What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized form of psychotherapy. Through structured sessions with a trained therapist, individuals increase self awareness, in order to be able to see how various situations trigger certain emotions, physiological sensations, thoughts, and behaviors. This will allow us to explore the patterns of thinking and doings which are no longer serving us in order to change them so we can become the best version of ourselves.

CBT is reflective and extremely action oriented. Individuals are active participants in establishing session agendas, session goals, and held accountable for implementing cognitive and behavioral changes throughout treatment. CBT has been found to be highly effective in managing stress, burn out, anxiety, depression which lead to improved life satisfaction, improved relationships, and higher overall achievement.

Why psychotherapy specialized for first-generation individuals?

Being a first-generation child often presents itself with various stressors and we are more likely to experience stress, burn out, anxiety, and depression no matter how “successful” we have become. We often feel like we do not belong to any of the 2 or more cultures “ni de aqui ni de alla”, we mange high expectations often placed by our immigrant parents to “work hard” and “succeed” because they gave up everything they knew to come give us a better life, we find ourselves code-switching constantly, we are more likely to experience impostor syndrome, and we encounter micro and macro aggressions, discrimination, and racism throughout our society (including workplaces). These are just to name a few…

Continuing to live through these experiences myself and supporting various first-generation clients, I see the need for a specialized therapy space where we can feel understood on a deeper level while being encouraged to grow. Every culture and every family is different, however, all first-generation children have some borderlands that allow for connection and empathy on a deeper level.

I hope that working together with someone who has some similar lived experiences, you are able to feel seen and heard while being held accountable to implement the change you want in order to be your best version of yourself while still holding on to your culture, where you come from, and what is important to you.

Hi! I’m the founder and main psychotherapist of LEMONADE Wellness.

My passion predominantly lies in working with first-generation individuals whom are exploring who they are, where they come from, what they are passionate about, and where they want to go. We live in an era where most of us grew up being told we could have everything we wanted and as children of immigrants, feeling the pressure to fulfill our parents expectations, however, we are quickly realizing that having everything does not bring us lasting joy and instead burns us out.

I come from a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) theoretical orientation due to my extensive training in CBT from Stanford University and Felton Institute, however, I also tend to utilize MI, ACT, and DBT. I’ve had the privilege to train and work at UCSF Medical Center, Kaiser, and El Camino Hospital. Furthermore, I have utilized my clinical and CBT expertise to provide clinical product feedback and consultation to various mental health technology companies in silicon valley.

When working with me, you’ll find that my style is exploratory and extremely action-oriented while being genuine, honest, and humorous.

I am here to help individuals minimize their life to invest their time and energy into what truly matters so that they can one day look back on their life knowing that they fully lived. Hope to start this journey with you soon!

-Cindy H