Isabelle Kim

Qualifications & Experience

I earned my Master of Arts degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling at Regent University. As a part of my degree, I provided counseling services to several individuals, couples, and families of all different ages and backgrounds. Prior to this, I earned my Bachelors of Arts degree in Business Administration through Oral Roberts University. I am certified in SYMBIS for premarital counseling, and I am also certified in Gottman Level 1 training for couples counseling.
My past work experience includes working with high-risk students in K-12, primarily working with secondary students, working as an advocate for women and children escaping domestic violence, and working with youth groups, youth and family camps, and some of the most complex family systems, including at-risk youth.

My Call to Christian Counseling

My grandma was the first person who suggested that I consider counseling as a career. She pointed out that I am highly compassionate toward hurting families, with an emphasis on kids and youth who have divorced parents. I knew that this compassion came from having been through this experience as a kid. After seeking the Lord about pursuing this field, He confirmed that this was something He had called me to. The Lord directed me toward marriage and family counseling. He has given me a desire to be a vessel for Him to use to help heal and restore His children, in addition to serving as a preventative measure for couples in distress.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I love spending time with my family and friends, especially when gathering around good food. I also love relaxing by watching movies and TV shows, doing arts and crafts, trying new recipes, or just creating. I am a songwriter and musician. So far I have one song out, with more on the way. I sing and play bass at my local church on a weekly basis.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Abandonment and Neglect
• ADHD
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Counseling for Children
• Counseling for Teens
• Couples Counseling
• Codependency
• Depression
• Family Counseling
• Grief and Loss
• Individual Counseling
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Marriage Counseling
• Online Counseling
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Premarital Counseling
• Professional Development
• Relationship Issues
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma
• Women’s Issues

Anxiety

Anxiety can occur when you experience excessive stress. I will help you determine the source of your anxiety and partner with you to find effective ways to deal with this stress. I use several techniques and interventions that are a part of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to reframe negative thought processes that may be contributing to these anxious symptoms. God promises perfect peace to those who trust in Him and whose thoughts are fixed on Him (Isaiah 26:3). As your therapist, I will help you live in this promise.

Family Therapy and Counseling for Children and Teens

When counseling families, children, and teens, I use Structural Family Therapy. I will always conduct the intake for any of these types of counseling with the parents/guardians/couple only. I also require active parent/guardian participation for minors, because they have great influence in their children’s success (or lack thereof). I deal with familial relationships in subsystems (i.e., parent-child, parents/couple, siblings, grandparents/grandchildren, etc.), and then we will have some sessions with the family as a whole. I will help your family strengthen unity by addressing current issues, exploring family dynamics, developing healthy boundaries, teaching effective skills to help with various areas, and more.

Premarital Counseling

I use the SYMBIS (Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts) curriculum to facilitate premarital counseling for dating and engaged couples. Each partner will complete a questionnaire individually, and results will be discussed during sessions. This is to highlight strengths, red flags, and areas that need growth both within the relationship and as individuals.
Main topics discussed include personality types, communication styles, conflict resolution, finances, spiritual beliefs, and sexual intimacy. Research has proven that couples who receive and engage in premarital counseling have a greater rate of marital satisfaction, as well as a decreased rate of divorce. Proverbs 24:3-6 emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom through knowledge and wise counsel, which is vital for a healthy marriage.

Trauma

I offer a welcoming, confidential place where you can work through and release trauma at your own pace. Jesus is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). I will use several Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to help you process painful experiences move toward freedom and healing, with God’s help.

Women’s Issues

A number of internal and external challenges in life are unique to us as women. I will help you increase your self-confidence and trust in Christ as you learn to walk in the identity, power, and authority we have as daughters of the Most High King. As we work together, my hope is for you to be equipped and empowered to live the life God desires for you.

Sessions: I offer 53-minute sessions. Sessions can be held more than once per week, weekly, or every other week. Scheduling options are discussed in greater detail during your Risk-Free Initial Session.

Availability (by office location):

• Federal Way – Tuesday and Saturday
• Puyallup – Thursday and Friday
• Online (WA only)  – Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals and couples looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session, the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment, the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA), some insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out-of-Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals, and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.