Hey, I’m Athenia.

I was born and lived in Hong Kong when it was a British colony. We immigrated to the U.S. when I was 13. With a lack of sense of belonging in my environment, I quickly became the “bad kid” who hung out with the “wrong crowd.” Needless to say, high school days got wild and hard. When we immigrated, my pretty-absent dad decided not to join us; he eventually disappeared. These lived experiences and my healing journey have really motivated and still inform me so much as a human and therapist.

Before I became a therapist, I weaved through many types of work and settings—finance, non-profit, tech, graphic design, etc.. I understand, firsthand, the challenges of working in spaces that value outcomes over people. I believe talk therapy isn’t the only modality through which to heal and grow, but it did help me tremendously to become self-aware, unlearn disempowering narratives about me, tap into my worth, and heal and grow.

As a cishet woman of color, queer ally, and artist, I make it a point to engage in anti-oppression work within myself and participate in workshops, healing circles, marches, and other community events that support and uplift marginalized communities.

When I’m not seeing clients, you can find me dancing, reading a graphic novel, swimming, being in nature, seeing art, making art, camping, hiking, traveling, being with friends, being by myself, eating noodle soup…

Previously, I worked as a mental health counselor at College of Alameda with many youths and young adults, and was a part of Sankofa Holistic Counseling Services.

I now practice as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (117392) and am supervised by Dr. Sarah Kwan (28869).