How We Approach Counseling
Hi, welcome to People Bloom, a small group practice in downtown Redmond. Our team is made up of Marriage and Family Therapists/Associates and Mental Health Counselors/Associates. We're trained differently because we know that no one model will work for all people. We also have different specialities because we know people come into our office with varying needs and we want to serve our community well.
One thing you can be sure of: We want to make your life better.
Here’s Amy
I was born in Taiwan, spent much of my life in Canada and more recently moved to the US. As you can imagine, this has made for some unique experiences. I know what it’s like growing up helping my parents navigate life in a foreign country. I relate to a feeling of “otherness” or not always fitting in in your community. Whatever your situation may be, I want to make space for who you are and where you’ve been and help you move in the direction of your goals and values.
Who I help
People dealing with a medical diagnosis – Grief isn’t just reserved for the loss of a loved one. It can be an inevitable part of being sick or caring for a loved one. Sometimes we have to reevaluate our priorities, goals and values as life throws us curve balls. While no one would sign up for these health challenges, I give you tools to cope and the hope to see that a full and meaningful life is still possible.
Individuals struggling with boundary setting & purpose - Sometimes it’s easy to second guess your response to a situation, whether you should’ve made a different choice, or big picture - what you really even want out of life. I want to help you break out of unhealthy patterns of self-doubt so you can be truer to who you are and how you want to live going forward.
Always learning
I sometimes need to check my tendency to sign up for too many training opportunities in my professional community! In our work together, I lean into Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Somatic Experiencing (SE). I also use an attachment lens to guide my work, while taking into account the sociocultural contexts that you bring into therapy.
Here’s Sunny
I’m a first-generation South Asian American who grew up in the Midwest. I understand the struggle of not fitting in and yet still striving towards the life I want to live. Your life’s circumstances do not have to define you; I’m here to help you create a better narrative of the life you want.
Who I help
People going through life transitions – Stories have power. You may find yourself living according to how you were raised, or how you were told you “ought” to be. But deep down, you know there’s more. Change creates opportunities for something new. Rather than conforming to standards that limit you, I want to help you be your best self.
Individuals who are held back by trauma – Trauma symptoms can feel like a big weight you're carrying around. It has you re-living the experience of the event rather than moving forward with your life. If trauma is dragging you down, I want to help you rise up and make trauma a thing of the past.
Forever student
I love to learn! Depending on what you’ve been through, you can benefit from different approaches. We can figure out what theory would be best suited for our work together. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) for the treatment of trauma. Where relevant, I also draw upon Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory and Internal Family Systems (IFS). In my work with couples, I’m trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Here’s Bob
The connection I build with my clients play a big part in the success of therapy. As I get to know you, it helps me put together a picture of your life up until now. If you don't know your story well, I'll help you discover it. We'll identify the thoughts, feelings and beliefs that hold you back and help you develop tools to live your life more effectively.
Who I help
Moody teens & their confused parents – Your teenager looks different by the day and their mood seems even more unpredictable. As the parent, you're at your wits end and you don't know what to do. I help you and your teen understand each other and give you tangible tools for a healthier relationship.
Young professionals who are trying to figure out life – Your friends around you seem to have it all together but you feel a lot of pressure to grow up. You want to wear your, "I can't adult today" shirt more days than not. How you see yourself matters; let's figure this out together so you can go back to doing you with greater confidence.
My toolbox
I've picked up a lot of approaches along the way. Depending on how useful they are in your situation, you'll find me drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Narrative Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, Bowen Family Systems Theory, and Psychodynamic Theory.
Here’s Ada
You're here because you want something different in your life. Here's how I approach therapy and how I can help!
Who I help
Individuals & couples going through major changes — Your relationship ends. Parenthood has been one disruption after another. The move is harder than expected. When nothing seems normal, I give you tools to help you get back on your feet.
Committed couples who have grown apart — You and your partner argue like clockwork. You’re living more like roommates rather than lovers. Instead of pulling further away, I help you learn how to create closeness and connection with your very important person.
Individuals & caregivers facing cancer – Cancer is a game changer. From the day of diagnosis to ongoing treatment and screenings, life hasn’t been the same. While we can’t undo the past, I help you and your family integrate cancer into your life story so you can find joy and meaning each day.
If you care about acronyms
I use research-based therapy approaches to help reduce your symptoms and increase your overall functioning. After all, it's not just about feeling better but living a life that counts! For couples, I'm very fond of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). In helping you through life transitions, including cancer, I tap into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Metacognitive Therapy (MCT). For insomnia, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). I've also been trained in trauma recovery and I use Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for kids and teens and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for adults. Most recently, I’ve been trained in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) as well.
The plan to stop struggling and start thriving:
Complete a phone or online screening.
Show up to see your therapist.
Develop a plan to get you unstuck.
Work hard to execute the plan.
Be closer to the life you want.