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 a firsthand understanding and pattern fluency of how constant cognitive demand, pressure to perform, and limited mental rest impact mood, relationships, and overall well-being.
I’ve seen how having psychological safety and a secure space to slow down, organize racing thoughts, and reduce mental noise can create clarity and restore a sense of agency. I’ve also witnessed how practical, sustainable stress-management strategies—when integrated into daily routines—can lead to meaningful mental and physical relief over time.
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!
Therapy for Professionals, Women, & Couples in Los Angeles
My Approach:
I know therapy can feel intimidating, especially if this is your first time seeking support. I take a warm but direct approach — blending therapy with coaching — so you not only process your emotions but also walk away with practical steps you can apply right away. I integrate evidence-based methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral couples therapy, while tailoring every session to your unique needs.
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. No two clients are the same, 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 that feels hard to shut off. 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.