppression.

My approach to therapy

Because of this recognition, I wish to help you through not only the inevitable struggles presented in life, but also to assist in the appreciation of your own potential and find meaning and purpose in life by capitalizing on your passions, strengths, and talents.

My approach to therapy is primarily drawn from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) using solution-focused brief strategies and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, informed by a humanistic and multicultural framework. As a bilingual clinician, I provide psychotherapy services in both English and Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt).

When we lack a deep understanding of ourselves, it creates barriers that impact our ability to manage stress in both personal and professional spheres.

Through our work together, I’ll help you gain insight into your cultural identity and personal values. By:

  1. using self-reflection to share and create personal stories and cultural narratives,

  2. exploring how the cultural norms, traditions, and beliefs intersect with your personal identity and values,

  3. clarifying your core values to prioritize what truly matters to you and how these values align with your cultural background, and

  4. practicing mindfulness to foster a deep understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and cultural identity.

    I seek to empower you to navigate life challenges and the acculturation process with resilience and authenticity, ultimately reducing stress and fostering a greater sense of belonging in both personal and professional realms.

I BELIEVE

self-exploration opens up new doors to better relate to ourselves, others, and the world around us.

I ADVOCATE FOR

normalizing the human experience and reducing the stigma around mental health challenges.

I believe in de-pathologizing and reframing mental health struggles as part of the human experience rather than signs of weakness. Through this approach, we create a more inclusive and compassionate environment to encourage ourselves and our loved ones to seek help for our mental health concerns.

Sen Psychology exists to destigmatize therapy and show our community that seeking mental health care is a sign of strength; it’s an invaluable gift to self of self-discovery and growth.

I can help with:

  • Anxiety and depression.

  • Grief and loss.

  • Transition & adjustment difficulties (e.g., transitioning to college, moving into adulthood, marriage, relocation, career change, etc.).

  • Work-related stress.

  • Healing recurring relational patterns in family relationships, peer relationships, and romantic relationships.

  • Fostering understanding and support for diverse cultural and minority experiences for Asian/Pacific Islanders (API), immigrants, children of immigrants, and international students.

  • Enhancing deeper connection with yourself; increasing self-compassion and self-esteem.

  • Exploring topics related to the Christian faith, religion, and spirituality.

  • Finding greater meaning and purpose in life.

Education & Experiences

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – William Jessup University

  • Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology – California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University

  • Doctoral Internship: Counseling and Psychological Services, University of California, Santa Cruz

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship: Thriving Center of Psychology Los Angeles

Credentials

Psychologist license: State of California, PSY34705

Current and Past Professional Affiliations

  • Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA)

    • Division on Women

    • Division on SouthEast Asian Americans

    • Division on International Students and Professionals

  • American Psychological Association (APA)

    • Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race, Division 45

    • Society for the Psychology Study of Asian Pacific American Women, Division 35, Section 5

  • International Vietnamese Mental Health Association (IVMHA)

  • California School of Professional Psychology (2022-2023) — Visiting Assistant Professor

Media and Press

A guide to mental health in Vietnamese

2024, Los Angeles Times, by Phi Do — Interviewed as a mental health provider on Vietnamese terminologies that are often used when approaching the mental health conversation in Vietnamese.

The Mental Health Provider Shortage and Hopes of a Future Clinical Psychologist

2022, The Fresno Bee