My Approach to Helping
Hello! My name is Sam (hehimhis), and I have been a Professional Counselor since 2018. I am a Korean-American, Cisgender, Gay man, and I am very passionate about working with clients at the intersection of BIPOC and Queer Identities. I am familiar with issues that impact College Students, Cancer Patients, Caregivers, and people with Eating Disorders. I enjoy working with adults 18-45 who are struggling Grief, Anxiety, and Trauma. Most of my clients will at some point hear me talk about defining one’s values, how to be more self-compassionate, and the benefits of mindfulness. We will hopefully laugh a lot as well! I have a background in practicing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and recently became trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
More Info About My Practice
In my own words, therapy is a place where we can soften the noise that prevents us from listening to ourselves. Everyone has a valuable sense of intuition that should be honored. And when that inner wisdom is validated, it can unlock so many pathways to healing and becoming our truest selves. All of you and your identities are welcome in my practice, and I hope that you feel comfortable to show me the most important parts of your self.
I am always working towards a culturally humble approach to engaging with clients, I believe that it is possible to be healthy at any size, and that social justice and racial equity work are core components of being a competent mental health professional. Thank you in advance for allowing me into the vulnerable spaces in your life as we brave the therapy journey together! I am licensed to work with clients anywhere in Illinois and Ohio.
The Duration and Frequency of Therapy
For clients who are actively working on an issue in therapy, I typically recommend meeting weekly or every other week. This frequency also tends to help clients feel more comfortable with our working relationship, and that comfort can help the therapy process when we tread into more vulnerable issues. Monthly therapy is a great option for people who are looking for general support and maintenance on issues they already feel confident in coping with. How long you will see me as a client is completely up to you. Whether that's 2 months or 2 years, we can have regular check ins about the progress you are making towards your goals.