When life stressors become overwhelming, we typically turn to familiar ways of coping.  We can become stuck in a cycle, almost as though we are playing a scene on repeat.  It takes self-awareness and courage to interrupt this cycle, and I commend you for taking the initial step toward meaningful change.  Since 2017, I have supported adult and adolescent individuals as they develop greater understanding of themselves and their relationships, and discover a new direction in their lives. 

People often question whether their struggles are significant enough to seek support.  From my experience, if the issue is causing distress or interfering with your goals and values, it is worth exploring.  In therapy, I work with those who are struggling with a variety of negative emotional experiences, such as anxiety, depression, shame/guilt, fear, or anger. I have specific interests and training in working with people who struggle with disordered eating, weight, and/or body image concerns, as well as those who are experiencing the challenges of integrating their cultural identity. In addition, I provide help to those who are struggling with the effects of interpersonal trauma (i.e., emotional, physical, or sexual abuse), family and/or relationship issues, emotion regulation difficulties, adjustment concerns, loss and grief, stress/burnout, and self-esteem concerns. In therapy, we will explore how these challenges impact your relationships, daily functioning, and mental health. My clinical work is inclusive of all sociocultural identity groups.

My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy and warmth, with the goal of understanding your specific difficulties – how they developed, how they are maintained, and how they can be changed.  From this understanding, we will work collaboratively over the course of therapy to ensure we meet your specific needs.  I regularly integrate from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including emotion-focused, behavioural, psychodynamic, cognitive, and mindfulness-based therapies.  I strive to be a therapist who is educated in a range of therapies supported by research, and who can flexibly apply this knowledge to best meet the unique needs of each individual.  Above all, I see therapy as a person-to-person interaction, one that requires a sense of safety, respect, and trust to explore difficult experiences. 

I completed my Ph.D. in Adult Clinical Psychology at the University of Windsor, and my pre-doctoral residency at the Edmonton Consortium. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings providing both therapy and assessment services to adult and adolescent individuals, including the University Hospital of Alberta, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa Association, and the University of Windsor’s Psychological Services and Research Centre.  

I value continued learning for my ongoing professional development.  Participating regularly in training workshops allows me to remain informed on the latest evidence-based theories related to my clinical work. Further, I have enjoyed facilitating workshops on various topics related to mental health, including Healthy Relationships, Emotion Regulation, and Basic Counselling Skills.  In addition to my clinical work, I have enjoyed academic pursuits. I have served as a peer-reviewer for a Canadian journal, published academic articles in peer-reviewed journals, and presented at national and international academic conferences.  Below are selected publications:

Pascual-Leone, A., Kim, J., & Morrison, O-P. (2016). Working with victims of human trafficking. 
Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 1-9.


Kim, J., & Jarry, J. L. (2014). Holding fat stereotypes is associated with lower body dissatisfaction in 
normal weight Caucasian women who engage in body surveillance. Body Image, 11, 331-336. 


I am a registered member of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario. I am also a member of the Canadian Psychological Association and the Academy for Eating Disorders.