man with glasses smiling in a garden setting

Personal Statement

My journey to becoming a therapist has been a winding one. Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I moved to California with my family in 1989. My path initially took me to Stanford University, where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. After a brief stint in the dot-com world, I joined my family's business, focusing on sales. While I wore many hats during those 20 years, what I truly loved was connecting with people – building relationships with clients and employees, and learning to navigate even the most difficult conversations.

These experiences, along with discovering the work of therapist Esther Perel and connecting with a counselor who made a similar career change, ignited a deeper calling within me. I realized that my true passion lay in therapy: helping people solve their problems, grow their relationships and lead better lives.

Outside of my work as a therapist, I find balance and self-care through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I love to travel and explore new cultures and ways of thinking. I believe that learning and staying open to new experiences is essential, both in life and in the therapeutic process. I look forward to connecting with you.

Experience

Updated 2/19/25:
- Over 500 hours of direct counseling, including individuals, couples and group therapy.
- Over 200 hours of direct child counseling (K-8).
Referral Rate: 27% of clients were recommended by friends, family, and other professionals.
Retention Rate: 83% attended at least six sessions.

Education

Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling (2024). Townsend Institute for Leadership & Counseling, Concordia University, Irvine (CACREP-Accredited)
- Founded by Dr. John Townsend, author of the bestselling book, Boundaries.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (2001). Stanford University, Stanford, California.

Training

Additional training in Psychodynamic Therapy and Play Therapy from Townsend Institute.
Additional training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) from Couples TLC, Inc.
EFT Externship planned for late 2025.

Interior of a modern office lounge with a gray sofa, blue armchair, decorative pillows, small side tables, wall clock, and artwork on walls.

Location & Working Hours

Telehealth and in-person at Through the Sea Marriage and Family Therapy in West Covina, California

Mon & Thu: 1130 am - 9 pm

Tue, Wed, Fri: 830 am - 230 pm

Some Saturdays available for couples intensives.

Prices

Individual Therapy

$160/session (50 minutes).
Select insurance plans accepted.
Couples Therapy

$160/session (50 minutes).
Select insurance plans accepted.
Child/Family Therapy

$160/session (50 minutes).
Any combination of parents and children.
Select insurance plans accepted.

FAQs

What are your demographics?

Age: Mid-40’s
Gender: Male
Race: Chinese
Ethnicity: Malaysian-Asian-American (Grandparents were born in China and emigrated to Malaysia. I lived there until I was 9 before coming to California).
Married for ~20 years with one child.