Kyong Yi, LCSW

The Power of Connection

Anxiety, trauma, feelings of worthlessness, depression and a host of other health and mental health challenges peel away at our ability to connect with others. It leaves us feeling alone, lost, powerless and hopeless. Studies have shown that the power of connection is an essential component to a long and meaningful life and the lack of close relationships can be as damaging as major health issues such as smoking and high blood pressure. 

It’s little wonder that when life brings us challenges, our relationships suffer. Whether relationship issues are the cause or consequence of your struggles, the pain of disconnection and isolation can be detrimental to your well-being. Through our work together, I can help you better connect to your feelings and find strength in vulnerability.  We can address past trauma(s) to lessen their hold on your life.  These are the foundations for healthy relationships and meaningful living. 

Cultivating intimacy in relationships can be scary. It requires understanding your emotions and needs and a willingness to take risks, be vulnerable, and show your authentic self. So many times, our fears and thoughts that we are not enough, we will be rejected, and that we are invisible trap us in internal suffering. It can feel like we are watching life happen around us from behind a glass window, longing to join but with no way of breaking through. 

Approach

Using evidence-based treatments such as Emotion-Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, I will partner with you to open to your feelings, let go of suffering and understand and express your needs.  We will explore what and who is most valuable in your life, and I will support you in making the small and large changes you desire. Together, we will tackle barriers as they arise and develop skills and resilience. 

Orientation: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing
Modalities: Individuals, Group

Psychedelic Safety and Integration Services 

In addition to my regular therapy practice, I also offer therapy services to individuals considering or having participated in psychedelic experiences.  If you are considering engaging in a psychedelic experience, I can help you think through the potential harms and explore your hopes and intentions.  (Please note that I do not provide or help individuals acquire psychedelic substances).  If you have had a psychedelic experience, I can help you work to integrate your experiences to support lasting and meaningful change.  I have specialized training in multiple forms of psychedelic assisted therapy including MDMA and psilocybin. I am also a research therapist on Portland Psychotherapy’s clinical trial of MDMA for Social Anxiety Disorder. 

Things I’ve Written

• Embrace Discomfort and Connect to the Meaningful Things in Your Life
• Women! – We Are More Than Our Stories
• Coping with Grief During Social Distancing