Su Fern Khoo, M.S, LMFT

There can be moments in life when things seem “just not quite right.” These are the moments we seek clarity, meaning, new direction, or just a grounded way to manage our emotions and behaviors that have significantly spilled over and impacted our lives. Since 2001, I have been exploring and engaged in the work of inner healing. I hold a Master degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Master of Divinity. I integrate my spiritual-contemplative foundation and psychotherapeutic knowledge to support others in their journey. My focus is on accompanying individuals (18 years+) and couples through the struggles they face. These challenges may present themselves as life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, unprocessed trauma, difficult childhood experiences, and/or existential crises. INDIVIDUAL THERAPY: I believe that by deepening self-knowledge and mindful living, we are more able to choose how to respond instead of just react to the circumstances that life delivers to each of us. My goal is to help individuals uncover the roots of emotional and psychological distress in order for healing to begin. I know that feeling heard, seen, and connected to someone you trust in a safe and protected space is essential for a person's process, so I meet you where you are. Together we will work towards finding new direction and healthy long-lasting change that benefits you and those around you. COUPLES THERAPY: When working with couples, I hope to foster a stronger connection between partners. I help couples deepen their understanding of themselves within the relationship, as well as their partner's perspective. We may address various issues such as relationship imbalances, emotional and physical intimacy, parenting and co-parenting challenges, trust, finances, navigating differences in spirituality or religion, and managing extended family dynamics. By teaching key communication skills and bringing awareness to unhelpful repeated patterns or dynamics, I can enable couples to transform painful conflicts into productive interactions that lead to mutual understanding. Ultimately, the goal is to help couples make the healthiest and most beneficial choices for both themselves and their partner. MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACH: With a warm, person-centered and eclectic approach, I integrate psychodynamic, humanistic, existential, mindfulness-based, attachment-oriented and depth psychology perspectives. I collaboratively explore the origins of difficult issues while offering coping strategies toward the healthy management of emotions and life’s stressors. Additionally, I offer Jungian-informed analysis of symbols and archetypes through sandplay, dreams, and active imagination. These tools cultivate a deeper understanding of the self and nurture its emergence through profound personal growth and transformation. “Often the hands will solve a mystery the intellect has struggled with in vain.” Carl Jung *Services provided in English or Spanish Past publications: "A Pilot Study of Racial and Ethnic Differences in Mental Health Outcomes During the First 6 Weeks of Trauma-Focused Treatment" https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10597-020-00620-9 "Predictors of Treatment Initiation, Completion, and Selection Among Youth Offered Trauma-Informed Care" https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037/tra0000460 https://medium.com/@skhoo