There are many reasons why you might be curious about me.
It’s important to me that you feel comfortable seeking help and knowing I can help.
A little more about me
Though made in the Republic of Korea, Massachusetts is home away from home where my spouse and I raise our little children who can jump like little monkeys. I also nearly pursued a PhD in Sociology or Social Psychology after obtaining a couple of Masters degrees in Divinity and Counseling. When connecting, please feel free to ask me about food, a source of my happiness!
My background and training
Growing up in what can be commonly described as a "traditional" Korean culture as a cisgender male, I've been forced to strengthen my emotional muscles. Being in “need” of others was considered weakness. Let alone feeling “vulnerable.”
Because of my own journey, should you decide on my practice, you can be assured that I seek to meet you where you are in every session.
I’ve also had numerous life-experiences which - excuse my French - s*!t on my innocence. Family and racial trauma, spiritual abuse, displacement and identity issues are just a tip of an iceberg in my personal development. Nevertheless, I’ve personally experienced that healing takes place when you feel safe. My practice is born out of that experience.
I’ve worked in mainly hospital-settings in the past as a therapist (i.e. a psych hospital, ER, and Partial Hospitalization Program). I’ve had front-row seat experiences treating trauma that’s either 1) too complex, 2) or have treated folks whose mental energy tank ran out of its fuel, and 3) folks who, ironically and understandably, have found their identity development mirror their self-deteriorating trauma history. It’s in these settings, with these experiences, that I’ve learned my clinical competency can only go in so far as their level of feeling safe to explore and process, as well as their level of self-awareness into their issues.
For me, my clients are a profound source of inspiration. So I’ve made my life’s task to be committing to my clients’ health journey.
Specializations
I’d most likely not be an ideal therapist if you recently sought residential treatment for severe eating disorders-related issues or required a psychiatric residential care for suicidal ideation.
I also do not provide services for child/ren younger than 11 years of age. If you’re seeking therapy for your child 12 years of age or older, please feel free to reach out to me.
The following life experiences are best fit to process at my practice: Family Trauma, racial trauma, spiritual abuse, depression, anxiety, marital separation, leadership issues, Third Culture Kid experience, immigration or Minority experiences, racial identity issues, interracial couples, and sexual identity issues in a conservative church setting.
Philosophy and approach
I primarily use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Polyvagal Theory in my practice, depending on what the client most effectively responds to.
A full disclosure: I can’t fully help you heal from trauma. No one can. But I can help you adapt to a more beautiful life with it.