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
I’m so glad you’re here. As someone who deeply cares about the well-being of others and genuinely wants to see people thrive, I’m always encouraged when individuals take steps to care for themselves. I became a therapist because I wanted to walk alongside people through life’s challenges and make sure no one feels alone in their struggles. Every life holds value—and even when we forget that truth, I am here to remind you that you have purpose and worth. It’s a true privilege and honor to hold space for your most vulnerable experiences and to offer a place where you can simply come as you are—nothing more, nothing less.I believe there is always hope, even in the darkest seasons. I find it deeply meaningful to walk with clients through various stages of life as we work together to uncover light amidst the darkness.
I specialize in providing Christian Counseling. This means that my practice is grounded in Christian values, including compassion, grace, and respect for each person’s unique story. I believe each human being has been beautifully created—without mistake—and is fully known and unconditionally loved. While my faith informs my approach, I warmly welcome clients of all backgrounds, beliefs, and walks of life. When I meet with you, I see you first and foremost as a human being—someone who longs to be known, loved, and seen. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore challenges, deepen self-understanding, and move toward healing and wholeness. I am passionate about helping clients build confidence, discover their strengths, and find what brings true meaning to their lives.
I specialize in helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, and low self-esteem. I enjoy working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life stages, with a particular heart for Asian Americans and children of immigrant parents. Many of my clients are navigating transitions—such as a new job, relationship, school, or loss—and the feelings of disconnection or uncertainty that often accompany these seasons. Whether you’re feeling stuck, questioning your purpose, or losing hope, I’m here to offer both empathy and clinical expertise as we navigate the path forward together.
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 under-resourced communities. I have also worked as a mobile crisis counselor providing 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
asian americans and children of immigrant parents
Growing up as a child of Asian immigrant parents, I understand the unique tensions that can arise at the intersection of cultural identity, generational expectations, and personal growth. Whether it’s navigating family dynamics, academic or career pressure, or struggling with a sense of belonging, I provide a supportive space for children of immigrant parents to explore their experiences without judgment. My work often involves helping clients unpack intergenerational wounds, better understand and express emotions, set healthy boundaries, and reclaim their identity in a way that honors both their cultural heritage and personal values.
Christian Counseling
For clients seeking a faith-based approach, I integrate biblical principles with therapeutic practices to support emotional, relational, and spiritual healing. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, grief, relational conflict, or spiritual doubt, I offer a compassionate and Christ-centered space to process pain, strengthen faith, and move toward wholeness. I respect each person’s unique journey and hold sessions that align with your faith values and level of spiritual integration.
depression, mood concerns, anxiety
I specialize in providing high-quality, evidence-based care for pre-teens, teens, college students, young adults, and adults experiencing depression and anxiety. These struggles can make life feel heavy, isolating, or hopeless—but you don’t have to face them alone. Together, we’ll work to help you reconnect with yourself, strengthen your resilience, and create a more fulfilling and meaningful life. You’ll feel supported and understood while also learning practical, actionable ways to reconnect to life again and restore balance.
life adjustment, stress, and transitions
I support clients 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 and clarity.
teens, college students, young adults
I work with teens and young adults who are navigating depression, anxiety, and the many stressors that come with life transitions—academic pressure, preparing for college, moving to a new place, starting a job, or forming new relationships. These seasons of change can often feel overwhelming, especially when faced with uncertainty or too many choices. In therapy, you’ll find a supportive space to adjust to change, develop healthy coping strategies, learn to embrace your journey, and build a life that aligns with your values and goals.
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 strive to live with gratitude and appreciation for the body I’ve been given. Caring for my physical, mental, and spiritual well-being is deeply important to me, and I love staying active through activities like volleyball, jogging, hiking, and camping. I also try to weave small moments that nurture my soul into my daily life—whether that’s cooking a meal, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones.
why I became a therapist…
I believe supporting people is my calling. I find deep purpose and fulfillment in supporting others and walking with them as they grow, heal, and move toward the fullness of their potential. My desire is to be a source of light during dark or challenging times and to approach each therapeutic relationship as a sacred privilege—an opportunity to be part of someone’s journey toward peace and wholeness.
favorite QUOTES
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
“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.”
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.”
“If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive.”
