Therapy is where you don’t have to hold it all together.
I’m Kim Jaso (pronounced “jay-soh”), and as a therapist, I’m here to help ease the burden of carrying everything on your own.
I’ve always been drawn to people—their stories, relationships, and emotions. Before becoming a therapist, I was an avid reader working in marketing, technology, and book publishing roles, all the while dreaming of writing a novel.
My curiosity and compassion for people has led me to explore why we become the way we are, what shapes our choices and relationships, and why certain patterns feel so hard to break. I still hope to write that book someday (☺️), but in my late twenties, I left the corporate world to go back to school and become a therapist. Now, I feel incredibly lucky to help people make sense of their own stories and figure out what their next chapter will be.
Your story is still unfolding. If you’re ready to explore what’s next, I’d love to help.
My “Why”
I first experienced the power of therapy in my early teens, when it helped me feel more grounded, seen, and emotionally aware.
But in my late teens, I experienced the sudden, traumatic loss of a loved one, which completely changed my life. It took me time to recover and figure out how to move forward—without moving "on."
For a long time, I didn’t seek therapy, unsure if I was ready to face or “heal” from my grief and because I struggled to take that kind of space for myself. While therapy isn't the only path to healing, what it offered me, when I was ready, was a place to make sense of my loss and find meaning, connection, and purpose.
That's what ultimately led me here: the belief that therapy isn't just about processing pain, but about discovering who you are, what you need, and how to live with more ease and authenticity—at whatever pace feels right for you.
Education and Credentials
Ed.M., M.A. Counseling Psychology – Teachers College, Columbia University
B.A. English and American Literature – New York University
Licensed Mental Health Counselor – New York, License #015605
My Approach
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Therapy with me is collaborative, interactive, and insight-driven. While my sessions are open-ended, I won’t just sit back and nod—I’ll ask questions, offer observations, pick up on themes we’ve explored, and help you make sense of the patterns that keep showing up in your life. My goal isn’t just to listen, but to help you understand yourself in a deeper, more meaningful way—and then do something with that insight.
In session, I’m friendly, engaging, and down-to-earth, occasionally bringing in humor and levity to balance the emotional work we do together. While I offer a warm and supportive space, I’m not afraid to challenge you when needed. Clients often tell me they appreciate that I don’t just “beat around the bush”—I’ll be honest with you in a way that feels compassionate, thoughtful, and empowering.
My hope is that you leave our sessions feeling less alone in your experiences, more connected to yourself, and equipped with the tools you need to reflect, grow, and heal. -
My approach is psychodynamic, relational, and action-oriented. Together, we’ll explore why certain patterns, beliefs, and emotions keep resurfacing—how your past experiences and relationships have shaped the way you think, feel, and navigate the world. We’ll connect the dots between your past and present, uncovering insights that help you move forward with more confidence and self-trust.
But therapy with me isn’t just about reflection—it’s about turning insight into meaningful action. We’ll focus on small, meaningful changes you can make in your daily life now to build confidence, ease anxiety, and strengthen your relationships. I take an eclectic approach, pulling from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other evidence-based practices to support your unique needs and goals.
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I offer in-person sessions in Manhattan and virtual appointments for clients anywhere in New York through a secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. Virtual therapy offers the flexibility to prioritize your mental health from the comfort of your own space and without the stress of commuting, while in-person sessions provide a grounded, face-to-face connection. Whichever setting feels right for you, know that therapy can be effective, meaningful, and transformative.
For more on the logistics of working together, check out my FAQs.
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I work best with people who are curious, introspective, and thoughtful—those who want to understand themselves on a deeper level but sometimes feel stuck in their own heads or overwhelmed by dynamics that cloud their perspective. Maybe you overanalyze, second-guess yourself, or struggle to speak up for what you want and need. You might find it hard to manage conflict or tension in your relationships, feeling highly attuned to others but unsure how to fully show up for yourself.
You’re looking for a space to process, gain insight, and shift long-standing patterns so you can move through life with more confidence, clarity, and ease.
If this resonates, I’d love to work together. Click the link below to schedule a free consultation.
a few fun facts about me
🐶 I have a 5-year-old Cavapoo named Emma, and she’s the best. You can usually find us wandering through Central Park or hanging at the dog park.
📚 I love exploring used bookstores and NYC’s many museums. There’s nothing better than getting lost in a good book or stumbling upon an exhibit that makes you think about the world differently.
🧘♀️ When I'm not working, you'll find me traveling, spending time with loved ones, or in a yoga or Pilates class. These movement practices in particular are a meaningful part of my routine and help me stay grounded, present, and connected to myself.
🌍 I grew up in Maryland but moved to NYC for undergrad. I’ve bounced around a little since then, but something about this city always pulls me back.
🗣 I’ve been in private practice since 2022 and have worked with clients across all ages—from young kids to aging adults. Before private practice, I was a mental health counselor for neurodiverse children in a special education setting and facilitated grief support groups for young adults.
📱 Want to get a feel for my style? I post on Instagram at @therapy.with.kim where I share insights, reflections, and (occasionally) photos of Emma.
My Commitment to You
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My Commitment to You *
As a therapist, I know finding the right fit is essential. Here's what I strive to bring to our work together:
I create a therapy space filled with warmth, occasional humor, and genuine conversation—a place where you can explore challenges without it feeling like a chore, even as we dig into the “hard stuff.” I'll meet you where you are, balancing support with gentle accountability to help you move forward.
Cultural sensitivity, political awareness, and inclusivity are central to my work. I recognize how cultural experiences, sociopolitical contexts, and unique identities (including race, gender, sexuality, and ethnic background) shape your past and present, and I integrate that understanding into our work together. I create space for exploring how larger systems impact your personal experiences. I also bring my experience working with neurodiverse clients, ensuring that therapy is tailored to you—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
I deeply resonate with clients navigating people-pleasing tendencies, perfectionism, grief, and trauma. While I maintain appropriate boundaries and don’t often disclose my experiences to clients, I recognize the courage it takes to do this work and bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to these areas.
Your therapy process belongs to you. I care deeply about your progress and ensuring our work feels meaningful. I’ll always support what’s best for you—whether that’s staying consistent with therapy, pausing for a break, or redefining what therapy looks like in your life. There’s no pressure to “achieve” in therapy or to fit into a mold—it’s about creating a space that truly works for you.
If you're ready to take this step, I'd be honored to work with you. Reach out to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Have Questions?
Check out my Frequently Asked Questions for more information about working together.
Take the Next Step
I know that starting therapy—whether for the first time or with someone new—can feel like a big step. That's why I offer a free, 15-minute phone consultation to discuss what you're looking for and see if we'd be a good fit. There's no pressure—just a chance to connect, ask questions, and get a sense of what working together might be like.
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
There is a field. I'll meet you there.
When the soul lies down in that grass,
The world is too full to talk about.
Ideas, language, even the phrase each other
Doesn't make any sense.”
— Rumi