Christina Kam, AMFT

Christina Kam (she/her), M.A., Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (CA#133871)

Born and bred in the heart of Los Angeles, I have had the privilege and many opportunities to have encountered various individuals with their own unique stories and lived experiences. Growing up Asian-American in the era of the model minority myth, I struggled with pre-selected expectations that were set for me. In this space, I was confronted with internal conflict, between my authentic self and the individual others wanted me to be. While some might call it a leap of faith, I made a terrifying choice to honor myself in exploring who I am, including the challenge of redefining my core values and traditions that I was originally taught as a child. It is through this city and my relationships with the people, I have learned to navigate, identify and embrace my identity, including the fluidity that is always changing. As a result, my passion to guide others in their journey have become evident, as I hope for them to experience a rewarding journey in finding themselves and their people.

As an Asian American, navigating two cultures has provided me opportunities to experience the dualities that exist. In our work together, I focus on establishing the therapeutic relationship utilizing the cultural lens and understanding your lived experiences thus far, including allowing the space for collaboration. We will explore the themes of how we can respect our culture while being able to honor the change we seek in our own personal identity. With this, I aim to provide the space and opportunity to be seen and heard authentically as you are, while nurturing insight and acceptance through self-compassion.


*Christina is an associate marriage and family therapist (CA #133871) supervised by Matthew Shima, LMFT (CA#113018, HI#718).

Approach to Therapy

I practice mainly from a person-centered and family systems approach. My aim  is to guide you as you learn about yourself, and your impact on the relationships and world around you. I incorporate cultural and multi-generational concepts because I believe that our core values and patterns are passed through kin. I practice interactively because I believe that we need to also walk the walk in order to facilitate change and/or create awareness. Our time together is the safe space to practice, feel and process so that you are confident in your intentions outside of our therapy session.

Special Focus

  • Self-Identity Exploration

  • Family Relationships and Multi-generational Patterns

  • Immigrant Issues and Cultural Identity

  • Children of Immigrants 

  • Older Asian Americans who continue to navigate their identities

Select Education and Certifications

  • M.A., Marriage and Family Therapy, Trauma Studies, School of Cultural and Family Psychology, Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena, CA

  • B.A., Asian Humanities, University of California, Los Angeles

  • A.A., Social and Behavioral Sciences, Santa Monica College

Services & Fees

  • Individual Therapy

  • Youth / Teen Therapy

  • Relationship Therapy (couples, business partners, close friends, co-workers, etc.)

    Fees for Therapy

    $150 per 45 minute session

Locations

Online therapy serving residents of California.

In-person appointments may be available in the Los Angeles area. Please inquire.

Languages

  • Korean (native/bilingual proficiency)

  • English (native/bilingual proficiency)

When I’m Not Doing Therapy…

You can find me in dirt bagging in the mountains with snacks on the trail or climbing on a wall. But you can also spot me at a local shop with a pastry or ice cream in hand. Jeni’s is the best. I enjoy Dodger games, catching up on K-dramas, being active in the sun, finding exclusive Asian snacks, karaoke and Disneyland. Currently on the weekends, you will find me at school, as I am in the middle of developing a mental health, art-based program to support older Korean American immigrants. But, there is always time for ice cream.