Hello
Samuel is unique in the Asian mental health space having explored and navigated healing and self-actualization for over 20 years. With a focus on authenticity and a deep understanding of the unique challenges Asian-Americans face (identity, belonging, intergenerational trauma, stereotypes), Samuel provides a safe and empowering space for clients to not just learn but truly heal.
Read more about Samuel's unique approach and story.
Samuel's Story
Samuel is a second-generation Korean American, born in the States to immigrant parents. During his early years, he experienced significant mental health issues, and coped through drugs and even gang activities (the only outlets for men where he lived). But unlike his surroundings, Samuel had an introspective nature and analytical mind which drew him to the field of psychology after taking his first class in high school.
Without much direction, Samuel pursued psychology in college, and had his first "awakening experience" his freshman year. His life turned around, and he developed a surefire thirst for knowledge and truth. He left his previous lifestyle now on a pursuit to understand himself.
He first began his search for truth in neuroscience, studying and working as a cognitive neuroscience student and researcher at the University of Washington (which was the #1 ranked clinical psychology school at the time). But after discovering meditation, he realized science wouldn't have the answers he was seeking, and he began taking an "inner" journey which saw him apply for a Master's program in counseling at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS).
CIIS is a school renowned for its emphasis on holistic mental health and the body-mind-spirit connection. Through CIIS's unique, experiential curriculum, Samuel had his second major "awakening" which opened him up to his true, authentic self.
Over the subsequent decade, Samuel worked as a psychotherapist in traditional mental health settings while diving deep into self-realization and transformational practices. Through explorations in meditation, somatic and energetic practices, relational therapy and his own heritage's traditions of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and Korean Shamanism, he underwent a radical shift in consciousness that opened him up to a new way of approaching his work and life.
After 7 years working in traditional mental health, Samuel left his therapy career and became a coach to make the experience of healing more accessible to a wider audience. Having learned Western therapeutic models AND Eastern spiritual practices, Samuel saw a need for his education, training and experience in the Asian community and chose to direct his focus there.
Presently, Samuel focuses on teaching and working closely with the Asian community as a therapist, coach and men's work facilitator. In contrast to traditional mental health paradigms centered on symptom management and diagnostic labels, his approach centers on fostering authentic & connection, providing education, and empowering individuals towards practical change. Over the past few years, Samuel has seen the power his healing approach has on AAPI folks, which sparked a renewed sense of purpose in his work.