As a surfer, I’ve learned that you can’t always predict the waves that come your way. Life has its waves, too — moments when things feel easy and flowing, and others when you’re barely treading water. These moments can leave us questioning who we are, what we need, and where we’re going next. I believe they can also be opportunities to better understand ourselves and grow. If you’ve found yourself here, seeking support is already a meaningful step in that direction.
I love working with children, adolescents, and adults navigating challenges that can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves. I also provide psychological assessment to clarify diagnoses, better understand strengths and needs, and guide treatment. I provide therapy in both English and Korean and welcome clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. My approach is evidence-based and responsive to the person sitting in front of me. Together, we’ll work toward a deeper understanding of your experiences and what may be getting in the way of living a life aligned with your values, strengths, and sense of self.
More than anything, I want therapy to be a place where you can bring your whole self. Sometimes that means building new skills and making changes; other times, it means slowing down and making space for the parts of yourself that may feel difficult to understand or accept. Wherever you are in your journey, I hope to offer a space where you can approach yourself with greater curiosity, compassion, and understanding.
Out in the ocean, there are days when the waves don’t cooperate and days when you surprise yourself with what you’re capable of. Either way, you learn to stay present, adapt, and try again. You may not be able to choose the waves, but you don’t have to navigate them alone.
Dawn is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, #36877
WORKS WITH
Children (5-12)
Adolescents (13-18)
Adults (18+)
SPECIALTY AREAS
Anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, life transitions, cross-cultural adjustment.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
EXPERIENCE
More than 8 years of experience at academic medical centers, community mental health centers, and outpatient clinics. Completed internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology – University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (APA-Accredited)
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology – Korea University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology - University of California, Los Angeles