Ga Ye Kim

I am a Korean American with first-generation immigrant parents. I speak fluent Korean and English, and moved to the United States when I was 8 years old. Growing up in an asian household, mental health was something that was never mentioned or even acknowledged. The lack of knowledge surely did not help either. However, becoming more familiar with understanding my emotions helped me communicate them more effectively to my family and friends. Although still not easy, nor accepted, boundaries have been an ongoing work in my personal and professional life. I want to help people become more aware of their own mental health and guide them in improving their mental well-being.

My approach in therapy is to establish as much rapport as possible initially. I like to create a safe space where you can feel comfortable being exactly who you are. With that, I like to utilize self-compassion and mindfulness to help my clients manage their own negative emotions and their inner critical thoughts. Vulnerability is surely not easy, and there is no right or wrong. However, vulnerability is a valiant effort in improving one's interpersonal relationships, resolving interpersonal conflict, and increasing self-awareness. I hope to create a space where vulnerability doesn't feel scary and where it is met with self-kindness and compassion, rather than criticism.

I hope that people can become more aware of themselves, not just superficially but on a deep level. I hope that with their increased knowledge and awareness, they can leave with a deeper understanding of themselves and with acceptance of who they are as imperfect human beings.