Andy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT# 90876) at Soul Restoration Project. His counseling expertise focuses on young adults and individuals. Andy is a compassionate, warm, and collaborative therapist employing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Experiential, Brainspotting, and EMDR-AIP models to bring lasting change for his clients. He believes healing and transformation is possible for every person and whether they are a seasoned veteran of psychotherapy or just “testing out the water”, all can become emotionally, mentally, and relationally healthier people.
His areas of focus include relational issues, depression and anxiety, men’s issues, self-esteem, sex and pornography addictions, LGBTQ+/sexuality issues, trauma, and Christian spirituality integration. Andy has given substance abuse presentations in his past and has taught on topics of Christianity, prayer, and spiritual formation through his past involvement with InterVarsity, USA in San Diego. He is available for speaking engagements and seminar leading on applicable topics.
Andy is also Certified in EMDR® (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which is a “highly recommended” evidence-based treatment for trauma and PTSD. He also is trained and certified in Brainspotting Therapy (BSP) in levels I, II, and III – a modality for trauma treatment developed from EMDR which employs mindfulness techniques to help with resolving trauma. He is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Not everyone is gravely affected by trauma, but it takes on many forms and some of us my find it increasingly difficult manage our own lives because of past experiences. Andy employs the latest techniques and strategies to address and assist in helping people recover from trauma so that they can begin to “breathe again” and see life through different lenses than before.
He is also a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT®) and Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist (CMAT) with a desire to help his clients break free from the effects of out-of-control sexual behaviors or pornography use. If you’d like to know more about this area of expertise please visit this page explaining more.
His clinical experience includes public and private sectors working with chronic homelessness, co-occurring disorders, adolescent eating disorders, and public high schools. Previous to his current work, he’s managed a program that collaborates with a local mental health court while supervising case managers. Currently he’s a primary therapist with a county collaborative court substance abuse program in Orange County as well as a clinician at Soul Restoration Project.
Andy is a 2nd generation Korean-American who was raised in Texas and South Korea and has since made home in San Diego and now Orange County. He understands the issues that can come from culturally-sensitive areas and strives to respect and honor the diverse backgrounds of his clients. Andy has six years of campus ministry experience while in San Diego and has worked with and mentored college students during this time. Although he’s a practicing Christian, he greatly welcomes anyone with any faith background or preference.
In his spare time, Andy is an avid foodie and explores the food scene in Orange County and LA. He also likes to catch up on new TV shows like Schitt’s Creek, finding the best Thai food or Boba spot, traveling multiple times a year, watch the latest and greatest movies at an actual theater, and is not opposed to a laughter-filled game night with friends.
————————————
Education
- MA, Marriage and Family Therapy – Bethel Seminary San Diego (Cum Laude; COAMFTE Accredited)
- BS, General Biology & Psychology minor – University of California, San Diego
Specialized Training/Certification
- Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) – International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals
- Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist (CMAT) – International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals
- EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist – EMDR Institute & EMDRIA
- Certified Brainspotting Therapist – Brainspotting, LLC
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) – International Association of Trauma Professionals
- EMDR DeTUR protocol for addictions and urge reduction
- PREPARE/ENRICH Couples Assessment Trained Facilitator
