Counseling Services

We Feel Anxious at Times.

Many of us spend a great deal of effort looking for the answers to WHY we have anxiety and try to get rid of anxiety and/or avoid some situations which trigger anxiety. But helpful and productive solutions can start from asking HOW: “How do I get myself to do things that make me anxious?”, “How do I get my child to school?”, “How do I handle the way anxiety makes my body feel?” When you figure out how anxiety works in your emotional expression, thought process, decision making and family dynamics, you can manage anxiety with confidence.

우리가 날마다 경험하는 불확실성과 불안, 감정노출은 우리의 선택의지와는 상관없이 일어납니다. 다만, 불안과 두려움에 대해 반사적이 아니라, 자신의 의지와 삶의 가치관, 건강한 표현방법을 통한 반응으로 감정, 생각, 행동을 결정하는 법을 배우고, 연습하는 과정에서, 우리는 건강한 자아정체감과 관계 안에서 회복, 변화, 성장을 경험할 수 있습니다.

Child (age 5-12) & Parents

My warm and fun attitude helps easy connection with children. I use play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness. I use games, art, toys, sand tray thus children can choose their favorite tools to express and process their feelings, thoughts and actions. I focus on children’s strength as a resource while they are working on emotional or/and behavioral issues. I am empathic and supportive but firm with safe limits. I believe that parents are main supports when children are changing and understanding through counseling. I encourage parents to provide supportive environment for children, thus I will communicate with parents. I work with children who are struggling with anxiety (e.g.; school refusal, separation anxiety), anger, depression, self-esteem, adjustment with transitions (e.g.; moving, divorce, immigrant, and adoption), grief and loss.

Teens (age13-23) & Parents

Most teens are entering into a physical/intellectual/emotional and spiritual “growth spurt” and change. They try to fit into a peer group, develop a new way of thinking, explore emotions and identity in a rapidly changing world. With these big changes and challenges, they look for the place to be accepted and respected besides parents and family. I can provide a secure space for their growth and process their struggles. I am here to listen and encourage teens to explore and express their struggles. I work with teens who are struggling with anxiety (e.g.: social anxiety, school refusal), depression, self-esteem, adjustment with transitions (e.g. moving, divorce, immigrant, and adoption), grief and loss.

*In Washington State, teens over the age of13 are treated as adults in terms of confidentiality. It is up to the teen to determine what information (if any) will be shared with parents. I always cover this in the first session, however, if you have any questions or concerns then please let me know.

Couples & Premarital Counseling

Challenges are inherent in every committed relationship. Whether you are dating, engaged, or married, you are joining your unique personality, communication style, life experience, hopes and dreams with one another. Merging these differences into a cohesive relationship that is healthy and growing is something that any couple finds challenging. I will help you move toward a new, restored and satisfying relationship. My work with couples looks closely at the following areas: 

• Individual's experiences in one’s family upbringing and how these experiences influence day-to-day life between you and your partner;

• Teaching couples how to communicate in such a way that their deepest emotional pain and needs are understood and shared;

• Working to heal relationships strained by raising children, a loss of intimacy, and a loss of trust,

• Helping you and your partner establish a healthy work-family balance;

• Using belief as the basis for growing a healthy relationship

한국어 상담

• 아동 상담: 불안, 우울, 자존감, 정체성, 적응과정

• 청소년 상담: 불안, 우울, 자존감, 정체성, 적응과정

• 부부 상담

• 개인 상담

• 부모 코칭