I am excited to be working with the team at Caldera’s Counseling. I hope to meet you soon, but first, here’s a little bit about me and my story!
I am the eldest of four siblings and for as long as I can remember I’ve always had the role of a counselor or advisor in my family. My Vietnamese name translates to “advise, counsel” and the reason is due to my parents’ hope that I could be of assistance and guidance to my younger siblings and others. Being the eldest and firstborn of the immediate and extended family who were a combination of immigrants and refugees, there are expectations that others have set out for me in addition to the expectations I had set for myself. Sometimes they would conflict and it would impact how I perceive myself and the world. With that in mind, it made me want to learn and understand more about others and myself.
The intrinsic motivation of wanting to learn about the who, what, when, where, how, and most importantly the why of human behaviors guided my interest in majoring and graduating from the University of Texas in Austin with a degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. After college, I decided I wanted to experience California (because why not?) so I gave myself a timeline of two years to settle in (and to give myself grace during this big life transition). The move was challenging at the beginning because I was now away from my home base and social support. During this time, I learned so much. For instance, I learned to become my own motivator, the meaning of treating failures as learning opportunities and being curious about the uncertainty of life. I ended up staying in California for about six years and enjoyed it so very much. As I am writing this, I reminisce about the camping trips with friends, sunbathing at the beach, and all the festivities of California living.
I am a Texas gal at heart so I was ready for wonderful ol’ Texas after I finished my graduate program at the University of Southern California. When I think back to when I was 11 years old, I remember not being so excited for life and a bit sad. In a way, It is always so interesting how life works out and how everything that has happened has led me to where I am right now. Remember, you are a light-bearer, a gift-giver, and your soul here is on a mission.
When I’m not working, I like hanging out with my life partner, Will. We enjoy hosting board game nights, 5K runs, and completing jigsaw puzzles. I like checking out new coffee shops (with the routine order of matcha with a shot of espresso, substitute almond milk, and zero sweeteners) to people-watch, journal, and read. I enjoy running and I find walking through the aisles of Target very therapeutic.
Thank you for reading, I am so grateful for you!
