When Emotions Become Overwhelming

Your feelings are BIG, and managing these emotions can be exhausting. When you're feeling pretty good, you are motivated and can achieve what you want, but when you're feeling sad, anxious, angry, or ashamed - everything is much much much harder. 

You may also have the sense that your experience of emotions is different from others, which can leave you feeling confused, ashamed, lonely, or even helpless. It upsets you when someone tells you to “cheer up” or “stop being so sensitive.” You might feel like people have been making these kinds of comments around you for as long as you can remember. 

Your inner dialogue can be filled with so many mean comments, and sometimes you will do anything to just shut it off. You engage in behaviors or coping strategies that you know aren't great for you… isolating, eating too much or restricting, doom scrolling… you’ve been there. You have realized that these behaviors help you to not feel so much (at least temporarily!).

California Therapist who uses DBT, EMDR, ACT, & Drama Therapy in her private practice in Pasadena, California

I'm Dr. MK (she/her), a queer licensed clinical psychologist and registered drama therapist who can help you break out of a cycle where your mood is dictating your life. Rather than being controlled by a need to escape your emotional pain, you can enjoy the freedom of a life that is driven by YOU. Together, we learn tools and practice strategies that help you to create space for your emotions and thoughts. You get to hop into the driver’s seat and move toward a vital and purposeful life. 

Ready to change your relationship to your internal world so that you can live the life you WANT to live? If you’re looking for a therapist in California, I got chu.

My Story: From Emotion Mind To A Therapist

Moving through life as an “emotional person” was the first indicator that I would end up pursuing a career as a psychologist. Multiple cries a day were common in my daily life and seemed to result from nearly any emotion, whether it be joy, gratitude, surprise, fear, or sadness. I felt alone in my experience - a running internal monologue informed me that everyone around me had more self-control and that my inability to handle my emotions was a clear sign that something was seriously wrong with me. Riding a daily roller coaster of emotion was exhausting—exhilarating highs were quickly followed by stomach-dropping lows. In high school, I discovered that I could mediate these ups and downs through behaviors that worked in the short-term, but cost me in the long term.

When I had reached the maximum amount of suffering I could tolerate, I began seeing a school counselor and it CHANGED MY LIFE. My experience in the role of “client” is what ultimately led me to pursue a career in mental health. I learned how to live WITH big feelings, and I want to empower others to embrace their emotions and build the life they want to live. I love providing folks with the tools they need to build the life they want to live and witnessing them transform and live according to their values. The most rewarding thing about being a therapist is instilling hope when things feel hopeless and witnessing my clients using their skills and taking ACTION.

I am committed to empowering you to make the changes that will allow you to live a vital and purposeful life.

3 Reasons To Choose Therapy with Dr. MK

Reason No.1

I integrate humor into our work together. We gotta have a lil fun along the way, right?

Reason No.2

I teach you skills AND help you to actually integrate those skills. I can help you identify and access your feelings!

Reason No.3

I will incorporate many different types of therapy to inspire hope in you (it can get better!) and motivate you to TAKE ACTION.

Experience and Specializations

Credentials:

  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist (#34538)

  • Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (#002257)

  • Registered Drama Therapist (#706)

education:

  • B.A. in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame

  • M.A. in Drama Therapy from New York University

  • PsyD in Applied Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Experience:

  • Outpatient mental health

  • Inpatient and residential care

  • Community mental health

Ready to be heard and understood?

  • In Person Therapy

    Living in Los Angeles and interested in in-person therapy with me? Sign up for a 15 minute consult and we can determine if we are the right fit for each other.

  • Virtual Therapy

    Living in California and interested in virtual therapy with me? Sign up here to schedule a phone call to determine how I can support you in your healing journey.

  • Free Resources

    Living outside California? Join my email list for a FREE copy of "5 Ways To Be the Boss of Your Feelings." Be the first to know when I have launched my course.