Samuel Ko, LSW

Samuel Ko, LSW

U.S. Licensed Social Worker

This therapist has over 6 years of experience. 

Adolescents, Adults
English, Korean, Bilingual

Biography

Samuel Ko is a clinical social worker who is licensed in the United States and South Korea. He(They) was born in Chicago and has lived throughout the US (Illinois, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Massachusetts), Bolivia, and most recently South Korea. He received his counseling degree from Columbia University in New York and has had clinical experience in school and hospital settings.
Sam speaks at various mental health forums and events at schools and universities in the greater Boston area. He also has previous professional experience as an academic director of a prep school in Boston and works in education consulting.

Therapy Approach

My goal as a therapist is to offer empathic, non-judgmental, and active listening. I work from an understanding that the therapeutic relationship heals, and commit to doing my part in bringing my best, professional self (along with genuine compassion and unconditional positive regard) to each session. While my therapeutic orientation can largely be called humanistic, person/client-centered, and/or culturally sensitive/multicultural psychotherapy, I use an integrative and eclectic approach to meet the unique needs of each client. I borrow techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), and psychodynamic therapy.
Other areas that I specialize in include:
    • Acculturation Stress
    • Racial/Ethnic Identity
    • LGBT Issues
    • Asian/Asian-American Mental Health Issues
    • Intergenerational/Intercultural Conflicts
    • Solution Focused Brief Therapy
    • Diversity and Identity Issues
It is an act of courage to seek help, and my hope is that you experience the many benefits of therapy throughout our sessions. I feel honored to be a part of your journey and exploration into your relationships, thoughts, feelings, underlying issues, and meaning in life.

Availability

Seoul
Pyeongtaek
Online

Speciality

  • Anxiety / Panic Attacks
  • Depression
  • Gender Identity / LGBTQ+

Location

  • Seoul (Sinsa)
  • Pyeongtaek
  • Online

Fun Facts

I enjoy spinning and working out in groups. I also spend time reading, brewing tea, hydrating, and watching TV. I speak Korean, English, and Spanish, and am currently learning French.

BOOK APPOINTMENT

Education

  • MS: Columbia University (Advanced Clinical Social Work, focus: Health, Mental Health, and Disabilities)
  • MA: Harvard University (Religion, Literature, and Culture)
  • BA: Boston College (Applied Psychology and Human Development; English)

Certifications

  • Licensed Certified Social Worker (MA, USA; 227075)

Publications

Woo, B., Maglalang, D. D., Ko, S., Park, M., Choi, Y., & Takeuchi, D. T. (2020). Racial discrimination, ethnic-racial socialization, and cultural identities among Asian American youths. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology.
Ko, S. (2019). The Effect of Media Usage, Religious Affiliation, and Cultural Hybridity on Korean International College Students’ Sense of Belonging (Manuscript under review), Department of Applied, Developmental, and Educational Psychology, Boston College.
Ko. S (2019, Feb 5). Multiculturalism: The Model Minority Myth; Building positive multicultural environments and increasing cultural sensitivity. Staff Professional Development Seminar. Presentation given at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Natick, MA.
Ko. S (2019, Nov. 5). Culturally informed and culturally sensitive: Using knowledge and reflection to to empower and to live with intentionality. Boston College First Year Experience, Reflection and Action. Invited Lecture given at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA.
Ko. S., Owen. L. (2019, April 26).  Understanding the Third Culture Kid Experience: Who they are and how to support them. Cross Cultural Counseling Course. Guest Lectured for a counseling course at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA.
Ko. S (2018, April 17). Multiculturalism: The Model Minority Myth; Building positive multicultural environments and increasing cultural sensitivity. Boston College First Year Experience, Reflection and Action. Invited Lecture given at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA.
Ko. S.H., Ko. S.Y (2017 March). Making Sense of the Third Culture Experience. Let’s Talk. Break Out Session conducted for the Let’s Talk conference at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA.
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Chad

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