01/03

esther kim, Lmft

mfc #123592

As a Korean American licensed marriage and family therapist based in Los Angeles and Pasadena, California, I bring 7 years of experience working with children, adults, and couples in various settings such as child and family clinics, K-12 schools, and private practice. I have a passion for people and the positive change you can experience within yourself and your relationships. I come alongside you to empower you in rediscovering your voice. It gives me deep meaning to offer a fresh perspective on what’s happening in your life and practical skills that can transform the way you live in the world.

I currently focus my clinical work with children, caregivers, and adults experiencing challenges with anxiety, depression, trauma, major life transitions, intergenerational family dynamics, relationship issues, self-esteem, body image concerns, religious deconstruction, and navigating the Asian American experience. I have a special interest in working with adults who often feel “small,” overthink the little things, feel debilitated by anxieties and fears, experience the stressors of perfectionistic tendencies, or carry the burden of always being the “good child.” Whenever relevant in my work, I integrate my experiences from my previous career as a preschool director for over a decade to support children, (inner) children of adults, and parents to better navigate the nuances involved in a child's developmental stage, the parent’s role in positive parenting, and the parent-child relationship throughout the lifespan.

I believe it is an honor to listen to people’s stories. Sometimes you can feel hurt, lost, or stuck in a difficult chapter in your life. As a cisgender, second generation Korean American, child of immigrants, I am well acquainted with the highs and lows of self-discovery and healing. My own commitment to therapy shapes and invigorates my advocacy for your healing and your desire to be fully seen. My hope is to journey with you in fostering growth and resiliency so that you are empowered to thrive.

 02/03

SPECIAL INTERESTS

anxiety

depression 

perfectionism & overthinkers

performance-related issues

body image 

issues related to ethnic identity

2nd generation immigrant challenges

parenting-support

“being the good kid” pressures

trauma

issues related to faith and spirituality 

self-esteem

issues related to gender identity

grief and loss

dating stressors & singleness

issues related to career and vocation

navigating young adulthood

mother-daugher relationships

03/03

My Approach

WARM
Affirming
gentle

I hold space for all parts of you. Therapy with me looks like having someone with a calm and warm presence, yet attentive to who you are and where you have been. My approach is to gently challenge unhelpful thoughts and expectations while encouraging you to listen to your voice. I take a non-judgmental perspective about your feelings, thoughts, and ways you cope with your pain, shedding light to predictable patterns you might often engage in. My approach is highly collaborative, client-centered, trauma-informed and encompasses Restoration Therapy, the Gottman Method, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I also incorporate a brain-body based therapy model called Brainspotting that allows you to reprocess, resolve, and re-narrate trauma experiences.

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.


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