Andy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT# 90876) at Soul Restoration Project. His counseling expertise focuses on young adults and individuals with trauma, addictions, and LGBTQ+ issues. Andy is a practicing psychotherapist for over 10 years. He is a compassionate, warm, and collaborative therapist employing EMDR-AIP, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems (IFS) parts work, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and CSAT 30-Task models to bring change for his clients. He believes healing and transformation is possible for each person, whether they have been working on their issues for some time, or are just starting the journey.
His His areas of focus include Asian-American identity and issues, relational issues, depression and anxiety, men’s issues, self-esteem, sex and porn addictions, LGBTQ+/sexuality issues, complex trauma, and Christian spirituality integration.
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 Phase 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). Treating trauma can help a person move past the devastating impact past events can have– whether in the recent past or early childhood. Andy employs a variety of techniques and strategies to best address and assist in helping people recover from trauma so that they can begin to “move past their past” and bring regulation back into their emotions and nervous system. In order to stay current with trauma work and research he is an active member of EMDRIA and Brainspotting.
Andy is also an EMDR Consultant-in-Training through EMDRIA and can provide consultation to other clinicians seeking to become certified in EMDR therapy.
He is also a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT®) and Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist (CMAT) with a desire to help his clients address problematic compulsive addiction issues with sex, pornography, chemical, and other process addictions. Most of Andy’s counseling career has been devoted to addressing chemical and sex addiction and has found the extensive and continued training through IITAP to support his experience as an expert in addressing addictions. If you’d like to know more about this area of expertise please visit this page explaining more.
His previous clinical experience includes work in public high schools, outpatient substance abuse, chronic homelessness, and in-patient adolescent eating disorders. 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 collaborative court substance abuse program in Orange County as well as a clinician at Soul Restoration Project.
Andy is an LGBTQ+-affirming therapist and is a proud member and advocate in promoting wellness and healing/integration for those who find themselves on the spectrum of gender and sexuality. He is a RAE (Rainbow Advocate and Educator) through IITAP. For his clients who identify as Christian, Andy welcomes and effectively works with those on either Side A or B. He does not perform or condone any form of repairative or conversion therapy.
Andy is a 2nd generation Korean-American who lived in Texas, South Korea, San Diego, and now Orange County. His cultural background helps him to understand the unique ways culture impacts our values, our understanding of family, and our relationships with others. He’s an ESFJ and Enneagram 9. He has taught on substance abuse prevention as well as topics relating to Christianity, prayer, and spiritual formation through his past involvement with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in San Diego. Andy is a practicing Christian and attends a local church regularly. 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 SoCal. He also likes to watch movies at the theater, stroll down the aisles of Costco, vacation at new destinations several times a year, find the best boba spot, bust out of escape rooms, bargain hunt, or enjoy a laughter-filled game night with friends.
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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
- EMDR Consultant-In-Training (CIT) – EMDRIA
- Certified Brainspotting Therapist – Brainspotting, LLC
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) – International Association of Trauma Professionals
- EMDR DeTUR protocol for addictions and urge reduction
- IFS + EMDR integration training
- PREPARE/ENRICH Couples Assessment Trained Facilitator
