Hope+Wellness
Cathy Kim, LCSW, LICSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Hi there. I’m Cathy :)
Cathy Kim, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Licensed in: VA, DC
Locations: McLean, VA; Falls Church, VA; Teletherapy
(she/her/hers)
There are a lot of therapists out there but I feel that what makes me different is the joy I experience simply in being with you in your journey. I find it deeply fulfilling to walk alongside clients in various seasons of their lives as we work to help you find light through darkness together.
One of the reasons I decided to become a therapist is because I wanted others to know that they’re not alone in times of hardship. For some, it might feel like it is easier to isolate and try to overcome difficult times in life on their own, but I believe that as humans, we were created to be in community with others and to be relational beings. Experiencing hardship and feeling alone in the process can be discouraging, hurtful, and diminishing. There are also seasons in life where natural supports may not be available and so as your therapist, I would love to be someone you truly feel is on your side and is rooting for you.
I specialize in working with children, teens, college students, young adults, and adults with depression, anxiety, relationship (romantic, friendship, family) stressors and concerns. Many of the clients I work with are going through a time of adjustment and transition such as a new job, relationship, school, or loss and the feelings of disconnection from others or oneself that come along with it.
I also specialize in working with individuals going through a time of grief and loss as well as those who may be interested in incorporating or exploring their own sense of spirituality as a source of inner strength and resilience. I believe it is times like this in life in which we are challenged to find a greater sense of meaning and purpose through pain — in which we are challenged to connect to something deeply within ourselves.
I received my master’s degree in clinical social work from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed my clinical training across a range of settings including private practice, a specialized education school, an independent living arrangement, and a non-profit organization that focused on serving impoverished communities. I have also previously served as a mobile crisis counselor to provide crisis intervention for children and adolescents with suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, and acute mental health concerns.
Philosophy
I came into this role as a therapist to be available, especially to those who may feel defeated, alone, or afraid. I understand how difficult it can be when you feel you have to face things alone, but I’m here to share in your sorrows and joys.
My greatest intention is to create a safe space for you of stability, kindness, and understanding in times of stress and uncertainty. In therapy, you will feel safe to explore difficult places to help shed light in them and find a sense of relief and wholeness again. Therapy is a healing space where you are invited to grow in your understanding of yourself and to make sense of your life and journey. I work to help each client feel seen, accepted, and supported, but most importantly, to feel a sense of hope again.
My approach throughout the therapeutic process is person-centered, strengths-based, and culturally sensitive. I consider your background, beliefs, and values in order to have a comprehensive understanding of your unique story. My therapeutic approach is eclectic and incorporates various clinical practice models including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), internal family systems (IFS), psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness. Additional clinical interests of mine include grief and loss, perfectionism, self-compassion, diversity across all facets (e.g., being a person of color, neurodiversity), and spirituality.
Specialty Areas
depression, mood concerns, anxiety
I specialize in providing high quality, evidence-based care for children, teens, college students, young adults, and adults going through a time of depression. Feelings of depression and anxiety can make you feel alone, overwhelmed, or hopeless. Together, we will work to help you build and live a life that is fulfilling and meaningful to you. You will feel understood and supported while also working to incorporate specific, actionable ways to reconnect to life again.
life adjustment, stress, and transitions
I work with many kids, teens, young adults, and adults who are experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress related to the inevitable changes that life can bring across all domains of life including relationships, health, career, and family. I work to cultivate a space where you feel grounded and secure again to cope with all the changes around you, not only through our therapeutic relationship, but in connecting to the space within you that is a place of great peace.
teens, college students, young adults
I work with teens and young adults struggling with depression and anxiety, who are overwhelmed with the stressors that life can naturally bring as it relates to academic stress and pressure, school, preparing for college, moving, starting a new job, making new friends, relationship concerns, and general life transitions. Navigating changes in life can be overwhelming, especially when you are in the process of figuring this whole life thing out in the first place. In therapy, you will feel supported in adjusting to changes while also cultivating a life that aligns with your values and goals.
grief & loss
I provide kind, compassionate care to people going through a time of grief and loss, including the death and passing of loved ones, divorce and separation, job loss, and changes in life that are unanticipated, unwanted, traumatic, or unexpected. I invite each client I work with to grieve in their own way and timing, to feel safe in expressing all the emotions that grief can bring.
spiritually affirming care + Christian counseling
For clients who are interested, I provide a space that is affirming to your own unique sense of spirituality and connection to the divine and transcendent. We will explore how to find a deeper connection to your mind, body, and soul that is meaningful to you. Together, we will help you connect to inner resources of strength, joy, and resilience.
Christian counseling is provided to clients who are interested. For others who come from different faiths, you will be supported in exploring spirituality in what it means personally to you. If you aren’t interested in exploring your spirituality as part of therapy, that is fine too!
Additional Areas of Expertise
Academic Stress and Pressure
Adjusting to Life Transitions
Adjustment to Disability
Adolescence
Anxiety
Child Anxiety
Child Depression
Child Therapy
Depression
Discovering Your Identity
Finding Meaning and Purpose
Finding Passion and Creativity Again
Generalized Anxiety
General Stress of Being Human
Grief and Loss
Life Stress
Life Transitions
Low Self-Esteem
Persistent Depressive Disorder
Personal Growth
Relationship and Communication Difficulties
Seasonal Affective Disorders
Self-Care
Self-Criticism
Self-Esteem
Sensitivity
Social Anxiety
Stress Management
Struggling to Launch
Young Adults
more ABOUT ME
Hobbies + what I like to do for fun!
I aim to be thankful and appreciate the body I am given. I value taking care of my physical, mental, and spiritual health and try to be active by doing things I enjoy such as volleyball, jogging, hiking, and camping. I make the effort to incorporate small things that nurture my soul and bring me joy each day such as cooking, watching Friends, or making time for my loved ones.
why I became a therapist…
I feel that being a healer is my calling. I find purpose and meaning in being able to support others and genuinely desire for others to grow, experience the fullness of their potential, and find peace. I hope to be a source of light in times of darkness and view each therapeutic relationship as a privilege to be part of your journey.
favorite QUOTES
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
“If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive.”
