LCSW, 17 years of experience
Hi, I’m Vanda Kim, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker based in California. I have worked in the mental health field for over 17 years. My experience includes working in medical, school, and private practice settings, where I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals through many of life’s challenges. I’m passionate about building genuine connections with people from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds and deeply value the unique stories and perspectives each person brings to therapy.
I invite you to come to our first session with an open mind and to let go of any expectations about what therapy “should” look like. This initial meeting is a chance for us to see how we connect and for you to share what brings you to counseling. You’re welcome to ask questions about me or the therapeutic process, and I’ll ask questions to better understand your experiences and goals. Together, we’ll begin creating a plan tailored to your needs and what will support you best.
I believe healing begins with genuine connection and understanding. My approach is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and collaboration, creating a safe and supportive space where you can feel truly seen and heard. Using a strength-based perspective, I help clients identify and build upon their natural resilience and inner wisdom. My goal is to offer a compassionate, flexible environment that empowers you to grow, heal, and make meaningful, lasting changes in your life.
I work primarily with adults from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Many of my clients are navigating depression, anxiety, stress, relationship and family challenges, trauma, low motivation, or self-esteem concerns. I also support individuals who are seeking greater purpose and meaning, helping them move toward deeper self-understanding, balance, and fulfillment.
My therapy style is client-centered, eclectic, and integrative, drawing from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, person-centered care, humanistic therapy, psychodynamic theory, and processing therapy. I value self-discovery, mindfulness, reflection, and authenticity, and I approach each client with empathy and a strength-based perspective. I believe that every individual has the innate capacity to heal and grow. My goal is to help deepen self-awareness, cultivate presence, and foster a more compassionate relationship with oneself. With a humanistic, client-centered focus, I emphasize empathy, authenticity, and collaboration. By using a strength-based lens, I help clients recognize and build upon their natural resilience and inner resources.