Mi Ae Kim, LMFT (she/her)
BIO:
I’m Mi Ae, a licensed marriage & family therapist (CA#135709) and AACAST Certified Couples and Sex Therapist.
I approach therapy from a relational attachment theory perspective, believing that our early relationships shape how we connect with others and ourselves throughout life. I work with clients to explore these patterns and deepen self-awareness. As a compassionate, direct, and sometimes humorous therapist, my goal is to provide a supportive space where you can work through challenges, gain insight, and develop the tools to foster more meaningful relationships.
Guiding Principles:
I believe that healing and growth are lifelong processes. My approach is rooted in the understanding that each person is shaped by their unique relationships, struggles, and strengths—and I work to honor and understand these dynamics in a compassionate, non-judgmental way.
A central tenet of my practice is the belief that we are all interconnected, made in the image of a loving God, and called to care for one another with grace, empathy, and humility. Compassion, forgiveness, and redemption are values I integrate to help clients heal from past wounds and build healthier relationships.
I recognize that I am continuously learning and growing. I believe that understanding how my lived experiences intersect with my clients’ stories is crucial to providing care that is both authentic and attuned. I am mindful of my responsibility to honor and respect the unique journeys of those who may have different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds, ensuring a space for each client’s voice to be heard free of judgment.
Ultimately, my goal is to walk alongside my clients as they navigate life’s challenges, providing a blend of professional insight, emotional support, and spiritual empathy. I believe that healing is not only an internal process but also a relational one, where deep connection and mutual respect can foster transformative growth.
My Style of Therapy:
Compassionate
In our sessions, I strive to create a space where you feel truly heard and understood. I believe that healing begins when you feel accepted for who you are. I bring warmth, empathy, and patience into the room, meeting you where you are in your journey. My compassion allows me to attune to both your spoken and unspoken needs, and I’ll often check in to make sure you feel comfortable with the pace and direction of our work together. If something feels too heavy or overwhelming, we can slow down or adjust the approach—your emotional well-being is my priority.
Insightful
I bring deep curiosity to our work together. My goal is to help you uncover the underlying patterns and dynamics that influence your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By gently guiding you toward self-awareness, I aim to help you make connections between past experiences and present challenges. I believe that insight is the key to lasting change, and I will share observations that I think might be helpful, while also encouraging you to develop your own understanding. This process of discovery can be empowering, as you gain clarity on what is holding you back and how to move forward in a more intentional, aligned way.
Transparent
I believe in being open and honest with you throughout our work together. I’m not here to be a passive observer but an active participant in your healing process. If something comes up in our sessions that requires clarification or deeper discussion, I initiate a conversation. I will share my thoughts, offer feedback, and ask questions. I will also encourage you to be open with me about how our sessions are feeling, what’s working, and what’s not. Transparency fosters trust, and I want you to feel confident that you can speak up at any time and that I’m committed to being real with you.
I’m Particularly Good at Working With:
Couples struggling with sex & intimacy
Anyone who has lost someone they love and are grieving
Clients wrestling with the impacts of trauma
Asian American immigrants, addressing generational trauma, cultural identity, and the unique challenges of navigating multiple worlds
I Hold Space For:
Sexual issues, Complex trauma, Relationship Issues, Spirituality
As well as: Medical Trauma, Terminal Illness, Grief, Communication Issues, Living Authentically, Peer Relationships, Family Struggles, Cultural Issues, Asian American Issues, Anxiety, Depression, Parenting, Infertility, Sex Positive, Women’s Issues.
Services I Offer:
Treatment in Spanish
Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy
Sex Therapy Intensives
Therapy Groups (Grief, Couples, Infertility)
CREDENTIALS:
B.A in Child and Adolescent Development
M.A. in Clinical Psychology with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
Prepare and Enrich Certified
AACAST (American Association of Couples and Sex Therapists) Certified Couples and Sex Therapist
Location:
In office: Highland Park, Los Angeles
Virtually: California Residents