Hello! My name is Dorothy Kuo, and I am grateful to be returning to the mental health counseling field after over a decade as a full-time mom. While the years spent raising my children and volunteering have been incredibly meaningful, I am so excited to join Restoration Counseling of Atlanta.
Growing up in Atlanta as an Asian-American with immigrant parents held its challenges. There were many struggles parents in our community had to navigate, which left them with limited resources to address any of their family’s emotional needs. This is a common experience among many families, immigrant or not, and it shaped my early understanding of the need for mental health services across all communities.
At Georgia Tech, I initially studied engineering until I realized it was not the right fit. I wanted to know my spiritual identity and the purpose God had for me. Having recently begun my own work in therapy, it was surprisingly difficult to find a counselor I connected with. Eventually, I found a Christian mental health counselor who combined mental health therapy and the truth of scripture in a powerful way. Life didn’t become perfect, but I was doing deep work to heal and eventually thrive.
Throughout those years, I walked alongside those who had experienced childhood trauma, abuse (physical, sexual, and spiritual), depression, and family issues. I was deeply moved by the words in Isaiah 61 describing the promise of a Savior who would bring good news, bind up the brokenhearted, and build up those who mourn into oaks of righteousness. This passage was directly relatable to the Israelites, the first Christians, and to us today. We are the poor, brokenhearted, and captive that Jesus set free and is glorified in. We are the oaks of righteousness! God’s call for me to enter counseling work was undeniable.
I moved to Boston to attend Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where I earned a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. My training included various therapeutic modalities, theological and biblical studies, and the integration of the Christian faith with mental health therapy. During my clinical practicum and internships, I worked with women across different life stages, as well as with adults in a post-detox, inpatient substance abuse treatment setting. Afterward, I continued working with individuals struggling with addiction and comorbid mental health disorders before transitioning to a season of working in project management and eventually motherhood.
During my time as a full-time mom, I’ve served on the board of a nonprofit for mothers, served at my children’s schools, mentored young adults, and served as a Girl Scout troop leader. I’ve also volunteered with my church’s women’s ministry, performing a mixed-methods study to evaluate the efficacy of their ministry. Through the years, as I’ve continued to walk with people through difficult times and be a support in times of crisis, more and more people in my life have encouraged me to return to work as a counselor.
I am trained in and enjoy using evidence-based therapies, including a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Action and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family of Origin Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), when fitting. I also implement my theological training and the truth of scripture into therapy for clients who want faith-integrated counseling.
My hope for you is that you can find a therapist who is truly a good fit and who can walk with you through life’s difficulties.
If you’re interested in meeting with me, I would love to connect. You can email admin@restorationcounselingatl.com to schedule a 15-minute phone consultation or an appointment.
I look forward to partnering with you on your journey toward healing and restoration.