Hi, I'm Dr. Kim!
I’m a mother, therapist, advocate, and athlete who understands that we all wear different hats throughout our lives. The season in which I meet someone is never their whole story—people are complex, and life is rarely straightforward. This perspective shapes how I work with people, especially young people, growing up and navigating today’s world of information overload and constant pressure.
As a clinical psychologist, my goal is to help connect the dots so that life feels more manageable. I believe that learning how to talk about what we’re experiencing is the first, vital step towards help and growth. I work to create a space where young people and their families, mothers and parents, can understand themselves better, build emotional resilience, and find effective, compassionate ways to cope.
Having grown up in Hong Kong, I’ve seen firsthand the unique challenges young people face in a fast-paced, competitive, and international city. My professional journey has taken me through theater-based intervention programs, university research, NGOs, special needs education, and private practice. No matter the setting, my work has always centred on supporting young people in developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the ability to ask for help.
With over 12 years of experience in the mental health and education space, I’m deeply committed to preventative care. We know that 50% of mental health conditions begin before the age of 14—early support can make all the difference. There’s nothing more important to me than helping people make sense of their big feelings (often expressed through big behaviors) and equipping them with tools that reduce distress and build confidence.
Outside of therapy, I have a strong appreciation for the mind-body connection. I’ve trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for over a decade and am currently a brown belt. BJJ is often described as “chess for the body”—a practice that is both cerebral and physical. Leading the Women’s Program at my academy has been a rewarding way to empower others and witness personal growth through movement, discipline, and community.
My Education
Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
Master in Clinical Psychology (MA)
California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University (US/HK)
​
Bachelor in Psychology (BA)
University of Southern California (USA)​​
My approach with young people.
I have found that 6-8 week therapy cycles are truly transformative for young people, planting seeds of self-awareness, coping skills and care that can last for years. Whenever I work with young people, I appreciate I am always working with a family and school system.
Therapy is a collaborative process, as ultimately healing will happen at home. Working with parents and fostering a shared emotional vocabulary, therapy aims to improve communication and understanding for the whole family unit.
I believe that open and positive dialogue with adults surrounding mental health and difficult emotions is essential for breaking down barriers and creating a supportive network for young people to thrive.
My perinatal approach.
The hormonal and life change that a baby brings into the world is incomparable. Mental-health complications are the most common pregnancy and post-partum complication.
​
Helping new mothers navigate challenges that arise in conception, pregnancy, birth and post-partum is essential for the health of a family.
Due to a myriad of reasons, there is intense pressure on women as they transition into motherhood. Any part of the transition that doesn't go to plan can feel like an incurable loss. Taking a strengths-based approach in therapy, helps interpret evidence for strategic coping strategies and ease the mental load of motherhood.
​
I offer post-partum planning, birth debriefs, mental health support. These can be both standalone sessions or weekly on-going support.