Individual Psychotherapy in Pyeongtaek
In-person therapy in English and Korean, with online appointments available within South Korea.
You may know exactly what you want help with, or you may simply feel that daily life has become harder than it used to be. Therapy can begin with either. We take time to understand what is happening, how it affects you, and what you would like to change.
I’m Dr. Minsu Kim, a U.S.-licensed clinical psychologist. At PACE Psychology, I work with you to understand your concerns and choose realistic steps toward a life that feels more manageable and consistent with your values.
Understanding before deciding what comes next
I begin by listening closely to your experiences rather than rushing toward a conclusion. We explore what has been difficult, when it started, what you have already tried, and what has helped. Your history and current circumstances give meaning to the symptoms or patterns that brought you here.
Careful questions help us look at a situation from more than one perspective. We may examine an assumption, reconsider the meaning of an experience, or distinguish what is within your influence from what is outside your control. The aim is to develop an understanding that you can use in your own life.
I work with a range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns described in PACE’s areas of clinical focus. We consider your particular needs and whether outpatient psychotherapy is an appropriate fit.
Working toward change in everyday life
The goals of therapy include improving daily, social, occupational, or academic functioning. We make those goals concrete by asking what you want to be able to do, what is getting in the way, and what a meaningful step forward would look like for you.
Daily routines and responsibilities
You might want to follow a manageable routine, begin tasks that you tend to avoid, or respond to strong emotions without losing the rest of the day. We can work on understanding the pattern and practicing a response that fits the situation.
Relationships and social life
You may want to communicate your needs, set boundaries, approach a difficult conversation, or participate more comfortably in social situations. We explore both your own responses and the context of your relationships.
Work and academic participation
Goals may include managing performance-related anxiety, staying engaged with tasks, coping with setbacks, or following through on responsibilities. When attention and organization are a central concern, the ADHD therapy page offers more detail about that work.
We choose realistic steps together and review what happens when you try them. Your experience helps us decide what to continue, adapt, or look at more closely.
Your context belongs in the conversation
Language, culture, family expectations, relationships, and experiences at work or school can all shape what a difficulty means to you. I pay attention to these factors rather than assuming that the same explanation or solution will fit everyone.
We can talk in English or Korean. If a word, question, or interpretation does not capture your experience, you can tell me. You are welcome to correct my understanding, explain what I have missed, or say when an approach does not feel useful.
You do not need to be ready to share everything at once. We can discuss what makes it difficult to speak openly and find a way for you to participate in the work. Your perspective remains part of how we understand the concern and choose the next step.
Evidence-based approaches, chosen with you
My main approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), skills and techniques from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). I select and adapt the work according to your concerns, goals, and response to treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps us examine the connections among thoughts, emotions, and behavior. I use methods such as reframing and Socratic questioning: careful questions that help you examine an assumption, consider another explanation, and decide how to respond. We may also practice refocusing attention or changing a pattern that keeps a difficulty going.
DBT skills in individual therapy
When emotions feel intense or difficult to regulate, I may draw on DBT skills and techniques. DBT offers ways to build awareness, tolerate distress, regulate emotions, and navigate interpersonal situations. In individual sessions, we choose skills relevant to the difficulties you are facing.
I may use worksheets or structured materials to make a skill easier to understand and practice. We connect that practice to situations in your own life, such as responding during conflict or managing an overwhelming emotional reaction.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT focuses on psychological flexibility: making room for difficult thoughts and feelings while choosing actions guided by what matters to you. We may explore how self-criticism, avoidance, or efforts to control uncomfortable experiences affect your choices. This approach can also support your willingness to engage in therapy when opening up feels difficult.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD
CPT is a structured, trauma-focused form of cognitive behavioral therapy used for PTSD. It helps people examine how a traumatic experience has affected their beliefs about themselves, other people, and the world. When appropriate, I use CPT to work with trauma-related meanings and patterns that may be affecting current life.
You do not need to choose a therapy method before reaching out. We can discuss why an approach may be useful, what the work would involve, and how it fits the changes you hope to make.
What to expect when getting started
1. An initial conversation
You can start by asking about an initial consultation to discuss what you are looking for, your preferred language, and whether an in-person or online appointment may fit. This is also a chance to ask questions before arranging an intake.
2. An intake and diagnostic interview
New therapy clients begin with a 60–90 minute intake and diagnostic interview. We explore your current concerns, relevant history, strengths, and previous care. This helps us consider your treatment needs and whether PACE is a suitable fit.
3. A plan we consider together
We discuss priorities, possible approaches, and appropriate next steps. A comprehensive psychological evaluation is not automatically required before therapy. If testing would help answer a specific question, we can discuss that separately.
Please keep sensitive clinical details out of general email or website inquiries. Ask how to provide relevant records or information securely.
Questions about individual psychotherapy
Do I need a diagnosis before contacting you?
No. You can reach out with questions or concerns even if you are unsure what to call them. The intake provides an opportunity to discuss what you are experiencing and consider what kind of help may be appropriate.
Will we review whether the approach is helping?
Your feedback is part of the work. We can discuss changes you notice, difficulties that remain, and whether the goals or approach need adjusting. You can also ask questions or tell me when something does not fit your experience.
Can I attend online?
Psychotherapy is available in person in Pyeongtaek or online within South Korea. We confirm whether the format is appropriate for your needs when arranging care.
Can I use insurance for individual psychotherapy at PACE?
You’re welcome to start with an initial consultation, even if you are unsure about your insurance. We can then review your plan’s coverage for outpatient psychotherapy, referral or prior-authorization requirements, and expected costs. With your permission, we can contact your insurer to clarify the arrangements. Coverage and reimbursement depend on your policy and the proposed care; direct billing is not currently confirmed with any insurer.
Do you offer psychotherapy in English and Korean in Pyeongtaek?
Yes. Dr. Minsu Kim provides individual psychotherapy in English and Korean at PACE Psychology in Pyeongtaek. You can share your preferred language when you inquire. Language, culture, family expectations, and your experiences in South Korea can be part of the conversation.
Can psychotherapy help with difficulties at work, school, or in relationships?
These can be important goals in individual psychotherapy. We look at how emotional or behavioral concerns affect daily life and work together on practical changes, such as managing intense emotions, approaching avoided tasks, communicating needs, or setting boundaries. The intake helps us understand the concerns behind these difficulties and whether outpatient psychotherapy fits your needs.
What happens at the first psychotherapy appointment?
New therapy clients begin with a 60–90 minute intake and diagnostic interview. We discuss your current concerns, relevant history, strengths, and previous care, then consider treatment priorities and next steps together. You do not need to choose CBT, DBT skills, ACT, or CPT before reaching out. A comprehensive psychological evaluation is not automatically required to begin therapy.
Appointments, fees, and next steps
Individual psychotherapy sessions are 60 minutes, listed at US$300 / ₩400,000. The initial 60–90 minute intake and diagnostic interview is US$385. Please confirm the applicable fee when arranging your appointment.
Insurance eligibility and reimbursement depend on your plan and the service. Direct billing is not currently confirmed with any insurer. Please review the billing information and check your plan’s requirements before assuming care will be covered.
If you are considering therapy, you can begin with a brief question about what you need. We can discuss the next step without requiring you to arrive with a diagnosis or a fully formed plan.