Take a deep breath

…

and it let go

About me

Hello, I’m so glad you are here! I'm Kombai. I hold a master's degree in Marriage, Family, and Couples Counseling from Portland State University, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Human Development with a special focus on early childhood education from California State University, East Bay.

As a bi-cultural Lao-born woman with ties to Buddhism and Shamanism, my unique background has profoundly influenced my perspective on diversity and collective liberation. Growing up in Oakland, California, I was deeply rooted in my family's cultural heritage, which instilled in me a deep appreciation for communal systems, traditional cuisine, and reverence for the ecological systems of the natural world.

To further explore and expand my cultural horizons, I embarked on a journey abroad, living and working in different countries that challenged my own cultural norms. This cross-cultural experience significantly shapes my therapeutic approach today, as I actively celebrate diversity, honor individual differences, and embrace the beautiful nuances that make each person truly unique.

Upon my return to the United States, I resumed my mission by collaborating with community-based organizations. My focus remained on providing vital support and creating opportunities for BIPOC individuals, immigrants, and refugees. This endeavor involves offering employment, training, and career coaching services with the overarching goal of empowering and uplifting the targeted communities.

Outside of my counseling work, I find immense joy in various activities such as yoga, playing the guitar, delving into philosophy and science, sharing heartwarming meals with loved ones, and seeking solace in the embrace of nature. These personal experiences fuel my passion for assisting others on their healing journeys, as I believe in the transformative power of connection, understanding, and self-discovery.

My Philosophy

Homage: During my formative years, my understanding of the role of a counselor was shaped by my late father, a respected shaman and healer within the Lao community. At the core of his guidance, he offered unwavering support and wisdom, drawing upon his deep intuition. He engaged in philosophical discussions, weaving intricate insights through the tapestry of proverbs, and embraced mindfulness as a way of life. This ancient reservoir of wisdom passed down through generations in my family, continues to serve as my guiding compass in navigating life. To overlook or obscure this profound influence would be to deny a fundamental aspect of my wisdom and authenticity as a counselor.

I believe in a philosophy that's all about respecting your autonomy in how you navigate life. I hold no authority in prescribing how you should live, that is a personal journey only you can undertake. My role is more like a guiding light, illuminating the paths you wish to explore and offering assistance as you seek your own understanding.

Clinical Approach

As a therapist with a bi-cultural background, I bring together a rich blend of therapeutic approaches that draw inspiration from both Eastern and Western traditions. My therapeutic foundation is firmly rooted in Buddism and Existential Psychotherapy, two philosophies that dive deep into the profound questions about our existence.

I use internal family systems (IFS) to acknowledge parts of you that may carry burdens inherited from your family or absorbed from your culture and society. Every person has self-energy - the positive qualities and inherent wisdom that, when accessed, contain answers for healing these wounded parts.

Throughout our therapeutic journey, I may also incorporate a variety of other evidence-based techniques customized to your specific needs. These include mindfulness exercises, process work to delve into your inner world, a strength-based approach to build upon your inherent wisdom, exploration of your attachment styles, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and creative expressive arts. These invaluable tools are designed to help you navigate the depths of your psyche, open up new perspectives, and empower you to overcome the challenges you're facing.

Supervision and Training

Kombai receives supervision from Silvana Espinoza Lau, LMFT, who specializes in anti-racist and decolonized therapeutic approaches. Kombai is an active member of monthly consultation groups led by Kari Hays, LPC, focusing on professional development and continued education for neurodivergent clinicians.

Training and Certifications:

  • Level 1 Training Program: Internal Family Systems (IFS), Portland, OR

  • EMDR Basic Training 50-hour, Springfield, OR

  • Ongoing Contemporary Gestalt Training, Portland, OR

  • MIGDAS-2: Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Online training

  • DIVA-5: Diagnostic Interview for Adult ADHD, Lewis and Clark University, OR

  • Lion’s Roar, Buddhist Teachings: Death, Love, & Wisdom Summit, Online training