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Jae Choi MA therapist profile picture

Jae Choi, MA, MDiv

Jae Choi is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Ohio (LPC # C. 2204137), USA. With over seven years of experience, he has been providing individual and group psychotherapy services to adolescents and adults. Jae specializes in treating adjustment issues, career concerns, mood disorders, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, addiction and substance abuse, low self-esteem, and spirituality-related issues.

Where I grew up...

I was born in Seoul and grew up in Daejeon, South Korea. I’ve spent 10 years in New York and it has changed the course of my life. I met people from different corners of the world, and the experience of universality and uniqueness in people has enriched my life. After more than two decades of being a nomadic and spiritual traveler, from seminary to psychotherapy, I have finally settled down as a therapist, a husband, and a father of a 13 month-old.

My professional training

I graduated from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception New York, USA with a Master of Divinity and Arts in Theology. Subsequently, I attended Fordham University New York, USA, where I earned a Master of Arts in Pastoral Mental Health Counseling. My professional training includes substance abuse outpatient program at Hazelden Betty Ford New York, USA, Eastern Group Psychotherapy New York, USA, and You&Me Psychological and Counseling Services Seoul, South Korea.

My understanding of therapy is that it is both a science, aimed at predictability, and an art, to focus on individualization. As a science, therapy relies on clients’ data to achieve predictable outcomes. Without predictability, therapy lacks reliability. In my practice, I employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness techniques. These therapeutic modalities allow my clients to anticipate the trajectory of their therapy. 

Additionally, therapy is an art. Through my clinical experience, I have come to understand that each individual is unique, requiring a tailored approach. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, I provide clients with a palette to color their own perspectives. In therapy, I don’t dictate what is right or wrong; rather I accompany my clients as they paint their lives with hope for change. 

When I'm out of the office...

Recently, I’ve been listening to Tony Bennett, Billy Joel, Oasis, BTS, and BlackPink. I used to be in a church choir and was an amateur organist, pianist, and guitarist for a decade. Spending time with my wife and our 13 month-old daughter brings me great pleasure and joy.

quotation marks

Therapy is both a science, aimed at predictability, and an art, to focus on individualization.