Jacky Kim, CSWA
Independent Contractor Therapist
“Every happiness is the child of a separation it did not think it could survive.” - Rainer Maria Rilke
Hi everyone, I’m Jacky Jaeok Kim, and my Korean name translates to “pearl of wisdom” in my native tongue. I’m also a first-generation Korean immigrant, a proud dog mom, an insatiable polymath, a spacefaring-hopeful technology advocate, an avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast, and generally a person of many facets like yourself with a lifetime’s worth of stories under my belt. As a formerly undocumented Dreamer and SA advocate, I carry a deep understanding of resilience and hope with me in everything I do.
I am a Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) in Oregon (also registered to practice in Washington and Illinois) with 11 years of experience in the mental health field and community-based work. My journey began advocating for the civil rights and safety of individuals in the criminal justice system with Orleans Public Defenders. From there, I expanded my work to serve diverse populations in juvenile justice, education, and reproductive justice, among many others.
A formative experience in my career was a summer spent fly-fishing and working alongside grizzlies in Katmai National Park, where I surrendered in complete reverence to Mother Nature and the remoteness of the Alaskan wilderness. This eventually led me to the Yukon-Kuskokwim region of Western Alaska upon receiving my MSW, where I worked as an itinerant social worker among the Yup’ik population. This experience deepened my respect for the indigenous way of life and reinforced my life’s commitment to providing meaningful, excellent patient care and therapy in rural communities.
Over the years, my experiences working with people from all walks of life have cultivated my ability to connect with others on a deeply empathetic level. I view life’s challenges through a multidimensional lens, appreciating the complexity of each person’s story.
I specialize in:
Anxiety
Depression
Grief and Loss
Self-esteem Issues
Workplace Stress
Childhood Trauma
Relationship Issues
Life Transitions
My therapeutic approach is psychodynamic, integrating evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - paired with somatic awareness practices when appropriate. I specialize in navigating through life’s challenges - including PTSD, anxiety, depression, interpersonal struggles dealing with problems in the workplace, academics, family dynamics, cultural or religious identity, intergenerational trauma, and more.
I am committed to supporting you in a way that honors your unique identity and lived experience as a culturally-responsive practitioner. I look forward to walking alongside you on your healing journey, offering a space of love, acceptance, empowerment, and the shared commitment to growth and change.
Education:
University of California San Diego, CA - Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning and Visual Arts
Southern University in Louisiana - Master in Social Work
Supervisor: Angelica Amaya, LCSW, LICSW, OR License No. L5353, WA License No. LW60856163
