A place to start healing your old wounds for a new life

Asian American Trauma Therapy for AAPI humans who have experienced emotional, relational, physical, and identity trauma while growing up Asian American

San Francisco | Los Angeles | San Jose | Seattle | California | Washington | Florida | Connecticut

Hi, I’m Dr. Wonbin.

I help Asian American men, women, and nonbinary human beings heal from their emotional, physical, relational, and identity traumas, stemming from growing up Asian American in the United States.

You may be experiencing:

  • Many Asian Americans struggle with the pervasive feeling of not being enough, often fueled by cultural and familial expectations to excel in every aspect of life. The pressure to constantly meet high standards, whether academically, professionally, or personally, can lead to deep self-criticism and feelings of inadequacy. This is compounded by the tendency to compare yourself to others, a lack of validation, and the challenge of assimilating while staying true to your identity. These emotional burdens create a cycle of guilt and low self-worth, leaving individuals feeling like you are never doing enough, no matter how hard you try.

  • Experiencing the loss of cultural identity, whether from assimilation, migration, or societal pressures, can cause a profound sense of disconnection. This isolation from one’s heritage often leads to identity trauma, as you struggle to reconcile your personal values with cultural expectations.

  • Asian Americans may often feel objectified or reduced to stereotypes, stripping away their personhood. This dehumanizing experience can deeply affect self-worth and mental health, leaving us feeling invisible and powerless.

  • The trauma of losing a career or experiencing professional setbacks can trigger deep feelings of failure, inadequacy, and loss of self-worth. The pressure to constantly prove one’s value in the workplace, combined with societal expectations, can exacerbate these emotional wounds.

  • Many Asian Americans have adverse childhood experiences, compounded by cultural shame and silence. These experiences can lead to deep emotional scars that we carry throughout our lives. Together, we can work towards more clarity and healing in your familial relationships.

Welcome, I’m Dr. Wonbin, a San Francisco-based Asian American trauma therapist for AAPI people who have experienced physical, emotional, relational and identity traumas.

Welcome to Center for Asian American Trauma

Hi, I’m Dr. Wonbin, a San Francisco-based therapist specializing in trauma healing for Asian Americans who have experienced physical, emotional, relational, and identity-related traumas. At the Center for Asian American Trauma, we provide a safe and supportive space to help you navigate the unique challenges of healing from the impact of trauma and reclaiming your sense of self.

If you’ve experienced isolation, identity trauma, or loss of cultural and community connection, or if you’ve faced the pressures of feeling like you’re not enough, you don’t have to go through it alone. Together, we can work to heal these wounds and rebuild a sense of belonging, empowerment, and self-worth.

Therapy for Asian American Trauma

As Asian Americans, many of us carry the weight of cultural expectations, generational trauma, and the deep scars left by societal pressures. These experiences can often lead to feelings of being isolated, voiceless, or objectified. At the Center for Asian American Trauma, we understand how these experiences impact your emotional and mental health, and we are here to support you in your healing journey.

In therapy, we will explore the ways trauma has manifested in your life and work together to heal. Some of the key issues we address include:

  • The Impact of Alcoholism on Family Relationships: Growing up in a household where alcoholism is present can create deep emotional wounds, affecting how you connect with others and how you see yourself. We’ll work to untangle these complex family dynamics and help you heal from the emotional scars left by addiction.

  • Domestic Violence: If you’ve experienced domestic violence, the trauma can be complex and long-lasting. Therapy provides a safe space to process these experiences, rebuild your trust in yourself and others, and move toward a place of safety and empowerment.

  • Not Having a Voice: Many Asian Americans grow up feeling silenced—whether it’s in the family, workplace, or society at large. Therapy is a space where you can reclaim your voice, express your truth, and regain your sense of agency.

  • Isolation and Identity Trauma: Feeling disconnected from your community or struggling with your cultural identity can lead to profound loneliness. This isolation often causes trauma that affects your mental health and your sense of belonging. We’ll work together to help you reconnect with your roots and restore a sense of cultural and personal identity.

  • Loss of Cultural Identity and Meaning: As an Asian American, you may have experienced the painful process of losing touch with your cultural heritage, leading to confusion and a lack of meaning. In therapy, we will explore how to restore a sense of cultural pride and find purpose in your identity.

  • Loss of Community Identity: The disconnection from your community, whether due to migration, cultural assimilation, or discrimination, can lead to feelings of rootlessness. We will work to help you rediscover your place in the world and rebuild your sense of community.

  • Emasculation of Asian Men: The societal emasculation of Asian men can deeply affect self-esteem and sense of worth. Therapy can provide a space to confront and heal from these negative stereotypes and reframe how you see yourself in relation to societal expectations.

  • Being Objectified and Stripped of Personhood: Experiencing objectification or being reduced to stereotypes can strip you of your humanity and cause lasting trauma. In therapy, we’ll work to reclaim your full personhood, empower you to challenge these experiences, and restore a healthy sense of self-worth.

  • Trauma Triggered Actions from Having Very Little to Having a Lot: For some, trauma is triggered by the instability of going from having very little to having a lot—leading to feelings of scarcity or inadequacy. This may result in unhealthy behaviors or a fear of losing everything. We will work through these trauma-driven responses and help you find balance and peace in your life.

  • Feeling Like You Don't Have Enough or Aren't Enough: Many Asian Americans feel the pressure to constantly achieve or prove themselves, leading to feelings of never being enough. Therapy can help you address these feelings of inadequacy, shift from self-criticism to self-compassion, and embrace your worth as you are.

  • Career Loss and Loss of Self-Worth: Losing your career or a sense of professional success can deeply impact your sense of identity and self-worth. Together, we’ll work through the emotional trauma of career setbacks, helping you rebuild your confidence and find meaning in your personal and professional life.

You Deserve to Be Seen and Heard

As an Asian American, you may have spent much of your life feeling invisible, voiceless, or misunderstood. The trauma caused by societal expectations, family dynamics, and cultural pressures can leave you feeling isolated and disconnected from yourself. Therapy is a space where your experiences and emotions are validated, and where you can explore your identity, heal your wounds, and find your way back to wholeness.

A Safe Space to Heal and Thrive

At the Center for Asian American Trauma, our approach is tailored to meet your individual needs. Healing from trauma is not a one-size-fits-all journey, and we are here to walk alongside you as you navigate the path to recovery. Together, we’ll work on:

  • Setting Healthy Boundaries: Learn how to establish boundaries with family, work, and others, so that you can prioritize your well-being without feeling guilty or selfish.

  • Building Self-Compassion: Shift from self-criticism to self-compassion, recognizing that you are worthy of care and love, just as much as anyone else.

  • Managing Stress and Burnout: Develop tools to reduce stress, avoid burnout, and create a more balanced, fulfilling life.

  • Reclaiming Your Voice and Identity: Explore your personal and cultural identity, reconnect with your roots, and embrace who you truly are, without the weight of societal expectations.

You Don’t Have to Carry the Weight Alone

It’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to face these struggles alone. Therapy is a safe, supportive space where you can process your trauma, explore your emotions, and begin the journey of reclaiming your identity, your voice, and your sense of worth.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you're ready to begin your healing journey, we’re here to support you. Reach out today to schedule a consultation, and let’s work together to create a path toward a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Asian American Trauma Therapist in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and throughout California and Washington.

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