Meet Albert

My Journey

I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be a therapist, but looking back, it feels inevitable. My early life was shaped by navigating family conflict, cultural expectations as a first-generation American, and the complexities of coming out in an environment that wasn’t exactly welcoming. Surviving a narcissistic and abusive parent, witnessing the struggles of the other, and feeling like an outsider gave me firsthand insight into what it means to feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood.

But those experiences also sparked an intense curiosity about people—what makes us tick, how we heal, and how we find connection. As I found my own way through pain, I realized I had a knack for helping others do the same. People trusted me with their stories, and I discovered that the connection itself was healing.

Why I Do This Work

I do this work for anyone who’s ever felt like the “other.” Whether you’re a queer woman of color, a straight guy questioning traditional ideas of masculinity, someone navigating polyamorous relationships, or an immigrant balancing cultural identities—I’m here for you. I understand the loneliness that comes from not fitting into neat categories, and I’m passionate about creating a space where you don’t have to explain or justify who you are.

How I Work

Therapy with me isn’t about quick fixes or surface-level advice. I believe two things:

  1. No one can be “fixed” from the outside. Healing comes from within.

  2. You already have the answers. You might just need help uncovering them.

I won’t hand you a checklist or tell you what to do. Instead, I’ll help you reconnect with your own wisdom, challenge the beliefs that hold you back, and support you as you build a life that feels authentic and meaningful. Especially if you’ve felt silenced or invalidated, this process can be transformative.

My Professional Background

Before becoming a therapist, I worked in financial services—yes, really. But in 2005, I shifted gears, earning my Master’s in Holistic Counseling. I’ve worked with incarcerated youth, adults facing serious mental illness, and people grappling with identity, addiction, and trauma. Eventually, I left agency work to start my private practice, where I could focus on what matters most: being fully present with my clients.

What You Can Expect

I’m not a silent, nod-and-smile therapist. I’m engaged, direct, and sometimes even funny (humor can be healing too). I listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and challenge you when needed—always with compassion. Clients often tell me they appreciate that I "cut to the chase" and get to the core of an issue quickly and tenderly. I won’t waste your time with vague reflections; instead, I’ll help you identify patterns, confront beliefs that no longer serve you, and support you as you make meaningful changes.

If you’re looking for someone to sit quietly and just reflect back what you say, that’s not me. But if you want a therapist who shows up fully and helps you get to the heart of things, we might be a good fit.

Beyond the Therapy Room

When I’m not working, I love music (especially creating electronic music), laughing with friends, and quality time with my husband and my two dogs, Lola and Levi (they are Salukis, in case you’re curious…). I’m passionate about continuous learning—both for myself and for the people I work with.

If any of this resonates with you, reach out! I’d love to connect and see how I can support you.

What we think, we become.

- BUDDHA

Experience

Education

M.A. Counseling - Concentration in Holistic Studies, 2008.  John F. Kennedy University, Campbell, CA

Clinical Experience

East Bay Community Recovery Project, Alameda County, 2009

  • Mental Health Clinician, Intern

San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, Youth Services Center, 2007 - 2008 

  • Clinical Intern 

Caminar for Mental Health, San Mateo County, 2007 - 2016

  • Executive Director, San Mateo Region 

  • Director of Case Management, San Mateo Region 

  • Program Director of Eucalyptus House 

  • Assistant Program Director of Eucalyptus House

  • Residential Counselor at Eucalyptus House 


Organizations

Albert is verified by Psychology Today.

Albert is verified by Good Therapy.

Albert is licensed by and affiliated with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

READY TO GROW?

Contact me.