About Marcus

Whether this is your first therapy visit or you are already well acquainted with therapy, beginning a new therapeutic relationship is a new step forward in life. My name is Marcus (he/him) and I am happy to support you on your journey of growth, healing, and resilience. 

I work with a diverse group of people with varying lived experiences and knowledge. I am passionate about creating a safe-space rid of judgment where people can be their true selves. I have experience working with people living with depression, uncertainty with change, anxiety, PTSD, and a new medical diagnosis. 

In practice, I center a strength based approach with mindfulness and utilize techniques such as motivational interviewing to reaffirm that you are the expert on your own life and experiences. 

Growing up in a multicultural home, with a mom who is a Korean immigrant and a father who is Native American and Hispanic, I have first hand experience in navigating various cultural differences. As some of my family members served in the U.S. military, I grew up moving around and between many different states and countries which has helped me understand the relationship between our physical and social environments.

While my dad was deployed, I was raised with my Korean mom and Native American Grandmother. I was exposed to clashes on how to run the house based on their cultural beliefs, so at a young age, I was thinking about how to navigate life following my own values, which pulls from both cultures. I understand the struggle with mixed identities, where I don’t quite look Korean, and I don’t quite look Native American, so my culture was not assumed, but it also made me feel like I would face judgment from folks that share my culture.

As a gay man, I understand the journey of living in this world. There is a lot of distress with the changing political landscape. What’s going to happen in the future? Will it be a safe place? If I try to move to somewhere safer, will it be safe? If you are struggling with the same thoughts, I can create a safe space for us to process and hold your feelings.

My personal belief is that every person deserves to feel whole in a manner that stays true to themselves and their values. I am currently training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as trauma treatment to be a certified Clinical Trauma Specialist. I am a Master of Social Work candidate studying at the University of Washington Seattle campus, and outside of school I work in a tribal education equity program. Together with our shared knowledge, I am excited to meet you and see how we can work together throughout this journey!