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Irang Kim
About
I’m glad you found your way here! My name is Irang Kim, and I’m currently based in Durham, North Carolina, where I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
As a first-generation immigrant woman from a multicultural South Korean and Telugu family, I deeply value the richness of diverse identities, cultures, and lived experiences. I am passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves, deepen their self-understanding, and discover meaningful ways to navigate life’s challenges.
As a clinician, I prioritize genuine human connection and strive to create a therapeutic space where clients feel safe, heard, understood, and free from judgment. I believe that feeling seen and accepted is the most important part of the healing process.
Outside of my clinical work, I value maintaining a healthy work-life balance and making time to recharge through meaningful connections with my loved ones. I believe that caring for myself allows me to show up with greater presence, empathy, and authenticity for the clients.
Throughout my life, I have witnessed many adults who may be autistic go undiagnosed or unsupported, often because they never had the opportunity to understand themselves or access appropriate resources. Growing up in and around cultures where mental health is often stigmatized or considered taboo, I have seen how difficult it can be for individuals to seek help or even begin exploring their own neurodivergence.
Many of these individuals are hardworking, thoughtful, and well-intentioned people who are often misunderstood by those around them, sometimes even by their own family members. I have found myself drawn to supporting them in learning more about their experiences, understanding their unique traits, and connecting with resources and support that honor who they are.+
These experiences have deepened my desire to focus more intentionally on the autistic adult population. I hope to continue expanding my knowledge and clinical skills to better understand the diverse experiences of autistic adults and provide a therapeutic space where they feel understood, accepted, and empowered to embrace their authentic selves. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to understand themselves without shame and to receive support without feeling the need to change who they are.
I believe every individual has unique strengths, perspectives, and ways of experiencing the world. My approach focuses on recognizing and building upon these strengths rather than viewing differences as deficits. I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel accepted and understood without pressure to mask or conform to societal expectations.
When working with autistic adults, I value supporting self-understanding, self-acceptance, and self-advocacy. As a first-generation immigrant woman from a multicultural South Korean and Telugu family, I also recognize how cultural expectations, family dynamics, and mental health stigma can shape one's experiences. I bring cultural humility, curiosity, and openness to my work, honoring each client's individuality and supporting them in finding ways to thrive authentically.
