I was introduced to the world of psychotherapy first as a client.  

I spent much of my childhood trying to fit in.  Being a brown girl in a small North Carolina town was a challenge, to say the least.  My parents were immigrants, and, like many Third Culture Kids (TCK), I found myself bridging across cultures more often than I wanted to.  The messages of what "good" looks like that were delivered to me from media...schools...my classmates... didn't quite align with the values I was understanding from my family's culture.  Feeling confused and stretched thin, I focused my attention on my studies.  Good grades, good college, good job.  I did it!

I excelled in my professional life and climbed the corporate ladder.  And I climbed and climbed.  Ambitious in my career and ever eager to gain life experience, I moved to London in pursuit of new challenges.  I was a mover and a shaker, and in some ways, I relished the adrenaline rush of the fast-paced jet-setting environment I was in.  On the surface I was happy - I had an exciting job, a beautiful home, an active social life.  Still, I didn't feel OK.  I had this uncomfortable feeling deep inside that I couldn't shake; my emotions were tugging at my business suits, vying for my attention.  On the inside, I was struggling.  A friend shared with me her therapeutic journey, and upon her urging, I decided to take the courageous step to see a therapist.  I remember that first meeting vividly.  The work I did with my therapist was impactful.  So impactful that eventually I decided to leave my corporate lifestyle behind and pursue an entirely new career as a psychotherapist. 

EDUCATION

California Institute of Integral Studies:  Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

Duke University:  Master of Engineering Management (interdisciplinary degree combining coursework from the Fuqua School of Business, Duke's Law School and Duke's Pratt School of Engineering).

Duke University:  Bachelor of Science in BioMedical Engineering & Electrical Engineering

AFFILIATIONS & TRAINING

Bay Area Gestalt Institute

Center for Mindful Psychotherapy

The Couples Center

Kid C.A.T. at San Quentin State Prison.  Creating Awareness Together.

SFCAMFT: San Francisco, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Church Street Integral Counseling Center:  Gestalt Therapy

Interested in getting a taste of how I work?  

Contact me to schedule a session.  415.689.3586  annu.therapist@gmail.com