Asian Korean Therapist in Los Angeles & Pasadena, California
01/03
Elizabeth ku, AMFT
I am a registered associate marriage and family therapist and Restoration Level II clinician working under the supervision of Judy Huang, LMFT #114481. My transition into the mental health field represents a meaningful second chapter in my career, building on over a decade of experience working in elementary schools both in the U.S. and internationally. With over 700 hours of clinical experience, I have worked at schools and a mental health community clinic, supporting a diverse population of children and teens, couples, and adults ranging from ages 4 to 68.
I currently work with adolescents between the ages of 8-18, young adults, couples, and adults, supporting those of you navigating major life transitions, a stressful career, anxiety, depression, body image issues, self-esteem difficulties, trauma, difficult intergenerational family dynamics, relationship challenges with loved ones, and the Asian-American experience. Drawing from my background as an elementary school teacher, I bring my experience working with children, parents, and adults, all of whom carry the influences of their own childhoods. I understand the significance of nurturing your inner child’s unmet needs with compassion and care. By combining my knowledge of child development with the different stages we encounter as adults, I aim to help you make sense of your experiences and understand yourself more deeply. Clients frequently share that my approach has empowered them to develop practical tools to create meaningful change and move closer to the life they aspire to live.
Being a native Californian and second-generation Korean-American, I have a deep appreciation for the cultural nuances that shape how you see the world and manage life’s challenges. When you're going through tough times, it can feel incredibly lonely. However, I’ve witnessed firsthand how therapy can be a powerful tool for change, and I strive to create a welcoming, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for you to heal and move toward the life you aspire to live.
AMFT #149827
02/03
CLINICAL FOCUS
anxiety
stress management
depression
family-of-origin work
life transitions
grief and loss
body image issues
couples therapy
adults identifying as parentified children
personal and cultural identity issues
intergenerational & complex trauma
second generation immigrant challenges
stress related to ethnic experiences
issues related to faith and spirituality
03/03
My Approach
Collaborative
holistic
warm
I offer a warm and gentle collaborative approach, grounded in the belief that healing is a journey best taken together. As a level II trained Restoration Therapist, I am shaped by attachment theory, family systems theory, and somatic therapy, which allows me to view your experiences through multiple lenses and tailor our work to your unique needs. I aim to craft a space where you can safely explore areas of difficulty and pain, unearth unconscious patterns of relating, and foster meaningful change. I seek to walk with you as you reconnect with the parts of yourself that may have been lost or buried over time. This often involves shedding the weight of harmful cultural and familial narratives that have become ingrained. Together, we will rediscover truths about your identity, nurture a compassionate connection to your true self, and practically move toward greater growth and healing. Throughout this process, I will walk beside you, supporting you as you navigate this season and step into a more integrated life.
THERAPIST-CLIENT FIT IS IMPORTANT TO THE THERAPY EXPERIENCE
I offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to determine if we might be a good fit to work together. It takes courage to reach out for support. I consider it a privilege to journey alongside you toward your healing and wellness that empowers you to live out your most authentic life.