My approach to therapy

After over 20 years of experience, I now teach my patients that “the mind does not make change just because the change makes sense.” 

I believe meaningful change is work that happens thru choosing between uncomfortable options. But without guidance, we often rely on tendencies and habits that are strongly reinforced, familiar, or comfortable. The best way to learn is not necessarily a cognitive process, but an experiential one. I help patients change by guiding them thru the emotional discomfort of deciding between uncomfortable choices.

I am transparent with my patients and I give a lot of feedback. We will talk about your past experiences, family, relationships, and aspirations. We will use that information for two specific goals.

One: To focus on the reason why you came to me for help and prevent it from happening again (i.e. depression, anxiety, panic attacks, relationship disappointments, career stress, personal frustrations, etc.).

Two: To help you get what you want, not what you think you want, not what others tell you what to want, but what you actually want. This means spending time crystallizing what you actually find personally meaningful. 

Thru it all, I hope my patients experience that I am always focused on taking care of them.

Doonam Kim, MD