Your Story Matters
A therapy practice dedicated to serving, empowering, and uplifting the Asian community.
Welcome, I’m glad you’re here! I’m Randy Mekdara
About Me:
I am a second-generation Lao and Thai American dedicated to fostering inclusivity and providing a safe, affirming space for the AAPI community. Growing up, navigating mental health was difficult. I often had trouble communicating, labeling, or even believing in what I was feeling, which led to anxiety, depression, and a sense of not being good enough. Through my own therapy and personal work, I was able to overcome those hurdles. Knowing how stigmatized mental health is in the AAPI community, my mission is to support those who may be in a similar position to where I was growing up. You aren’t broken. You aren’t weak. You are strong and valued for feeling what you are feeling. Cultural factors have made it difficult for the AAPI community to seek support, and I’m here to help change that. It’s hard sometimes, but I understand you.
Who I See:
I work with members of the AAPI community who are exploring their identity, navigating trauma, and working through anxiety, depression, and burnout. I support individuals seeking to understand how their Asian American upbringing has shaped their mental health and lived experiences. I provide a safe, affirming, and supportive space where we can explore, learn, and work through life’s challenges together
How I operate:
I work under the simple premise: “Your story matters.” You are the expert of your life, and I deeply value your thoughts and feelings. I view therapy as an equal partnership in which we collaborate to uncover and resolve what’s been troubling you. My approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-focused, but I pull from various approaches to provide you with the best care possible. Think of therapy as us going on a road trip, where you’re the driver and I’m in the passenger seat. What I say is valued, but ultimately, it’s you who gets to decide where we go.
We’ll work well together if:
You’re looking for a culturally sensitive, nonjudgmental, and chill therapist who cracks the occasional joke during sessions. I help clients build insight, build skills, and foster a belief in their abilities. Though I am the professional, there are no power dynamics here, we are equal and in this together. I've been told my sessions feel warm, inviting, safe, and empowering. We’ll laugh, process emotions, and maybe even cry. Whatever comes our way, though, I’ve got you.
Do you find it difficult to express yourself, feel unheard in family discussions, at work, or even in everyday situations like ordering a lactose-free milk alternative at your local boba shop? Many Asian households have hierarchies where elders hold the final say, creating a challenge for individuals to voice their thoughts.
It's time to break free from these constraints and confidently speak up for yourself. We believe that everyone deserves to be heard and celebrated. Your voice is unique, and we are honored to support you in telling your own story. Our goal is not to direct or dictate your path but to guide you in discovering the confidence to take up space, express your needs, and lead your journey of personal growth and healing.
Our Approach
Collaborative
Inspire Insight
How does your inner dialogue sound? Is it filled with kind and empathetic thoughts, or does it lean more toward negative self-talk with phrases like “I’m not good enough,” “I’ll never make it,” or “I’m not worth it?” If it's the latter, have you ever wondered why? Common cultural patterns, particularly in Asian households, often focus more on faults than accomplishments, which can distort your inner dialogue and impact your self-worth.
However, you are worthy. Let's gently explore why these patterns form and how they affect your thoughts, feelings, and actions. By reshaping your inner dialogue, you can begin to embrace the truth: you are good enough. Join us in discovering practical steps to overcome negative thoughts and foster self-compassion, so you can reclaim your confidence and self-esteem.
Emotion Focused
Is it hard for you to label what you’re feeling? The "conceal, don’t feel" mentality is a common issue in many Asian American communities. From a young age, we are often taught to prioritize the well-being of the group over our own emotions. As a result, many of us struggle to express or even identify our feelings, and as adults, we may feel “wrong” for experiencing certain emotions.
Your emotions are valid. It’s important to understand that you are not wrong for feeling them. While respecting your cultural upbringing, we will help you identify and better understand your emotions. Doing so will foster emotional awareness, improve your relationships, enhance emotional regulation, and reduce stress and anxiety and ultimately aid you in living more fulfilling lives.
Services
Individual Therapy
Therapy might be right for you if you’re feeling:
Lonely
Sad
Unimportant
Not good enough
Hopeless
Afraid
Confused
Lost
Anxious
One on one virtual sessions that provide a safe affirming space for you to explore your challenges, thoughts, and feelings and develop skills to achieve what you set out to achieve.
Workshops will benefit those looking for:
Outreach
Information on broader topics
Community togetherness
Resources
Healthy work/life environments
Professional/Community Workshops
We would love more than to provide support and give back to our communities. If you are looking to collaborate or have us host a workshop within Southern California please inquire!