My name is Mia. I’m an individual and couples/relational therapist (LMFTA #MG61361423) in Seattle, WA. In hopes that you feel comfortable working with me before we work together, it’s essential for me that you know a little about me before we begin. Having been client of therapy myself, I realize how awkward and weird it can feel to open up to someone that you don’t know. Asking to share vulnerable parts of yourself and your life can be overwhelming. In an effort to eliminate some of the discomfort of the process, here’s a bit about me:

I was born and spent the first few years of my life in Hawaii, where my first experiences of being in community with others, neighbors, and extended family members were formed. I later moved to Seattle area and rooted myself here.

My parents immigrated to the United States from the Philippines so I am both part of the Filipino diaspora and American communities. I had the privilege to grow up in a multigenerational home, with much of my extended family surrounding me. It allowed me to grow in ways that I could not imagine.

They say that one who practices therapy can only bring others as deeply as they’ve gone themselves. I am committed to my own healing journey as well as yours as we partner in collective liberation.

I started my own therapy journey after I experienced a crisis in my life, and have since been with several different therapists over the years for different reasons. I learned that a good fit, and feeling comfrortable, with your therapist is important. I was taught how to be vulnerable with other people, and most of all, with myself.

I’m inspired by the experience of being human (with both its ups and downs, and nonlinear trajectory) and human connection. I deeply appreciate creativity and self expression. I love it most in the art forms music, theatre, paintings, and written word, like poetry.

While at UW, I majored in Communication with an emphasis in social interaction. I loved learning about nonverbal, intercultural, and interpersonal communication, which benefits me in the work that I do now in conjunction with my studies in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy at Seattle University.My love of connection, and being with people as they navigate life situations and blossom into themselves brought me to my life path as a therapist.

I love this work, and being in connection and relationship with people. The opportunity to be with you as part of your healing journey is sacred. I don’t take my clients opening up to me and trusting me with intimate details of their lives, and relationships, lightly. I am happy to be here with you for however long our paths intertwine.

Thanks for being here for a part of my story; I look forward to being there for yours.