As a therapist with a foundation in the relational forms of psychodynamic and humanistic therapy, I firmly believe in the centrality of the therapeutic relationship. This bond is vital to enabling healing and growth within my clients. My approach to therapy is flexible and dynamic, with a harmonious integration of tools from diverse psychotherapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Psychoanalysis. This eclectic mix allows me to customize therapy to the unique needs and circumstances of each individual or couple.
I have a particular strength in connecting with clients who have not felt understood or who haven’t been able to establish a therapeutic connection in previous attempts. My expertise in navigating the tough terrain of high-conflict couples therapy stands out as one of my practice’s unique features. I am skilled at discerning the layered complexities that each couple brings and at guiding them through to a place of greater understanding and resolution.
My practice is devoted to working with adults and couples exclusively. We begin with an exploration to identify behavior, thought, and emotion patterns that may no longer be beneficial, or may never have been beneficial. This process is crucial whether the issue at hand is deeply entrenched, a response to a current life challenge, a crisis, or a wish to deepen self-awareness. Therapy serves as a healing journey, as well as a path to illuminate those parts of the self that remain hidden or underdeveloped.
I specialize in a variety of clinical interests including couples and marriage counseling, relationship and intimacy issues, personality disorders, depression and mood disorders, anxiety, the experience of loneliness and alienation, grief, trauma and PTSD, navigating through life transitions, overcoming creative blocks, and aiding clients in their pursuit of identity and self-knowledge. It is my personal dedication to foster a therapeutic space that not only provides relief from distress but also champions the pursuit of self-discovery and personal evolution.
I support clients’ healing goals through self-compassion and mindfulness skills. Through compassionate reflection on relationships with self, family, friends, and society, I work with clients to identify and heal patterns of painful self-talk; patterns that can make us feel stuck and overwhelmed. I specialize in anxiety, depression, and trauma and have served diverse clients of all races, genders, and sexual orientations. As a mixed race Korean-American who has worked domestically and abroad, I also welcome the opportunity to work with clients facing challenges related to culture, identity, and intergenerational issues.
My work is Internal Family Systems (IFS) informed and if you’ve ever felt like you can’t think our way out of something, I have experience incorporating body-based and nervous system approaches to address the effects of trauma and other formative experiences in our bodies. I believe in co-creating a conversational therapy space to support your needs, goals, and authenticity. If you think self-compassion or mindfulness could support your healing goals, please reach out! I’d love to chat with you about your goals and answer any questions.
I received a Master’s in Education from George Mason University in Counseling and Human Development, with a concentration in Community Agency. My clinical experience includes supporting clients through a wide variety of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, career development, academic stressors, negative self-esteem, grief, developmental trauma, boundaries, identity, and motivation. In October 2023, I completed a 6 month certificate course on Felt Sense to further my knowledge of incorporating non-pathologizing, trauma-informed body-based approaches.
Additionally, I have experience supporting clients with international backgrounds and heritage, having worked abroad with youth and adults learning English as a foreign language. As an educator, I facilitated increased learning outcomes and reduced behavioral issues by focusing on the development of community building classroom practices to move students out of survival flight-fight-freeze responses into a state of empowerment.
I am a compassionate therapist with a heartfelt interest in guiding clients through the complexities of relationship and communication challenges, anxiety, self-esteem issues, severe mental illness, and life transitions. I hold a master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from James Madison University. My professional path has been enriched by the privilege of working with clients from diverse backgrounds in various therapeutic settings, including inpatient and community-based mental health environments.
My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, unconditional acceptance, and authenticity. Believing that therapy should be tailored to each person’s unique situation, I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques. I place a high value on understanding and honoring the cultural context of each individual’s experiences, as this is key to effective and personalized treatment.
I hold a deep conviction that all clients possess the ability to grow and evolve beyond their current circumstances. My goal is to partner with my clients in a collaborative process that not only aims to meet their immediate goals but also creates a safe and supportive environment to foster long-term personal development. With a commitment to professional excellence and human understanding, I am dedicated to walking alongside my clients on their journey to self-discovery and improved well-being.