YoungJoo Kim, M.A.

YoungJoo Kim, M.A.

Certified Counselor

This therapist has over 4 years of experience. 

Children, Adolescents, Adults
English, Korean, Bilingual

YoungJoo was born in South Korea. She spent a decade living and working in the United States, including New York where she pursued her education and honed her counseling skills.

Biography

With over four years of experience as a mental health counselor, YoungJoo has guided clients towards achieving better mental health and overall well-being. Additionally, her unique background in clinical art therapy, spanning over six years, allowed her to further develop her creativity and therapeutic sensibilities. In her previous role at the New York Korean American Family Center (NYKAFC), YoungJoo provided compassionate and effective counseling services to victims of domestic violence. Additionally, she created and led a program called, “GOAL (Girls Own Artistic Leadership),” which aimed to empower young women by promoting leadership skills, self-esteem, and healthy identities. Currently, YoungJoo leads a Korean-American support group in New York and participates in a Healing Camp as a co-leader organized by the Esther Ha Non-profit Organization. YoungJoo completed her internship at the Asian Health Service Department of the Holly Names Medical Center, where she provided intake assessments, individual and group psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and treatment planning, among other services. This experience brought her great improvement in her counseling skills and taught her the importance of providing holistic care in medical settings. YoungJoo’s approach to counseling is rooted in active listening, empathy, and a deep commitment to helping her clients find meaning and goals in their lives. As a native Korean speaker, YoungJoo is particularly attuned to the unique challenges that language barriers can pose in counseling, and she strives to create a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings in both Korean and English.

Therapy Approach

My approach to therapy is client-centered. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and I strive to create a warm and empathetic environment where my clients can feel understood and respected. I believe in empowering my clients to become their own agents of change, and I offer guidance and support as they navigate life’s challenges. I am committed to using evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), to help my clients build resilience, develop coping skills, and achieve their goals. I believe in taking an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from various modalities to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs and goals. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I also incorporate art therapy techniques into my counseling sessions. As someone who enjoys art, I believe in the therapeutic benefits of creative expression. Art therapy can help clients express themselves in ways that words may not be able to fully capture, and by combining verbal and nonverbal therapeutic approaches. I believe that clients can achieve greater insight and healing. I have experience working with clients who struggle with life issues or a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, and ADHD. I also have experience working with clients who have been hospitalized for mental health reasons. If you were looking for a counselor who can provide compassionate support and evidence-based therapy to help you overcome your mental health challenges, I would be honored to work with you.

Availability

Seoul
Pyeongtaek
Online

Speciality

  • Anxiety / Panic Attacks
  • Depression
  • Family Conflict
  • Grief
  • Parenting Stress
  • Self Esteem
  • Social Skills & Peer Relationships
  • Trauma / PTSD

Location

  • Seoul (Sinsa)
  • Pyeongtaek
  • Online

Fun Facts

I'm passionate about cooking. Whether preparing a gourmet meal for a special occasion or just preparing a simple weeknight dinner, I find that cooking is both a creative outlet and a way to take care of myself and love others. Besides cooking, I enjoy exploring my artistic side through painting and drawing and learning about different cultures through traveling.

Education

  • MA: Nyack College [Alliance University] (2019, Mental Health Counseling)
  • MA: Long Island University, C.W Post (2010, Clinical Art Therapy)
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