Where I grew up...
I was born in New Jersey but split my childhood going back and forth between the US and Korea. During my high school years, I attended an international school in Seoul. After attending art school in Providence, RI, I settled in New York for a career in the fashion industry. I eventually moved back to my home state of New Jersey, where I pursued a second career in clinical social work. I have now come full circle by returning to Korea.
My professional training
I received my Master of Social Work degree from Rutgers University in New Jersey. I graduated with top honors in the area of mental and behavioral health and earned the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) certification. I have specialized clinical training in counseling victims/survivors of gender-based violence and individuals with serious mental disorders. Previous work settings include an outpatient mental health clinic (Vantage Health System, NJ) and a domestic violence agency (Sanctuary for Families, NY). As a clinical social worker, my practice experience includes advocacy for underprivileged and underrepresented populations.
In my clinical approach, I consider each person within the context of their unique environment. This ensures careful assessment and individualized treatment plans that are strengths-based, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed. My aim is to empower you to define your life challenges and to achieve your desired goals in therapy. This is done so by establishing a positive, empathetic, and non-judgmental therapeutic alliance, in which we work as collaborators. I take an integrated approach based on your clinical needs but the primary theory that informs my practice is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
When I'm out of the office...
I enjoy traveling and exploring cafes and restaurants, but I am equally happy being home and pursuing creative projects.
