As a kid, I loved visiting my grandfather Roy at the farm he built in the middle of nowhere after returning from World War II, where he served as a pilot. We would fish in the lake he dug, gather eggs from his chicken coops, and wander endlessly through the wild east Alabama woods, never encountering another soul. He named his little piece of the world Persimmon, for the bittersweet orange fruit he loved and for the bitterly hard work that gave him such a sweet, private place to raise his family. He used to say, “the greatest luxury in the world is privacy,” and now, as a man myself with a family of my own, I finally understand what he meant.
Therapy is a private and sacred place for me, where my clients tell me difficult things, and I always want them to feel respected and heard. I want them to trust that they are in a supportive, private place. I believe strongly in quality of life, so my therapy is safe and nonjudgmental. It is a place where we increase awareness and work through the tough things so that you can spend more time enjoying the sweet stuff. I was named after my grandfather, and I'm proud to name my therapy practice after his life’s work. I look forward to meeting you and starting this journey together.
I have lived in Birmingham my whole life. I grew up in Trussville, went to high school in Pelham, and now I live in Vestavia with my wife Rachel, daughter Maggie, and two black cats, Rufus and Mabel. I spent some time at Auburn, got my college degree from Birmingham-Southern, my law degree from Samford, and my master's in marriage and family therapy from Alabama. I joke that I've probably been to most of the schools around town. I practice law from time to time, and I have experience working at an eating disorder treatment center, the Capstone Family Clinic in Tuscaloosa, a private practice helping families struggling with divorce, and group therapy at an intensive outpatient program.
I hope that being in my office with me is fun. I like to think that I have a good sense of humor, but now that I'm a father, there might be a lot of dad jokes. I am definitely a nerd who enjoys card games, books, and all types of music. I love sports and cooking shows-one of the few things my wife and I can agree to watch on TV. I also love listening to people talk and hearing their stories, which might explain why I became a therapist.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My license number is L600.
In the whirlwind of life's challenges, finding a safe haven for healing and growth is invaluable. As a therapist, I offer just that—a sanctuary where you can explore, heal, and thrive. My therapeutic approach is rooted in family systems theories, with a special emphasis on attachment dynamics. I integrate a variety of counseling modalities to tailor our sessions to your unique needs. Drawing from my experience at an eating disorder center and a head injury foundation, and my master’s degree in couples and family counseling, I bring a nuanced understanding of the complexities of the human experience.
I provide a compassionate and nonjudgmental space where you can explore a range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics, or navigating life transitions. I am here to walk alongside you. Above all, my approach is grounded in empathy, warmth, and authenticity. I believe that genuine connection and mutual trust are the cornerstones of effective therapy. My goal is to create an environment where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to embark on your journey towards emotional wellness. No matter where you are on your path, know that you don't have to navigate it alone. I'm here to offer guidance, support, and encouragement every step of the way.
Outside the therapy room, I prioritize self-care through family walks, game nights, coffee with friends, and painting and drawing. I love movies and television.. I can also appreciate a clever comedian and love to laugh. I look forward to walking alongside you as you navigate life's challenges and move towards healing and wholeness.
Hi and welcome! My name is Heeyoung. First of all, I’m glad you’re taking the initiative to take charge of your mental health! I am currently in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at the University of Alabama working toward my Master’s. I am supervised by Dr. Karly Downs, LMFT-S, and in a clinical internship with Roy Martin, LMFT-S, at Persimmon Therapy.
I take a collaborative approach to help you find the tools to get unstuck and make progress toward your goals. As a therapist, I have been working with clients on issues of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, identity, body image, grief, and substance use; peer, family, and romantic relationships; and sexual issues and health. My current clinical focus is on couples and sex therapy. After graduation in May 2024, I will be working toward becoming an AASECT-certified sex therapist.
Over a decade ago, I personally experienced the healing power of talk therapy that can literally save lives and give hope to the hopeless. I hope to do the same for you. I provide a non-judgmental, safe place for my clients to feel heard. I am here to help you recognize the strength you already possess so that you can get to where you want to be.
Persimmon Therapy and Wellness, LLC
400 Vestavia Parkway, Suite 302, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
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