Being an adult is, well, hard. Although warnings are thrown around left and right, no one can really teach you how to navigate the murky waters of adulthood. Having a good support system, however, can help us feel like we’re staying afloat. Enter Dr. Yesel Yoon. Dr. Yoon is a clinical psychologist who specializes in helping young adults + early career professionals work through these challenging times in life. From what inspires her to what her goals are for this year, learning everything you need to know about this Hoboken Girl of the Week. Keep reading to find out more about Hoboken Girl of the Week, Dr. Yesel Yoon {of Yesel Yoon NYC Psychologist}.
Tell us about yourself.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a part-time psychotherapy practice in midtown NYC {Herald Sq/K-Town area} where I see young adults, early career professionals, and post-graduate adults who are navigating the challenges of this stage of life. In this fast-paced urban environment, I often hear my clients share how overwhelmed, stressed out, and burnt out they are. It’s hard to make good decisions, maintain good relationships, and take care of yourself when you feel like you’re just barely keeping up. I work with people to develop better ways of coping with these stressors so they can navigate their lives in ways that feel more at ease while still being successful and productive. I believe therapy can be a unique space where you can finally allow yourself to pause and breathe.
Additionally, as a Korean American therapist, I love to work with people who identify from diverse social and cultural backgrounds, particularly people of color. I know from personal experience how hard it can be to find mental health and health providers who are culturally aware and may identify from similar backgrounds.
See More: Hoboken Girl of the Week: Julie Hartigan {of Cooking w/ Julie}
What is your biggest source of inspiration?
Meditation teachers such as Tara Brach and Sharon Salzberg to name a couple, have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. I have my own mindfulness meditation practice and this practice has informed my clinical work, facilitated personal healing and growth, and helped me better connect to others around me. One quote that has really struck me and been coming up a lot this year is, “Give yourself permission to allow this moment to be exactly as it is, and allow yourself to be exactly as you are,” — Jon Kabat-Zinn
What are your goals for this year?
To continue building the psychotherapy practice so I can make this a more substantial part of my career and to implement creative ways to support people’s mental health and well-being that doesn’t just entail one-on-one talk therapy. Also, to travel more with my husband and to start a blog.
What’s a typical day look like for you?
I am a morning person, so I get up at 4:55AM on weekdays. My routine is to drink tea while journaling and reading a few pages from a book {currently reading: Happiness is an Inside Job by Sylvia Boorstein}. I sit to meditate before heading to Planet Fitness or taking a yoga class. My morning routine is rounded out by breakfast and getting ready for the not-so-glamorous commute via the PATH train to my day job.
My full-time day job is as a psychologist at Pace University Counseling Center where I see students for individual and group therapy, coordinate outreach events to the university campus, and supervise/train psychology interns. So between the hours of nine to five, I can be doing any combination of things like attending meetings with campus partners, running a therapy group, or leading a workshop for students about stress management.
After work, evenings can vary from going to my private practice office, going to my own therapy, getting dinner with a friend, or going home to hang out with my husband. Given that I’m a morning person, you won’t be surprised to hear me say I’m “heading to bed” around 9:00PM {or earlier…}.
What has been the highlight in your career so far?
Having the courage to start this private psychotherapy practice and start engaging in outside-the-box thinking and action has been a highlight. I’ve typically been a risk-averse person so building my own practice feels like a big growth edge I’m pushing up against and doing so with stride. It has also been encouraging to see how many people believe in me and I’m so grateful for everyone’s support.
Tell us about another business in the area you admire.
Spesh — I’ve been going to Spesh to get my haircut since 2017 when it opened. I love being there because the music is awesome, the vibe is chill and real, and it has been awesome to see Steven’s business grow and thrive. Oh, and I get really good haircuts {thanks, Steph}.
Read More: Hoboken Girl of the Week: Anna Gullo {Vice Principal of Hoboken High}
Hoboken + Jersey City Favorites
What is your favorite restaurant in Hoboken
Does bwé kafe count? {Editor’s note: DUH.}
What is your favorite boutique in Hoboken?
I most often shop at Athleta, but Peper + Parlor has such a great selection of pieces and my husband insists on my getting something there every time.
What do you love most about Hoboken?
You get the options for entertainment, food, and amenities typical of an urban environment without needing to actually be in Manhattan. And it’s accessible to get into the city if need be.
What is your favorite thing to do in Hudson County?
Walk around with my husband whenever the weather is nice.
How long have you lived in Hoboken?
I moved to Hoboken in 2016 with my now-husband to complete my postdoctoral fellowship in Montclair, NJ, and we’ve stayed here since.
What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Hoboken?
The waterfront.
What is your favorite place to work out in Hudson County?
I’ve been going to Surya Yoga Academy since I moved here in 2016. I’ve met incredible instructors and fellow yoga-mates there.
Where do you go out with friends in the area?
Honestly, my husband and I mostly do in-home hangouts with friends. However, we’ve had some successful nights out with friends at ONieal’s or Cork City Pub.
What is something you think needs to come to Hoboken?
A coffee shop + bar fusion venue where you can hang out in a more leisurely fashion, but still get alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages + desserts/small bites and play games or just talk and hang out, and that plays good music. Basically bwé kafe meets Sunnyside Cafe meets Spesh {for the music and vibe} meets [insert bar that sells alcohol].
If that is too much, then a legit Korean restaurant would be great.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
Please don’t be afraid to reach out! Whether it’s to work together or to ask questions about mental health, well-being, identity, or how to help someone else, I’d love to be a resource to others in this community. And if you see me in the area, say hi.
Keep up with Dr. Yoon on her website or send her an email at yesel@yyoonphd.com to schedule a free initial phone consult.
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