Jennifer Kim, LMFT

Hi! No well thought out and edited caption here. Just, hi

I lost my dad on 08.08.2020suddenly, unexpectedly, and overseas. And my entire world shattered into a million pieces. . My husband made up this perfect word that captures my strongest grief experience lately: ANGRIEF. . I feel so much angriefI’m angry at the world. I’m angry that COVID kept me from being able to jump on a plane to go be with my dad. I’m angry that COVID prevents us from having a proper memorial service. I’m angry that there are so many people in the world e...xperiencing grief far greater than mine because of racism and senseless police brutality. I am overwhelmed with grief. . BUT as the waves of angrief crash over me, during the moments of calm, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. I am so grateful for those around me who have shown up for me in ways I didn’t even know I needed. I’m grateful for my clients who have graciously given me the time and space to grieve. I’m grateful for my dad’s legacy and all the memories I will carry with me. . So as I allow the angrief to ebb and flow, I will continue to ground myself in gratitude and become more deeply rooted in humanness, empathy, and grace. . If you’re feeling angrief, know that you’re not alone, of course you’re angrieving, and it’s ok. We will be ok. I will hold onto the hope that feels lost for you until you are ready. See more

My favorite hobby is sleeping. My second favorite hobby is doing nothing (third fav is reading ). Safe to say I am PRO-rest. . Take the break you need. Rest up and take good care of yourself so that you can continue to show up to do all the things that you do. . Remember the oxygen mask theory: gotta put yours on before you help others. Or else both parties will pass out and die ... . *Disclaimer: there are some things that you absolutely are allowed to quit. This is not about those toxic things. Please quit those things. See more

Every single couple.

I loved learning about Langston Hughes and his work in college. I loved teaching Langston Hughes’ poems to my high schoolers. I hope people are reading these poems right now. . It’s crazy how relevant his words are WRITTEN ALMOST A CENTURY AGO!!! Seriously? Seriously. @ Orange County, California

All this I should’ve... and maybe if I had... and or I could’ve... is a trap y’all! . You are a different person today than you were yesterday. You are ever changing, and always taking in new information. That’s why hindsight is 20/20because you know what to look for and you’re better equipped to find it. . Do you find yourself full of regret? Blaming yourself, feeling guilty and ashamed?... . Acknowledge this and show yourself some grace. Make space for self-compassion. See more

Kona misses being a therapy dog and visiting with patients at the hospital. These days, she always has to pop her head into view during video sessions to say hi to my clients. One of my favorite ways to start and end sessions is having Kona and my clients’ pets wave hi and bye to each other

I say it’s not either-or, it’s both-and so much that my clients have started to roll their eyes when I start + But it’s so important to challenge our black-and-white, all-or-nothing thinking because it’s a trap!! + Challenging our polarized thoughts can help us feel more balanced and cultivate more empathy (for others and for ourselves).... + So the next time you notice yourself thinking black or white, find the gray. See more

There’s something special about walking in nature. Maybe it’s being surrounded by all the life, or maybe it’s the experience of something grander outside yourself. Put your phone away and really pay attention to all your senses. Look at how the trees sway in the wind. Listen to the birds chirping. Smell the fresh cut grass. Feel the firm ground beneath your feet. As the weather warms here in sunny California, I am so excited to start up my walk and talk sessions again. It is amazing how quickly I see the change in mood for both my clients and myself. Walking definitely gets those endorphins going, and the action of moving forward really helps clients make some amazing progress!

https://themighty.com//unexpected-flight-flight-freeze-f/

I just love a good rhyme! Goes hand in hand with my previous post (you gotta feel in order to heal) Ain’t that the truth!

Look how official we are with all these badges! Kona is so excited to bring comfort to all the people she visits#therapistandtherapydog @ Orange County, California