Therapy with Dr. Mijin Kim, 111 N. Central Park Avenue, Hartsdale, NY (2025)

07/08/2025

The hidden cost of perfectionism:

Perfectionism often wears a convincing mask: ambition, reliability, attention to detail, certainty
But beneath it, there is often fear of failure, of judgment, of not being enough, of being out of control..

Perfectionism doesn’t ask you to try your best. It demands you never make a mistake. It’s a survival strategy: a way to feel safe by being in control.
Yet it can quietly erode your well-being, fueling anxiety, self-doubt, burnout, and emotional exhaustion.

Healing from perfectionism isn’t about giving up excellence. It’s about unhooking your worth from your performance.
It’s learning to rest without guilt, to allow imperfection without shame, to meet yourself with the same compassion you offer others, and to be present with your experience rather than controlling it

Resources for exploring perfectionism:
https://westchesternytherapy.com/perfectionism/

06/04/2025

Addiction isn’t a moral failure.

Addiction is often framed as a matter of willpower, but for many, it’s a response to pain. A way to escape, to silence the noise, to survive when emotions or memories feel overwhelming.

Addiction often serves as a surrogate form of permission, offering a fleeting sense of freedom, vitality, or emotional expression when someone feels otherwise constrained, numb, or internally silenced.

Substances or addictive behaviors can become a form of self-regulation when safer tools aren’t available. And over time, what once offered relief may lead to shame, disconnection, and even deeper suffering.

True recovery isn’t just about abstinence. It’s about understanding what the behavior was trying to soothe. It’s about finding new ways to feel, cope, and connect—without abandoning yourself in the process.

Supportive resources:
https://westchesternytherapy.com/addiction

03/29/2025

Some people describe trauma as a before-and-after moment. Life is marked by what came before the event—and everything that came after.

However, healing from trauma and regaining resilience is not always a linear process of leaving the past behind and returning to who you once were.

Trauma has a way of becoming embedded in both the body and the mind. It lingers not only in memories but in the nervous system—in muscle tension, shallow breath, and reflexive flinches. It echoes in patterns of hyper-vigilance, avoidance, or emotional numbing. Long after the event, familiar sounds, smells, or situations can unexpectedly jolt the body into a fight-or-flight state, as if the trauma were happening all over again.

Resilience, then, is not simply about moving forward—it is about moving “through”. It is the slow, often messy process of reclaiming lost parts of yourself. It requires learning to recognize the invisible imprints of trauma and gently loosening their grip. It is in these moments of rediscovery—when you find safety in your own skin, a voice for emotions long silenced, or the capacity to hold both grief and hope—that intrinsic sense of resilience is restored.

True resilience is not about returning to the person you were *before* the trauma. It is about becoming someone new—someone not defined by adversity but transformed through it. It is the gradual emergence of a self that honors the wounds without being bound by them, creating a deeper, more compassionate relationship with yourself.

Healing from trauma is not a return—it is a becoming.

Resources for support:

https://westchesternytherapy.com/

https://nyprojecthope.org/ (emotional support for NY residents dealing with trauma)

https://www.nyspcc.org/programs/trauma-recovery-program/ (NY Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children – trauma recovery services)

https://samaritansnyc.org/crisis-services/(NYC-based emotional support and crisis hotline)

02/20/2025

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health—especially when it comes to making responsible choices. Struggles with substance use can often be linked to underlying mental health concerns, stress, or emotional challenges. If you or someone you know has been arrested for a DWI, it’s essential to take a step back and assess not just the legal requirements but also the bigger picture of well-being.

A professional substance abuse evaluation can help identify any concerns, provide clarity, and guide you toward the right support. Prioritizing mental health isn’t just about meeting obligations—it’s about making lasting changes that lead to better decision-making and a healthier future.

Learn more about comprehensive DWI evaluations here: https://lioasasevals.com/contact/

02/02/2025

For many, pain isn’t just a memory—it’s a presence. A quiet weight carried through the day, woven into the fabric of their thoughts. It lingers in the way they hesitate before trusting, in the way their body tenses at an unexpected sound, in the exhaustion that comes from carrying too much for too long.

Healing doesn’t happen in an instant, nor does it follow a straight line. But it does begin with moments of self-compassion—choosing to respond to your need instead of prioritizing others, naming an emotion instead of burying it, allowing oneself to feel instead of numbing.

If you’ve been searching for ways to move through your pain rather than around it, these resources may help:

Therapy and Support – A space for acceptance, compassion, and self-discovery: https://westchesternytherapy.com/
Self-Guided Grounding Exercises – Techniques to stay present during distressing moments: https://traumaresearchfoundation.org/
Understanding Trauma Responses – The science behind fight, flight, freeze, and fawn reactions: https://www.nctsn.org/resources
Community and Peer Support – Connection with others who understand: http://www.ptsdalliance.org/

01/14/2025

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: A Breakthrough in Mental Health Care

For individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression or chronic emotional challenges, Ketamine-Assisted Therapy offers an innovative and evidence-based approach to mental wellness. Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine targets the brain's glutamate system, often delivering rapid symptom relief when other treatments have proven less effective.

Ketamine induces a state of openness and introspection, enabling individuals to access and process deeply rooted emotions and behavioral patterns that might otherwise remain out of reach. When combined with therapy, this process can lead to meaningful breakthroughs and foster long-term emotional resilience.

Who Can Benefit from Ketamine-Assisted Therapy?

Research indicates that ketamine can be particularly effective for individuals dealing with:

- Treatment-resistant depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Eating disorders
- Chronic emotional burdens with unhealthy coping mechanisms

Is This Approach Right for You?

Determining whether Ketamine-Assisted Therapy is a suitable option involves a careful evaluation of your unique experiences, mental health history, and physical health. It is not a standalone solution but rather a valuable component of a holistic treatment plan aimed at fostering healing and personal growth.

To learn more, explore trusted resources and research to see how this approach could contribute to your mental health transformation. Read more here:

https://westchesternytherapy.com/ketamine-assisted-psychotherapy/

01/12/2025

For years, Sarah felt trapped, weighed down by depression that no medication seemed to ease. Despite years of therapy, her self-confidence remained low, and her self-doubt persisted. Sarah's hope for relief gradually faded.

Then she discovered Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.

Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine works uniquely by altering brain chemistry, particularly the glutamate system, offering rapid relief—sometimes within hours. For Sarah, the fog started to lift after just a few sessions.

Through Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Sarah was able to access parts of herself she had struggled to explore. It created a state of openness, helping her break free from deeply ingrained patterns of negative thinking, feelings of self-doubt, and behaviors rooted in trauma.

Not only did Sarah find relief, but she also gained clarity and strength to move forward.

If you’ve been struggling to change unhelpful beliefs or emotional and behavioral patterns, it might be time to explore a new path. Learn more about Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy by clicking the link.

https://westchesternytherapy.com/ketamine-assisted-psychotherapy/

12/08/2024

She had always been the person everyone admired—the one who never missed a deadline, whose work was flawless, and who seemed to have it all together. People praised her "perfectionism," but what they didn’t see was the relentless pressure she put on herself behind closed doors.

Each small mistake felt like a failure. The constant need to prove herself led to sleepless nights, overwhelming anxiety, and a creeping sense of burnout. What started as a drive for excellence had become an impossible demand for flawlessness.

Perfectionism isn’t about striving for greatness; it’s about being trapped in the fear of not being enough. Over time, it can take a toll on your emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and exhaustion.

If this resonates with you, know that there’s a way to break free. Together, we can explore the roots of perfectionism and find healthier ways to embrace your strengths without the unrelenting pressure.

https://westchesternytherapy.com/perfectionism/

11/12/2024

Understanding Eating Disorders: More Than Food and Body Image

Eating disorders often go beyond what we see on the surface—they’re complex mental health challenges that can affect people of any age, gender, or background. These disorders frequently stem from a range of underlying factors, such as emotional distress, perfectionism, and societal pressures, often coupled with struggles around self-worth.

Recognizing signs early can make a significant difference. These signs may include drastic changes in weight, obsession with food and body image, isolation, and a need for control. Eating disorders can manifest in various forms, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder, each with unique challenges and health impacts.

If you or someone you know is struggling, it’s essential to remember that help is available. Therapy provides a safe space to explore these feelings, develop a healthier relationship with food and body image, and work towards self-acceptance.

Learning about the signs of eating disorders is the first step in breaking down the deep-rooted stigma and fostering a healthier relationship with oneself. Let’s continue to support each other in creating a compassionate, informed approach to mental health.

10/29/2024

S*x addiction is a complex issue that often stems from many undercurrent psychological challenges. Many individuals struggling with this addiction may be or have long been dealing with low self-esteem, relational trauma, identity issues, depression, or anxiety that have not been properly addressed. These emotional struggles can create a cycle where engaging in compulsive behaviors temporarily alleviates feelings of distress but ultimately leads to more significant pain and disconnection.

Understanding the roots of s*x addiction is crucial for addressing it effectively. It’s not merely about the behaviors themselves; it’s about exploring the emotional landscape that fuels these actions. This understanding paves the way for healing, allowing individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms and relationships.

If you or someone you know is grappling with these challenges, know that resources are available to support you. Professional help, such as therapy or support groups, can provide a safe space and help you set your path in the right direction. It also helps to remember that there is not a one-size-fits-all method for behavioral addictions. Give yourself patience, learn to access the parts of yourself that need proper recognition and healing, and allow yourself to fulfill who you are free from the addiction.

https://westchesternytherapy.com/contact/

09/27/2024

Are You Always Saying Yes, Even When You Want to Say No?

From a young age, many of us are taught that being agreeable and helpful is a virtue. But what happens when the need to please others takes over our ability to care for ourselves?

Let's use an example. Meet Sarah. She’s the friend who never says no, the colleague who takes on extra work, and the family member who drops everything to help. But deep down, Sarah feels exhausted, anxious, and disconnected from her own needs. She spends so much time ensuring everyone around her is happy that she’s forgotten what brings her joy.

This excessive people-pleasing tendency can create internal stress and anxiety, leading to burnout. It can also leave you feeling resentful, because despite all your efforts, it can feel like nothing is ever enough.

But there’s a way out. Therapy can help you rediscover your voice, set boundaries, and reconnect with what truly matters to you. It’s not selfish to prioritize yourself—it’s necessary for your mental and emotional well-being.

If you relate to Sarah’s story, reach out today to start the journey toward balance and self-care.

https://westchesternytherapy.com/contact/

https://newbeginningmentalhealth.com/contact/

09/21/2024

Understanding Psychological Symptoms as Protectors:

Have you ever felt that your anxiety, anger, or other difficult emotions are getting in the way of living your best life? What if those very emotions are actually trying to protect you?

In the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, we understand that psychological symptoms—like anxiety, depression, or even self-criticism—aren't simply problems to be fixed. They’re parts of you that have taken on protective roles, often rooted in past experiences.

Think of it this way: When we go through challenging or painful experiences, parts of us step up to shield us from further harm. Over time, these protective parts might manifest as symptoms, trying to keep us safe in the only way they know how.

Instead of fighting against them, what if we listened to them? At Dr. Kim’s practice, we explore these protective parts with compassion, helping to uncover the underlying fears or wounds they’re guarding. Through this process, you can heal and develop healthier ways to protect yourself while finding balance and peace.

Ready to start your journey of self-discovery and healing? Reach out today to learn more about how IFS can help you understand and transform your psychological symptoms.

https://westchesternytherapy.com/contact/

Therapy with Dr. Mijin Kim

07/08/2025

06/04/2025

03/29/2025

02/20/2025

02/02/2025

01/14/2025

01/12/2025

12/08/2024

11/12/2024

10/29/2024

09/27/2024

09/21/2024

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