Paula Ong, AMFT (#12818)
Hello! I am grateful you found me here. Thank you for taking the time to read around to learn more about me and how I work as a therapist.
ABOUT ME
Pronouns: She/Her/Siyá/They
I am a 1.5 generation Filipina American. I was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the US with my family as a pre-teen. My family has ancestry from the province of Isabella, Philippines. I am currently based in Orange County, California, on the ancestral homelands of the Tongva and Acjahemen Tribal Nations. My immigrant experience influenced the intersectional and decolonial lens I aim to work from in therapy.
You don’t have to figure it out by yourself! I recognize the significance of our cultural backgrounds, identities, and histories– they shape so much of how we move through the world, our relationships with ourselves and others. I am committed to providing culturally compassionate and affirming therapy for individuals and families.
Outside of the therapy office, I enjoy being outdoors (going to the beach, walking, or running), getting creative, exploring new hobbies, crafts, recipes, or music; and spending time with my people <3
I hold so much hope for healing with my clients because I’ve experienced it in my own journey with personal therapy, self growth, community engagement, and continuing education. I look forward to meeting and connecting with you!
CREDENTIALS
I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) providing tele-health therapy for clients in California. I completed my Master of Science in counseling from California State University Fullerton. I am currently supervised by Jenny Moon, LCSW (#77266). I have provided psychotherapy in school, community mental health, and private practice settings; and have worked with children, teens, and adults with various mental health issues. I am an experienced scholar-researcher on topics related to Asian American and Filipinx/a/o American mental health. I am a certified Be Sensitive, Be Brave Mental Health and Suicide Prevention trainer (English and Tagalog).
MY APPROACH TO THERAPY
I work from a person centered approach to therapy- centering your goals and needs while pulling from different modalities as appropriate. I often integrate somatic (mind-body related), self-compassion, mindfulness, and creative arts practices in therapy. I am committed to providing culturally compassionate and affirming therapy. I aim to decolonize my therapy practice and welcome non-Western approaches to healing.
I am passionate about working with Asian American and POC clients who struggle with anxiety and depression (self esteem and confidence, negative thinking, relational issues, isolation, and identity), especially as they relate to experiences of relational wounds, intergenerational trauma, and/or adverse childhood experiences. In our work together we can develop self nurturing and compassion, honor your strength, voice, values, and identities, and learn ways to improve your relationship with yourself and others. We do this by creating a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship; gaining insight and understanding of learned behaviors and messages about self; Attuning to somatic and internal experiences to increase self awareness; Engaging and practicing new skills, while unlearning what is no longer helpful.
If you would like to learn more about services I provide, please click the button below.
Finding the right fit of therapist is so important. I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to get to know each other and answer questions you might have about starting therapy. Please click below to book a consultation.