Jae Choi, M.A.

How I decided to be a therapist

My personal experience with existential anxiety led me to become a therapist. Those years were bitter and challenging, yet they also served as an awakening. I came to understand that the complexities of life and death, emptiness and fulfillment, and loneliness and connection are two sides of the same coin.

How I would like to help clients as a therapist

Therapy is both a science, striving for predictability, and an art, centered on individualization.

As a therapist, I discuss the potential outcomes of therapy with my clients, offering a foundation of reliability and trust. My role includes fostering their sense of agency and resilience and enabling them to embrace change. Through a scientific approach, I aim to be a dependable guide on their journey.

Therapy is also an art. My clinical experience has shown me that every individual is unique, requiring a tailored approach. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. Instead, I provide my clients with a palette, empowering them to color their perspectives in their own way. In therapy, I walk alongside them as they paint their lives with hope and possibility for change.

What my theoretical orientation is as a therapist

In my therapy, I employ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness techniques. These approaches help my clients gain a clearer understanding of their therapeutic journey and anticipate its trajectory.