A Bit about ME

Hi there! I’m Yeji. In 2016, I flew thousands of miles from Pohang, a beautiful coastal city in South Korea, to the United States. My journey was driven by a deep desire to study the human mind and learn how to heal emotional wounds, fulfilling a childhood calling to help unheard people be heard.

 

Throughout my experience as an international student, one of my most significant realizations has been that our experiences are shaped by our identities. When I moved from South Korea to the U.S., my identity shifted drastically—from being part of the ethnic majority to a minority, from a citizen to a temporary resident, and from a native speaker to a non-native speaker. Now, as a first-generation Korean therapist, I’ve personally experienced the complexities of cultural adjustment. I strive to help my clients navigate different cultures and languages, with a deep understanding of the nuances of cultural identity and its impact on mental health.

 

I have experience working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, perfectionism, and identity concerns. Many of my clients are navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, or cultural adjustment issues. I particularly enjoy working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants, international students, first-generation professionals, and those grappling with the intersections of their cultural identities.

 

Through my personal and professional experiences, I’ve learned how to better process and manage emotional pain, develop self-compassion, and live a more balanced life. If you allow me, it will be my honor to be part of your journey. I want to help you find peace and calm within yourself, with more ease and tools than I had growing up.

Yeji Son, PhD, LMHCA

Counseling Psychologist

(she/they)

Learn more

  • When you meet me in therapy, you’ll find my style to be warm, open, and transparent. I believe—both personally and based on research—that a strong therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in achieving positive outcomes in therapy. Therapy is a space to share stories that may evoke feelings of shame or vulnerability, and I understand that without trust and safety, it can be difficult to open up. There’s no need to rush or feel forced to open up or trust. My goal is to help you feel truly heard and understood throughout our work together.

     

    However, creating a safe space doesn’t mean avoiding challenges. I’ll encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, as trying new things and having new experiences can be key to healing. Stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t always mean changing your actions; sometimes it’s about changing how you speak to yourself. I understand that change can often feel more scary than exciting, but I’ll be here to support you, offering motivation and encouragement as you build the courage to make meaningful shifts in your life.

  • My primary therapeutic orientation is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), complemented by additional training in Gestalt therapy, psychodrama, and trauma-informed care. I take a holistic approach to therapy, addressing the mind, body, and soul. While unhealthy patterns can manifest in various ways, healthy habits often include getting good sleep, eating well, practicing gratitude, and cultivating psychological flexibility—a state where the mind feels free. The ultimate goal of therapy is to help you achieve balanced well-being in your mind, body, and soul.

     

    In our work together, we’ll clarify where you are now, where you’ve come from, and where you’re headed. I’ll help you examine your internal beliefs with honesty and transparency, giving you the opportunity to recognize patterns that may be contributing to your struggles. We’ll revisit your past to better understand how it informs your present. Through mindfulness, you’ll develop the ability to observe your beliefs and experiences without being triggered, calming your racing thoughts and gaining clarity in your present life.

     

    While fostering acceptance of where you are, we’ll also explore where you want to go. Together, we’ll clarify the values that matter most to you. There is no hierarchy in values, and I deeply respect whatever path you choose. Along with that respect, I hope you come to see yourself as someone worth knowing and that life is, indeed, worth living.

     

  • University of Iowa
    PhD in Counseling Psychology (2024)

    MA in Educational Measurement and Statistics (2024)

    University of Denver
    MA in Counseling Psychology (2018)

    Handong Global University
    Dual Degree in Psychology and Korean Law (2016)

  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), California State University, Long Beach
    Long Beach, CA
    Pre-doctoral Intern Counselor
    August 2023 – August 2024

     

    Student Health and Wellness Center, Grinnell College
    Grinnell, IA
    Practicum Counselor
    August 2022 – May 2023

     

    Women’s Resource & Action Center, University of Iowa
    Iowa City, IA
    Practicum Counselor
    August 2021 – June 2022

     

    Pomerantz Career Center, University of Iowa
    Iowa City, IA
    Practicum Counselor
    August 2020 – May 2021

     

    Project H.O.P.E, University of Iowa
    Iowa City, IA
    Graduate Assistant
    August 2018 – Present

     

    University Counseling Service, University of Iowa
    Iowa City, IA
    Practicum Counselor
    August 2019 – May 2020

     

    Salvation Army Harbor Light
    Denver, CO
    Intern Counselor
    August 2017 – May 2018

     

    Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
    Denver, CO
    Practicum Counselor
    January 2017 – June 2017

     

    Simei Rehabilitation Care Centre
    Semei, Singapore
    Intern Counselor
    December 2013 – February 2014

     

    Coaching Company Paul & Mark
    Seoul, Korea
    Facilitator / Assistant Career Coach
    October 2014 – June 2015

    • Bicultural adjustment and homesickness

    • Complex PTSD

    • Family of origin concerns

    • Perfectionism

    • Lack of fulfillment or satisfaction in life

    • Suicidality and existential crises

    • Difficulty with focus and distraction

    • Persistent worry about the future

    • Trust and commitment issues

    • Emotional triggers and conflicts in intimate or close relationships

    • Confucianism, Buddhism, and personal spiritual practices

Contact

If you're curious about working together, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to explore whether we’re a good fit. You're welcome to share what’s on your heart, and I’ll gladly answer any questions about my services.