When I think about the impetus for healing, what comes to mind is a well-known tattoo artist. Incredibly talented Ghinko quickly amassed a large following through social media. Beyond that, if you read her posts, she has a gift for interpreting her client’s stories and weaving their essence into a one-of-a-kind tattoo piece. I believe through her collaboration with her client, they feel seen and understood, and I imagine many people, maybe not so consciously, seek her out for that reason, along with her artistic genius. When we feel seen and understood, we feel connected to ourselves and are able to relate to others. Anxiety, depression, stories and narratives we consciously or unconsciously tell ourselves, can disconnect us and create a Sisyphean cycle of trying to “snap out of it” or “get over it.” This is not to blame anyone, but we internalize so much from our surroundings and growing up. When we become aware of our narratives and where they come from, we can begin to make changes for the better.

I very much see the therapeutic process as collaborative or “we’re in this together.” Even if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, we can figure it out together. Therapy is a way to start addressing the feelings that keep us from moving forward and getting to the root of patterns that keep us stuck.

Unfortunately there are no shortcuts in a healing journey, so the process will take time. The first session is the intake where I’m getting detailed information about your background and history. As we continue to work together, we can start putting the pieces of the puzzle together in how you came to be who you are present day. While my training is in psychoanalysis, I do believe we need more concrete tools beyond the “making the unconscious conscious.” I incorporate mindfulness techniques, practical suggestions through exploring what has and has not been working for you, and tools to help regulate your nervous system. When nudging is needed, I will compassionately hold a metaphorical mirror to challenge you and help you branch out of what might previously have been fixed ideas or rigid narratives.

In my role as a therapist, I have worked with a diverse group of individuals who identify as New Yorkers, whether they were born here or moved here. As a Korean who moved to this country at a very early age, I am particularly interested in the identities that make us feel marginalized, whether it be race, gender, sexuality, or any other part of us that has left us feeling outside the dominant group. Issues that I work with include anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal relationships, career dissatisfaction, life transitions, balancing careers with family life, and the feelings that go along with these issues such as guilt, shame, anger, imposter syndrome, and isolation or loneliness.

My Story

In 2014, stuck in an unfulfilling job, I decided to start taking graduate courses in social work to transition to a career as a therapist. Prior to that, I had been working in finance for over a decade, and I had moved from Boston to NYC for a job. I struggled with my own transition and the losses that came up around it. Through my own therapy, I discovered the power of a healing relationship that helped me to become a more authentic version of myself. I would be honored to be part of your journey. If you think you might like to work with me, please reach out, and we can schedule a consultation, either video or phone, to see if we would be a good fit.

Questions to think about for our consultation include:

• What brings you to therapy and why now?

• How do you imagine therapy helping you?

• If you have been in therapy before, what was helpful and not helpful?

• Was there something in my profile or webpage that you connected with?

During the consultations, I also want you to have a topic that you would bring into therapy that we can discuss. We’ll talk through it a bit, and I can give you a roadmap on how I would work with you on the issue.