Sandra Kim, M.A.

Sandra Kim, M.A.

Certified Counselor

This therapist has over 2 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. She has worked with various clients with anxiety, trauma, depression, schizophrenia, narcissism, career troubles, and adjustment stress among others. Through her program and experience, she has come to develop an integrative approach from various treatment techniques such as client-centered CBT, ACT, DBT, Object Relations Theory, and Gestalt Therapy.

Therapy Approach

Among my therapy approaches, I apply a treatment called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in which I seek to help you uncover unhelpful thinking patterns and emotions to turn them into helpful patterns after assessing your concerns with deep empathy and understanding, and to teach you self-compassion as the antidote to self-criticism. I also integrate Object Relations Theory and Attachment Theory in my approach to help you become aware of your relational patterns with others as well as with yourself, rooting from past experiences, and help you to re-experience relationship with others through a secure attachment in our therapeutic alliance. In addition, I teach DBT interpersonal skills to help you to achieve your relational goals while being assertive and maintaining self-respect. Also, I use Gestalt Therapy techniques such as the empty chair and role-play along with Sandbox Play Therapy as an option, especially for trauma and emotional distress to bring you into contact with difficult emotions and memories, and help you to express them through a non-verbal medium, which will help resolve your unfinished business. Lastly, I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you identify what you value in life and support you in living out these values with serenity, at times suggesting experimental methods relevant to the body-soul (spirit) connection; I will often integrate mindfulness (body-awareness meditation),  bibliotherapy, music therapy, and journaling. I will help navigate your journey with hope and encouragement, focusing on your strengths and innate resources, help build your resilience, and teach self-regulatory and self-soothing skills for your everyday life to big crises. As your number one cheerleader and ally, I hope that you would have a worthwhile and meaningful connection with me, tailored to your unique needs, as you grow and heal on this journey we’ll traverse together.

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

  • MA: Torch Trinity Graduate University (2023, Christian Counseling)
  • BA: 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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