Benedict Choi, LMFT (He/Him)
Marriage and Family Therapist, EMDR, IFS Informed
In-Person in Fullerton, CA 92832
Online in California
I bring into my practice 17 years of experience working with trauma and relationships. I work with people who have been deeply wounded and hurt in relationships. They often appear in the world as unsure about their worth and value. They are not sure that they can trust and rely on others. They might panic if people pull away too quickly or not allow themselves to get close from the start. They want to trust their gut more and feel a greater sense of security in their relationships. They want to be able to extend greater compassion and kindness towards themselves. My practice is a secure base from which we could explore all of the above and more. Current/past clients and colleagues have shared that I am collaborative, curious and calming. My aim is to slow things down to the pace where you can allow what is needed for you to emerge, to notice what you're wanting and to step more confidently out into the world.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Teen, Young Adult
Demographic Expertise: Asian clients.
Treatment Approach
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Focuses on strengthening emotional bonds in couples or families. It helps people identify negative cycles and create more secure connections.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help process traumatic memories. It is widely recognized for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions.
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Based on decades of research, this method gives couples tools to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen intimacy.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Helps clients heal by working with different ‘parts’ of themselves, like inner critics or wounded children. It fosters harmony within the self.
Approach Description: My approach is trauma informed, meaning I will support you to look for past experiences that shape and impact your current view of self and how you see your own future. Using EMDR and IFS, we will work together to notice and alleviate some of the burdens and disturbance your nervous system still holds. I believe strongly that you deserve someone who is compassionate and curious to witness the pain and fears you may still be holding on to.
Secondly, my approach with couples is firm and direct but kind. I am grounded and informed by attachment, and this frame allows me to help couples pay attention more to the dance and cycle they engage in, what is both happening within each partner as well as the process that is occurring between them during conflict and disconnection. I am also trained in Relational Life Therapy (RLT) and will bring in the use of inner child work to help partners learn more about their adaptive child, the part of us that had to learn how to cope with a difficult environment growing up. This is also the part or version of ourselves that our partner experiences regularly. Last but not least, I will advocate and encourage each partner to turn inwards to take accountability for one self as supposed to focusing all the blame and attention on the flaws of their partner.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee 150-200
- Affordable sliding scale therapy: apply if you may be eligible.
- I will do my best to make therapy more accessible to clients. If there are true financial concerns, I am happy to discuss a rate that would be sustainable and work for both client and therapist.
- Accepts Insurance
- Kaiser Southern California, LYRA Health
Education & Credentials
Benedict Choi, LMFT EMDR, IFS Informed
- Male
- License # 86069
- Licensed in CA
- Practicing Since 2009
Education: I received my BA of psychology from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA and then completed my Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy with PPS in school counseling at University of Southern California.
Benedict Choi, LMFT Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Fullerton, CA 92832
- Available Online for residents of California
- Online Therapy Details: Simple Practice, Doxy and Spruce