JAE KIM COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY SERVICES
Your Personal Journey Starts Here
From time to time, you might find yourself in a moment not living your life to its fullest. You want to be happy, feel satisfied, yet you don’t know where to start. You may start to look for ways to escape. It sounds clichéd but you are most likely stuck because you are only focused on the problem.
You don’t have to blame yourself or others around you. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. Your troubled feelings could be a result of traumatic events in your life, big or small. It is almost impossible to feel good about yourself, if you were told that you were not ‘good enough’, you were to be ‘blamed’ or you were bothersome. It is not your fault.
Therapy is a journey into self-discovery and personal growth. As a therapist, I am here to facilitate this journey with you. I would like to help you understand your psychological and emotional roadblocks, so you can make better decisions in the future. By removing these roadblocks, one at a time, you can achieve your goals – at your pace.
“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves”
- Carl Jung
ABOUT ME
Jae Kim, M.S.W., R.S.W.
Individual & Family Therapist
Member of Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Member of Ontario Association of Social Workers
Everyone is different. Your ethnic background could be different from your neighbour’s, but this is a good thing because your uniqueness is what makes you beautiful. I’ve experienced many diverse cultures in my life, but as a Canadian, I have learned to embrace various differences among people. In your counselling sessions with me, I will be providing a safe and nurturing environment, where I can assist you in understanding your mental and emotional health better.
For half a decade, I have been working with clients from different age groups – children, adolescents, and adults. My role as a therapist is to identify the best conditions where you can fully understand and challenge yourself and come up with realistic plans to reach your goals. These sessions will incorporate flexible approaches geared to meet your individual needs, personality, and objectives.
I consider my clients as experts of their own lives and enjoy working as a team. When you work with me, you will notice that I try to help you to find your own direction in life, rather than telling you what to do.
I also emphasize a non-judgemental approach to understand your perspective. Sometimes, it is difficult to share your stories with others and you may feel the sense of shame from your previous mistakes. However, it is important to acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes, and you may be already in the process of change. Making mistakes help us understand who we are and what we want. My personal and professional goal is to assist you in understanding yourself.
SERVICES
I provide counselling and psychotherapy to individuals and families in Toronto. Using an integrated approach that includes cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, narrative and humanistic interventions, your sessions are tailored to be meaningful and impactful (applicable to your daily lives). Every session is unique because everyone has different concerns and various personalities. I fully customize and structure each session to best meet your needs.
CLIENTS HAVE COME TO SEE ME FOR THE FOLLOWING CONCERNS:
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Self-esteem
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Family Conflict
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Relationship
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Stress management
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Addiction
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Personal growth and development
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Court mandated therapy
SPECIALIZED SERVICES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW LONG AND HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO RECEIVE COUNSELLING SERVICE?
The duration of the service depends on the client’s needs and comfort level. It is recommended having weekly sessions for the first 4 to 5 weeks, which would be considered as an ‘assessment period’. After that, the frequency of the session can be discussed. Each session typically consists of an hour.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE SESSIONS IN THE EVENING OR WEEKENDS?
Yes, it is possible. Please indicate your preference during the initial phone consultation session. While scheduling can be flexible, I usually meet with clients on weekdays between 5 PM and 9 PM and 11 AM and 6 PM on weekends.
IS THERE A RISK RELATED TO CONFIDENTIALITY?
Confidentiality is the most important part of the counselling, and none of the information during the session can be disclosed to anyone without the client’s consent with a written signature. However there are three exceptions;
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When there is clear and imminent danger that the client will cause serious harm to himself/herself or someone else
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When there is knowledge or suspicion that a child who is presently under the age of 16 has been previously abused or is currently being abused, neglected, or witnessing abuse
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When a judge has ordered counsellor testimony and/or client records be made available for court
(Code of Ethics and Standard of Practice, OCSWSSW)
IS COUNSELLING / PSYCHOTHERAPY COVERED BY OHIP (ONTARIO HEALTH INSURANCE)?
Counselling/psychotherapy is currently not covered by OHIP. However, many employers and schools in Canada provide health benefit covering services with registered social workers (i.e. Approved Credentials for Regulated Paramedical Practitioner). In case you are not sure, you can contact your human resource department to confirm. Please note that I also apply a sliding scale to make my services more accessible for those who have financial barriers or do not have health benefit.
HOW WOULD THE PAYMENT BE MADE?
Payment for service is due at the end of each session and can be made by cash, Visa, Master Card or AMEX.
ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?
Click here to be redirected to my contact page.
CONTACT ME
I offer a FREE 15-minute phone consultation (one time offer per person) to assess whether my services fit your needs. From there we can move forward towards achieving your goals, getting you one step closer to the life you want to live.
***Due to the current caseload, I am not accepting new clients at the moment. I apologize for the inconvenience.***
5000 Yonge St. Unit 1901, Toronto ON.
647-972-0089
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
TRAININGS
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Using Emotion Theory and Emotion-focused Chair-work Scripts in Individual Therapy, SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health (Jun 2024)
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Eating Disorder - From Image to Illness, Kimberly Enns, MSW RSW (Aug 2023)
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Clinical Supervision - Skills for Developing Counsellors, Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (Feb 2023)
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CBT for procrastination: New perspectives in mental health, Dr. Sanjay Rao, MD, FRCPsych, FRCPC (Jan 2023)
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Prepare/Enrich Certified Facilitator Training, Corea Counseling & Psychology Education (Dec 2022)
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Art Therapy Interventions for Anxiety, Eating Disorders and Addictions, Pamela Hayes, LMFT (Jun 2022)
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Compassionate Inquiry Workshop with Dr. Gabor Maté, The Mission: Empowerment! (Mar 2022)
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Foundations of Internal Family Systems, Frank Anderson, MD (May 2021)
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Introductory Sexual Trauma Training, Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (May 2021)
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Challenging the Status Quo, The Continuum Conference (May 2021)
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Calming the Inner Critic: Working with Punitive Introjects, Kathy Steele, MN CS (Feb 2021)
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Basic EMDR Training, The Niagara Stress & Trauma Clinic (Nov 2020 & Feb 2021)
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Healthy Body Image and the Media, Jackie Grandy, MSW RSW (Apr 2020)
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When Video Is Not An Option: Counselling Via Email Chat and Phone, Lawrence Murphy, MA (Apr 2020)
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Plugged in Youth: Technology - the good, the bad, & the unknown, The Hospital for Sick Children (Feb 2020)
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Advanced Skills for Working with Youth on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum, CPRI (Dec 2019)
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38th Annual Research & Treatment Conference, Association For The Treatment Of Sexual Abusers (Nov 2019)
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Culturally Adaptive CBT Training, Dr. Natasha Williams C. Psych (Oct 2019)
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WPI (Whang's Personality Inventory) Counselling & Coaching Specialist Workshop, Basic Course (Sep 2019)
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Treating Anxiety using Play Therapy, Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy (Nov 2018)
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Narrative Therapy Training, Karen Young MSW/RSW (Oct 2018)
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Infant Mental Health - Community Training Institute, Infant Mental Health Promotion (Jan 2018 – Jul 2018)
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Treatment of Adolescent who have Sexually Harmed, Radius Child & Youth Services (May 2018)
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Assessment of Adolescent who have Sexually Harmed, Radius Child & Youth Services (Apr 2018)
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Bridging The Gaps Between Research and Prevention, The Continuum Conference (May 2018)
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Level 4 Group Stepping Stones Triple P, Positive Parenting Program (June 2017)
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Neurofeedback Training, ADD Centre & Biofeedback Institute of Toronto (May 2017)
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Certificate in Art Counselling, Canadian Association for Child and Play Therapy (Apr 2017)
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Comprehensive Trauma Assessment Coming into Focus, Griffin Centre (Apr 2017)
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Developmental Trauma and Addictions, Black Creek Community Health Centre (Feb 2017)
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The #Generation: Clinical Approaches to Problematic Sexual Behaviour in the Cyber
World, The Continuum Conference (May 2016) -
When all the Time You Have is Now: Walk-in Therapy Practices, Karen Young MSW/RSW (Mar 2016)
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CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) Boot Camp 2.0, Cognitive Workshops (Nov 2015)
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Dual Diagnosis Theory & Practice, George Brown College/Griffin Centre (Jan 2015 – Jun 2015)
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Acceptance Commitment Therapy Training, LOFT Community Services (Mar 2014)
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Infusing Motivational Interviewing (MI) into Social Work Practice, University of Toronto (Oct 2013)
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Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Living Works (Nov 2012)
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Understanding trauma and its link to offending behaviour, Tom Walker Training (Jan 2012)
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Restorative Justice Training, Griffin Centre (Oct 2011)
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Trauma in the Mind’s Eye (Intrusive Thoughts, Flashbacks & Nightmares), Hicks-Dellcrest (Sept 2008)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
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Board of Director, Korean Canadian Women’s Association, Toronto, ON (Sept 2018 – Present)
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Board of Director, Korean International Film Festival, Toronto, ON (Feb 2018 – Present)
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Board of Director, Korean Interagency Network, Toronto, ON (Jan 2010 – Aug 2016)
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Ryerson Mental Health Advisory Committee, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON (Feb 2014 – Feb 2016)
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Executive Committee, Korean Interagency Network, Toronto, ON (Jan 2010 – Aug 2016)
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Asian Pacific Community Consultative Committee, Toronto Police Service, Toronto, ON (Feb 2012 – Jun 2016)
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Board of Director, Children’s International Learning Centre, Hamilton, ON (Sept 2007 – Jul 2013)
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Program Instructor, Children’s International Learning Centre, Hamilton, ON (Jan 2005 – Sept 2007)
WORKSHOPS/SEMINARS/PRESENTATIONS
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Supporting youth with neurodiversity: a guide for families, Parents Association living Toward Hope (May 2023)
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Digital Generation - Healthy Usage of the Internet & Social Media, Love Toronto (May 2023)
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Quest Webinar: Cultural Identity & Mental Health 'Being Familiar with Discomfort', KCSF (June 2022)
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Digital Generation - Healthy Usage of the Internet & Social Media, KCWN (April 2022)
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Parent Seminar: Youth Mental Health, Love Neighbour (Jul 2021)
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Understanding Youth Culture & Mental Health, Love Family & Love Toronto (Jun 2021)
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Digital Generation - Healthy Usage of the Internet & Social Media, VCC Parent Seminar (May 2021)
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Digital Generation - Healthy Usage of the Internet & Social Media, KCWA Family & Social Services (Apr 2021)
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Digital Wellbeing and Mental Health during a Pandemic, Centre for Immigrant & Community Services (Mar 2021)
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Crisis to Opportunity Planning for the Post-COVID: Overcoming COVID19 Fatigue, KCWA Family and Social Services (Dec 2020)
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Digital Generation, KCWA Family and Social Services (Jul 2020)
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Online Youth Culture & Digital Citizenship, Love Family & Love Toronto (Jun 2020)
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Be Kind to Your Mind (How does COVDI19 lockdown impact on our mental health?), KPWA (Jun 2020)
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Burnout & Stress Management Workshops, KCWA Family and Social Services (Jan 2020)
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Online Safety Workshop for Parents, Toronto Public Library (Jan 2020)
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Promoting Healthy Communication Parent Seminar, Love Family & Love Toronto (Nov 2019)
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Internet, Game addiction & Self-Esteem, Love Toronto Korean Canadian Community Services (Jun 2019)
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Strategies for Navigating situation of Low Self-Esteem & High Anxiety, Redefining Success: Work and Wellness, Woori Maum: Korean Canadian Mental Health Association (Apr 2019)
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Understanding the Impact of Social Media Usage among Youth, KIN Korean Interagency Network (Apr 2019)
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Mental Health within Korean-Canadian Community, Fresh Air - CBC Radio (May 2018)
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Support for Parents: Video Game & Youth Culture, Humber River Regional Hospital (May 2018)
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Positive Communication between Youth and Parents, A.Y. Jackson Secondary School (May 2017)
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Self-Reflection on Our Social Media and Video Game Usage, Youth Mental Health Day 2016 The Mind and Body Connection, Woori Maum: Korean Canadian Mental Health Association (Oct 2016)
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Positive Communication between Youth and Parents, KCWA Family and Social Services (Apr 2016)
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Understanding Youth & Social Media, KCWA Family and Social Services (Apr 2016)
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Building a Happy Family Seminar - Video Game & Social Media Addiction, Yonge Centre Plus (Oct 2015)
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Parents Reaching Out Seminar - Youth Mental Health, Korean Canadian Cultural Association (Jun 2015)
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Community Engagement Workshop, KCWA Family and Social Services (Oct & Nov 2011)
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Panel Speaker: Access, Youth & Outreach, The 40th Anniversary Symposium Access & Equity: The Challenge of a New Age, Transitional Year Program (TYP) University of Toronto (Oct 2010)
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Connecting Youth To Community Services, Parent Conference, Toronto District School Board (Mar 2010)
EDUCATION
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Master of Social Work, University of Toronto - Specialization in Health & Mental Health (Jun 2014)
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Bachelor of Social Work, Ryerson University (Oct 2012)
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Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, McMaster University (Jun 2006)