Meet Dayae Kim, LMFT
I’m Dayae Kim, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #142178) based in Los Angeles.
I’m a Korean-American therapist living in Los Angeles, and I know what it’s like to feel the pressure of trying to do it all. Through my own therapy journey, I learned how to let go of unhelpful coping habits, take better care of myself, and show up more fully in my relationships. That experience is what inspires the work I do with my clients today.
My work with creatives, entrepreneurs, and executive leaders is informed by both my clinical training and my personal relationships that provide insight into the realities of high-performance environments. Having a partner and a family member in executive and creative roles has given me firsthand understanding and pattern fluency in how constant cognitive demand, pressure to perform, and limited mental rest affect mood, relationships, and overall well-being.
This perspective shapes my clinical approach: one that respects ambition and creativity while helping clients regulate their nervous system, interrupt unhelpful thought patterns, increase self-esteem, and create space to lead and create without operating in constant overdrive.
Outside of my practice, I love listening to music or a podcast, baking (and sharing with anyone who will take a treat!), traveling, and sneaking in early morning walks before the day gets busy. I am also a proud dog mom to my mini schnauzer, Teddy, who is sometimes with me in sessions!
Therapist for Entrepreneurs, Couples, & College Students in Los Angeles & California
My Approach:
Therapy with me is warm, collaborative, and practical. Together, we explore what’s keeping you stuck, how patterns show up in your life, and what tools work best for your goals.
I blend evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with strengths-focused approaches to help you gain insight and take actionable steps forward. Whether you’re coming individually or as a couple, therapy becomes a space to slow down, reflect, and create meaningful change.
Many of my clients come to me with questions like:
“Why am I always anxious, even when I’m successful?”
“How can I manage stress without burning out?”
“Why do I feel stuck during big life transitions?”
“How do we rebuild connection and communication in our relationship?”
Together, we’ll work through these challenges, uncover patterns that keep you stuck, and build healthier ways of coping, relating, and thriving.
Presenting Issues:
Late-identified or high-functioning ADHD
Obsessive-compulsive tendencies or rigid thought patterns
Perfectionism and performance-based self-worth
Burnout and chronic mental fatigue
High-functioning anxiety
My Therapy Approach
I use an integrative, evidence-based approach that combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gestalt Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and Strength-Based Therapy to support your unique needs. All clients are unique, so I adapt my style to meet you where you are while providing both compassion and direct, actionable guidance.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Many of my clients struggle with stress, anxiety, or negative self-talk. With CBT, I help you identify and challenge cognitive distortions and irrational thoughts that keep you stuck. Together, we’ll practice shifting these patterns, improving emotional regulation, and creating healthier coping strategies that lead to lasting change.
Gestalt Therapy:
Gestalt Therapy focuses on increasing awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in the present moment. This approach emphasizes the mind-body connection and how unfinished experiences from the past may influence your current struggles. By bringing these patterns into awareness, you can better understand yourself, shift unhelpful dynamics, and feel more grounded in your daily life.
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT):
Sometimes, when life feels overwhelming, it helps to focus on concrete next steps. With SFT, we’ll set clear, achievable goals and map out actionable strategies to move you forward. Clients often appreciate the clarity, direction, and momentum this approach brings.
Strength-Based Therapy:
Even when it feels difficult to recognize your strengths, I believe they are there — and I’ll help you find and harness them. By building on what’s already working in your life, you’ll develop confidence, trust in yourself, and a stronger sense of identity.
Additional Training:
I’m also trained and certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Gottman Method Level 1 for couples therapy. These research-backed methods provide powerful tools for addressing trauma, conflict, and intimacy concerns in relationships.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re ready to find calm, clarity, and connection, I’d be honored to support you. I offer online sessions for clients across Los Angeles and California.