Sylvia Kim (she/her)

My approach addresses the intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and avoidance patterns that keep you stuck in anxiety cycles. I understand how cultural factors—perfectionism, family expectations, fear of shame—can intensify OCD and anxiety in Asian American and immigrant communities. Using evidence-based interventions, I help clients break free from overthinking, develop healthier coping strategies, and reclaim their lives from anxiety's grip.

My approach addresses the intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and avoidance patterns that keep you stuck in anxiety cycles. I understand how cultural factors—perfectionism, family expectations, fear of shame—can intensify OCD and anxiety in Asian American and immigrant communities. Using evidence-based interventions, I help clients break free from overthinking, develop healthier coping strategies, and reclaim their lives from anxiety's grip.

As a Korean American therapist, I also specialize in racial trauma and the psychological impact of racism, discrimination, and microaggressions on BIPOC and Asian American individuals. My trauma work uses narrative therapy to help clients process difficult experiences, understand how trauma shapes their story, and develop new narratives that restore agency and meaning.

Narrative therapy is particularly effective for trauma, identity struggles, cultural conflict, and adoption issues because it helps you separate yourself from your problems and author new, more compassionate narratives. This approach honors your cultural background and lived experience while creating space to examine stories that may no longer serve you. Narrative therapy empowers you to become the author of your own story rather than being defined by others' expectations.

My work helps clients identify thought patterns, break compulsion cycles, and develop healthier responses to anxiety triggers. I understand how cultural factors—perfectionism, family pressure, shame avoidance—affect OCD and anxiety presentation in Asian American and immigrant communities. My approach provides practical tools for managing symptoms while addressing the deeper cultural and identity factors that contribute to anxiety and obsessive thinking.

Play therapy allows younger clients to process trauma, anxiety, family transitions, and identity struggles through creative expression when verbal processing feels overwhelming. My trauma-informed approach ensures all interventions—whether with children, teens, or adults—prioritize safety, cultural humility, and empowerment. I work with families experiencing divorce, loss, adoption, foster care, and domestic violence, creating healing spaces that honor cultural values.