Jo Kim, Ph.D., PMH-C
Specialties
anxiety
chronic illness & pain
depression
perinatal issues
postpartum issues
Education & Experience
The University of Chicago, BA
Northwestern University, Ph.D.
Postpartum Support International: Perinatal Mental Health Certification
Licensed in Colorado and Illinois
Starting therapy shouldn’t be scary or intimidating. You deserve to know what to expect from our work together. We’ll begin with a conversation to learn about what brought you here. It could be one significant loss, change, or transition, or a build-up of smaller stressors. Maybe someone else recommended therapy, or perhaps you’re not entirely sure why you’re here – and that’s okay too!
I’m not here to judge you (although I may call you out for judging yourself!) and anything is fair game to bring to our sessions. I spent two decades running a mental health crisis line, so I’ve seen and heard just about everything and I’m not easily shocked or offended. I don’t take myself too seriously, which often shows up in using humor or sarcasm with my clients. I do take our work together very seriously, though, and appreciate the courage it takes to begin – and continue – therapy.
I’m a collaborative therapist, which means I see you as the expert on your own life and an equal contributor in the process. So, we’ll identify the goals you want to accomplish and I’ll bring different tools and strategies to help you reach those goals. We’ll use more of the tools and skills that resonate for you, and less of the ones that don’t. Although trained in long-term, in-depth psychodynamic therapy, I am also experienced with brief, focused approaches to therapy including Behavioral Activation (BA) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). So don’t worry – you’re not committing to therapy for life – just until you’ve accomplished the goals that matter to you!
Together, we’ll examine how small changes in your daily activities can lead to big improvements in your mood – especially when those activities are aligned with your values – and we’ll work on building problem-solving, communication, mindfulness techniques and other skills and resources to help you through stressful times.
My primary goal is that you will emerge from our work together feeling better: empowered and confident in your ability to cope with life’s ups and downs.
Still not sure? The first step can often be the hardest. Take the first step – schedule a free 15-minute phone or telehealth consultation – and let’s talk about what the next step might look like.
Areas of Treatment
Schedule
- Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM