Dr. Hyunjoo (HJ) Shim was born and raised in South Korea. She received a M.A. in Child and Family
Studies from Seoul National University, and then a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from University of
Virginia in 2014 as a Fulbright scholar. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the New Mexico
State University Counseling Center, followed by 2-year post-doctoral fellowship at the trauma center at
St. Thomas Hospital in Ohio.

As a fully bilingual licensed psychologist, Dr. Shim has more than 10 years. of clinical experience
working with individuals, couples, and families who experience various kinds of debilitating traumatic
stress reactions, depression, anxiety, and adjustment issues. Her practice is deeply rooted in
evidence-based and research-informed approaches that is underpinned by the principles of
diversity, inclusion, and fostering a sense of belonging. She integrates a range of therapeutic
techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), to tailor the therapeutic processes to collaboratively meet the client’s needs and goals.

 

Dr. Shim has special interests and training in the following areas:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Traumatic stress reactions including grief and loss

• Multicultural Counselling

• Relationship issues

• Effective parenting practices

• Psychoeducational assessment

 

Professional Involvements/Memberships:

• American Psychological Association

• International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies