About Dr. Elijah Lee
Dr. Elijah Lee – My Journey Towards Counseling
If you’re here, you’ve probably noticed by now that faith is an integral part of how I do counseling. It’s also a big part of who I am. As a second-generation Korean American, it was hard to find my identity in the world. When I found Jesus, it also gave me access to His family. And I realized that a faith culture can also bring with it a lot of complexity.
When I entered into graduate school, I was honestly looking more for a seminary or pastoral counseling training. What I found was a whole world that opened me up to healthy emotions, and a lot of self-awareness that led me to become a better version of me. This was the world of professional, clinical counseling. I took a journey from then to integrate both the counseling sciences and the Christian faith culture. Later on, I went on and gained my PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision where I would publish a peer-reviewed article out of my dissertation that would encapsulate my journey of finding healing through God and counseling. You can find it here: An Examination of Attachment to God, Individualism, Collectivism, and Differentiation of Self in Second Generation Christian Korean Americans. If you’d like a copy, just e-mail me and I can send one to you.
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My Area Of Expertise And Why I Chose It
I’ve walked with quite a few people in the counseling room throughout my time. From the beginning of my training to now I’ve been fascinated by healthy relationships (mostly how we can heal from unhealthy ones). This is the area of attachment theory. I’ve studied this extensively in my doctoral studies, including attachment to God, and have used attachment based approaches in my practice like Emotionally Focused Therapy (Sue Johnson) and AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Therapy, Diana Fosha).
My specialization lies in taking these theories and helping those with a Christian worldview navigate the challenges they have faced in life.
How I Approach Therapy
My time in the counseling chair as well as just living life has told me that every human is unique, and that each person carries dignity and worth (period). The style of my counseling is unstructured enough to allow for your unique story to emerge, and will get a bit more focused and structured as you and I get a better idea of where we are headed together. We can dive into deeper root issues, focus on the moment or even invite God into the counseling room (or not).
What Makes Me And My Practice Unique
You’ve probably already caught onto this, but at this time in my career I haven’t shied away from the word “Christian” as it connects to Counseling. The unique part of my practice is that faith doesn’t always need to be brought specifically into session for effective counseling to take place. But, there are ways in which we can relate to Jesus in the room as well.
What I Am Like Outside Of The Office
In a lot of ways, I am similar in the office as I am outside. I love the deeper things in life, and the conversations that come with it. I am a father and have two kids that are 11 and 10 which keeps me pretty occupied outside of the office. Oh, and we have a fluffy goldendoodle named Obie.
If you feel a good connection with me already, feel free to book an appointment and we’ll meet soon. If you have other questions before you feel comfortable, e-mail me at elijah@hopehealingllc.com and we’ll set up a 15-minute call. See you soon.
Education
BA Sociology (Social Psychology) and English Language and Literature University of Maryland, College Park
MA in Counseling (Spiritual Formation and Christian Counseling specialty track) – MidAmerica Nazarene University
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision – Regent University
Training
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC, Kansas)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, Missouri)
Board Certified Clinical Supervisor (Kansas)
Licensed and Ordained Minister
Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor (AACC)
Board Certified Pastoral Counselor (AACC)
Completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Completed Level 1 AEDP Training
Related Experience
Current Department Chair/Program Director and Associate Professor at Huntington University (MA in CMHC Program)
Previous Assistant Professor of Counseling at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL