My Background

My name, Jayeon (rhyming with Zion), means ‘nature (자연)’ in Korean. Nature has always been my deepest inspiration and a profound source of renewal. I was born and raised in a small coastal town in South Korea, surrounded by the ocean and hills. Later, I spent my young adulthood in vibrant Seoul, attending Seoul National University. My journey then led me to the dynamic landscape of San Francisco about 20 years ago.

Through my own dedicated pursuit of curiosity, self-study, and healing, I met many wonderful teachers and forged friendships that helped me heal, reconcile, and grow. These compounded experiences provided the rich foundation and clear calling that led me to become the therapist and coach I am today.

As a professor at California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), I teach graduate-level psychotherapy students Gestalt, developmental psychology, and integrative seminars, grounding my approach in academic rigor. My previous career as a Search Inside Yourself instructor and a global head of the design thinking community at Google for over a decade equipped me with real-world acumen, strategic thinking, and skillful facilitation. I'm also deeply committed to community, volunteering as a meditation and yoga teacher. I've had the privilege of offering workshops and talks on creativity, mindfulness, and group dynamics at organizations including Amazon, BBC, Meta, UC Berkeley, and WHO.

Outside of my work, I love enjoying the beauty of nature (flowers, clouds, the gentle breeze, the moon), taking photographs, connecting with new and old friends, swimming, taking warm baths, and eating homemade meals. These simple yet profound moments collectively fuel my spirit, restore my energy, and continually inspire my practice.

My academic foundation includes a Master's in Counseling Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), and studies in Clothing and Textiles at Seoul National University.

My Approach

My style is engaging, collaborative, and tailored to each of you. I honor your specific goals and address your unique unconscious conditioning through a psychodynamic lens, integrating a rich array of evidence-based approaches. These include polyvagal-informed trauma healing modalities (Somatic Experiencing, Sensorimotor, and EMDR), Gestalt, IFS, CBT/DBT, mindfulness, and humanistic therapy. Complementing these latest modalities, I draw on ancient wisdom from my personal practice in Buddhism (Vipassana and Zen) and yoga (RYT-500), as well as my cultural background from Korea. This comprehensive blend ensures a holistic path to healing and sustainable growth.

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I offer a complimentary consultation call. Please contact me to schedule one.