Hello! I'm Kim Hyam (she/her), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Oregon. I see individuals (ages 17+) for both telehealth and in-person sessions at our Beaverton office. My practice is focused on individual psychotherapy, with a tendency towards insight-oriented practices working with people dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, life transitions. Over the course of my career, I have witnessed the human potential and resiliency despite overwhelming odds. This experience has lead to me being influenced, personally and professionally, by the adults, children, and families I’ve known. Their vulnerability, resourcefulness, courage, and desire for connection move me.

Are you a good clinical fit?

Clients who come to me for therapy might be feeling a wide array of potentially conflicting emotions. They may be facing a clear and immediate life event, or a more gradual life transition. For others, it may feel more ambiguous and harder to put a finger on. I tend to be a good fit for someone who wants to better understand themselves and other people in their lives. Initial questions might be, “Why do I feel so stuck?” “Why can’t I open up?” “Why do I feel so anxious?” Together we develop a conversation centered on understanding what may be interfering with enjoying a sense of meaning in your life. I will share my thoughts about what is troubling you and check in with you to see if I am on track. By meeting regularly, therapy offers a dynamic conversation that fosters introspection and self-understanding. By familiarizing yourself with your emotional terrain, you will gain greater confidence in your capacity to navigate relationships and the unavoidable bumps and bruises of life. Therapy provides a chance to take back control of your future, or to find a way to accept things as they are.

My Approach

I tend to have a psychodynamic and relational style. This means I work together with clients to help them gain further self-understanding, simultaneously relieving symptoms. I also consider myself a generalist, utilizing various psychotherapeutic, educational or supportive approaches that best fit your needs. If I am not specialized in something that comes up for you, I will most likely engage in learning more about it with you. Generally, I might include cognitive behavioral therapy, stress management, dialectical behavioral therapy, self care, safety, sleep hygiene, conflict resolution, mindfulness, and exposure of avoidance concerns, to name a few. I work best with someone who prefers to work collaboratively with their therapist versus a preference towards a therapist-lead skills or education based relationship. At times a family member can be included in individual therapy, as appropriate, and for a limited time if this fits the goals of the individual.

I have a background working with youth in psychiatric care and who have co-occurring mental health and substance use issues. This work included collaborative problem solving, parenting attachment, and non-violent communication, as well as psychoeducation with teens. Over a decade ago, I shifted towards therapy practices with adults of all ages, which has been a great joy. I feel that my own ongoing development is vital to helping others. I want to help you explore, learn, grow, connect with loved ones, and get through difficult times. Therapy, in my opinion, can be beneficial when we're feeling hurt, dissatisfied, and lost.

I look forward to working with you!