Yeji Son, PhD, LMHCA
Clinical Counselor, Postdoctoral Fellow
(Pronouns: she/they)
In-Network Insurance
- Kaiser PPO/First Choice
- Kaiser HMO with Pre-authorization
- Premera/Lifewise
- most BCBS plans
Contact information
A Bit About Me
Hi there! I’m Yeji. In 2016, I flew thousands of miles from Pohang, a beautiful coastal city in South Korea, to the United States. My journey was driven by a deep desire to study the human mind and learn how to heal emotional wounds, fulfilling a childhood calling to help unheard people be heard.
Throughout my experience as an international student, one of my most significant realizations has been that our experiences are shaped by our identities. When I moved from South Korea to the U.S., my identity shifted drastically—from being part of the ethnic majority to a minority, from a citizen to a temporary resident, and from a native speaker to a non-native speaker. Now, as a first-generation Korean therapist, I’ve personally experienced the complexities of cultural adjustment. I strive to help my clients navigate different cultures and languages, with a deep understanding of the nuances of cultural identity and its impact on mental health.
I have experience working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, perfectionism, and identity concerns. Many of my clients are navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, or cultural adjustment issues. I particularly enjoy working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants, international students, first-generation professionals, and those grappling with the intersections of their cultural identities.
If you’re reading this, you might be going through a difficult time. Perhaps you’ve felt inadequate or even broken. You might be struggling with perfectionism, comparing yourself to others, or feeling a sense of inferiority. You may feel unworthy of recognition or love simply because of who you are. I want you to know that you’re not alone. I understand how painful that feeling can be. I’m sorry if you’ve been made to feel that way—because it’s simply not true. You have always been enough, just as the trees and waves are whole and complete in their existence.
Through my personal and professional experiences, I’ve learned how to better process and manage emotional pain, develop self-compassion, and live a more balanced life. If you allow me, it will be my honor to be part of your journey. I want to help you find peace and calm within yourself, with more ease and tools than I had growing up.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my partner and our adorable orange cat. I love being in nature, savoring good food, drinking tea, listening to music, and dancing. My main form of self-care involves cleansing both physically and spiritually—whether through showers or meditation.
When you meet me in therapy, you’ll find my style to be warm, open, and transparent. I believe—both personally and based on research—that a strong therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in achieving positive outcomes in therapy. Therapy is a space to share stories that may evoke feelings of shame or vulnerability, and I understand that without trust and safety, it can be difficult to open up. There’s no need to rush or feel forced to open up or trust. My goal is to help you feel truly heard and understood throughout our work together.
However, creating a safe space doesn’t mean avoiding challenges. I’ll encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, as trying new things and having new experiences can be key to healing. Stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t always mean changing your actions; sometimes it’s about changing how you speak to yourself. I understand that change can often feel more scary than exciting, but I’ll be here to support you, offering motivation and encouragement as you build the courage to make meaningful shifts in your life.
My primary therapeutic orientation is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), complemented by additional training in Gestalt therapy, psychodrama, and trauma-informed care. I take a holistic approach to therapy, addressing the mind, body, and soul. While unhealthy patterns can manifest in various ways, healthy habits often include getting good sleep, eating well, practicing gratitude, and cultivating psychological flexibility—a state where the mind feels free. The ultimate goal of therapy is to help you achieve balanced well-being in your mind, body, and soul.
In our work together, we’ll clarify where you are now, where you’ve come from, and where you’re headed. I’ll help you examine your internal beliefs with honesty and transparency, giving you the opportunity to recognize patterns that may be contributing to your struggles. We’ll revisit your past to better understand how it informs your present. Through mindfulness, you’ll develop the ability to observe your beliefs and experiences without being triggered, calming your racing thoughts and gaining clarity in your present life.
While fostering acceptance of where you are, we’ll also explore where you want to go. Together, we’ll clarify the values that matter most to you. There is no hierarchy in values, and I deeply respect whatever path you choose. Along with that respect, I hope you come to see yourself as someone worth knowing and that life is, indeed, worth living.
University of Iowa
PhD in Counseling Psychology (2024)
MA in Educational Measurement and Statistics (2024)
University of Denver
MA in Counseling Psychology (2018)
Handong Global University
Dual Degree in Psychology and Korean Law (2016)
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA
Pre-doctoral Intern Counselor
August 2023 – August 2024
Student Health and Wellness Center, Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA
Practicum Counselor
August 2022 – May 2023
Women’s Resource & Action Center, University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Practicum Counselor
August 2021 – June 2022
Pomerantz Career Center, University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Practicum Counselor
August 2020 – May 2021
Project H.O.P.E, University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Graduate Assistant
August 2018 – Present
University Counseling Service, University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Practicum Counselor
August 2019 – May 2020
Salvation Army Harbor Light
Denver, CO
Intern Counselor
August 2017 – May 2018
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
Denver, CO
Practicum Counselor
January 2017 – June 2017
Simei Rehabilitation Care Centre
Semei, Singapore
Intern Counselor
December 2013 – February 2014
Coaching Company Paul & Mark
Seoul, Korea
Facilitator / Assistant Career Coach
October 2014 – June 2015
Areas of Expertise
- Asian international and Asian American mental health
- Bicultural adjustment and homesickness
- Complex PTSD
- Family of origin concerns
- Perfectionism
- Lack of fulfillment or satisfaction in life
- Suicidality and existential crises
- Difficulty with focus and distraction
- Persistent worry about the future
- Trust and commitment issues
- Emotional triggers and conflicts in intimate or close relationships
- Confucianism, Buddhism, and personal spiritual practices
I adhere to the ethical code as established by the American Psychological Association, and the professional standards as described in the Washington State Psychology Licensing Laws (RCW 18.83, 18.130, and WAC 308-122). If you have any concerns about the treatment you receive, please feel free to discuss them with me. If I fail to respond to your satisfaction, you have the right to register a complaint with the Department of Health, Washington State Examining Board of Psychology, PO Box 47868, Olympia, WA 98504, (253) 753-2147. You may also register a complaint to the Ethics Committee of the Washington State Psychological Association at (206) 363-9772.