Sandra Kim, M.A.

Sandra Kim, M.A.

Certified Counselor

This therapist has over 3 years of experience. 

Children, Adolescents, Adults
English, Korean, Bilingual

Sandra (Ha Young) Kim, M.A., is a Certified Counselor in South Korea. She was born in Seoul and raised in Vancouver, Canada. She received clinical training at Torch Trinity Graduate University.

Biography

During her Master’s Degree program in Counseling at Torch Trinity Graduate University which is an English program, locally-based in Korea, she received specialized clinical training in mental health with over 100 hours of practicum and supervision. Since then, she has worked with various clients with anxiety, trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, delusional disorder, ADHD, OCD, narcissism, family troubles, career troubles, and adjustment stress among others. Through her program and experience, she has come to develop an integrative approach from various treatment techniques and theories such as client-centered CBT, ACT, DBT, Family Systems Theory, Object Relations Theory, and Attachment Theory.

Therapy Approach

I believe foremost that at our core, all human beings are flawed in need of grace, and are relational beings; our primary source of pain comes from unmet needs to be loved, cared for, accepted, and to be at peace with who we are, with our lives, and with others. Therefore, the basis of my approach comes from Object Relations Theory, Attachment Theory, and Family Systems Theory; the unconscious patterns that we have from childhood with our caregivers and peers, the role we played in our families, and the strength of attachment we had with others as children must be assessed. In order to overcome the wounds of the past and present, I believe in the philosophy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: we must accept with serenity and know what we can and cannot change, and muster the courage to move forward, relying on personal values as our guiding light.

In order to help you with affecting this change, on top of helping you become aware of your relational patterns and family role, I apply various treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, assertiveness and social skills training, mindfulness and trauma-informed meditations among others, and teach you self-compassion and self-worth. I am also able to employ Sandbox Play Therapy to help you express yourself when words are limiting, and may suggest other methods such as bibliotherapy, music therapy, exercise, and writing or journaling. I promise to be your number one cheerleader throughout your healing journey and to help you non-judgmentally, with unconditional positive regard. Finally, this last quote sums up the hope and philosophy with which I have in helping clients achieve their goals: “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis

Availability

Seoul
Pyeongtaek
Online

Speciality

  • Adjustment Stress
  • Alcohol / Substance Abuse
  • Anxiety / Panic Attacks
  • Career Counseling
  • Depression
  • Family Conflict
  • Self Esteem
  • Social Skills & Peer Relationships
  • Trauma / PTSD

Location

  • Seoul (Sinsa)
  • Online

Fun Facts

I enjoy dancing, and swimming, and like to sing and play guitar occasionally. I also love the outdoors on a crisp Autumn day.

BOOK APPOINTMENT

Education

  • M.A.: Torch Trinity Graduate University (2023, Christian Counseling)
  • B.A.: Yonsei University (2017, International Studies)

Certifications

  • Korea Association of Vocational Education: Psychological Counselor – Level 1 (한국직업능력교육협회: 심리상담사 – 1급)
  • Korea Association of Vocational Education: Psychological Evaluator – Level 1 (한국직업능력교육협회: 심리분석사 – 1급)
  • Korea Association of Vocational Education: Emotional Coaching Expert – Level 1 (한국직업능력교육협회: 감정코치전문가 – 1급)

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Jack

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