"Turn your wounds into wisdom"
- Oprah Winfrey
Hello, I'm Cindy Way (she/her) and I'm an Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I'm a differently-ABLED multicultural therapist, advocate, educator, and speaker for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and Disability communities. As a first-generation Asian American (Filipino, Japanese, Malaysian) growing up with adverse childhood experiences and physical differences, I became familiar with the silent uphill battles, survivor's guilt, self-doubt, and heaviness of generational trauma. Through these experiences, I became curious and determined to live life DIFFERENTLY- cultivating healing, growth, and empowerment.
I love working with...
My specialty is working with individuals, couples, and families that are impacted by their relationship/marital issues, divorce, blended families, parenting/co-parenting, different- abilities (disability), and chronic pain/illness. Additionally, I apply a trauma-informed lens toward life experiences supporting PTSD/C-PTSD, Generational/Intergenerational Trauma, Cultural/Racial Trauma, and Military-related trauma. I work through a Family systems lens that integrates trauma-informed care and evidence-based treatment such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Medical-Family Therapy, and EMDR. I also have training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Gottman Method to help partners and families enhance their relationships.
Some of my favorite approaches include...
I work through a Family systems lens that integrates trauma-informed care and evidence-based treatment such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Medical-Family Therapy, and EMDR. I also have training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Gottman Method to help partners and families enhance their relationships.
How I help...
I like to meet you where you're at while we establish a safe and trusted connection. I enjoy a more conversational style that integrates authenticity, humor, and compassion. As we progress, I'll join you in challenging different parts of yourself that we can use as a catalyst for growth and change.
I believe...
My philosophy begins with walking alongside you to learn about your past, present, and future. The most challenging parts of life start with looking at 'self ' and I admire your courage and vulnerability!
What it's like in session with me...
Starting therapy can be intimidating and even culturally taboo! I get it! I'll let you know that I've sat in your seat and experienced all the emotions in therapy; not always fun but definitely worth it! I consider myself down-to-earth and an enthusiast for meaningful connections.My hope is that you gift yourself the experience to try something different, something vulnerable, and sometimes uncomfortable!