My Story

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Hello, I'm Jo-Anne Kim - born and residing in Sydney. 

My journey into Biblical counselling began in mid 2000 when I moved to Los Angeles, California as a newlywed. A steep learning curve along with adjusting to ministry in a new cross-cultural setting, made for it to be a challenging season of adjustment. 

As the 2008 U.S Global Financial Crisis impacted the world, a new wave of instability emerged within this developed nation. The economic crisis affected people from all walks of life. Communities were navigating through this trial with significant loss, heartbreak and uncertainty. 

To better serve in pastoral care through this challenging season, I pursued a Masters degree in Biblical counselling. The journey of study not only prepared me for counselling ministry, but also personally strengthened my trust and joy in Christ Jesus. 

In addition to counselling, a special part of my week is teaching Scripture at the local high school. With a background in secondary music education, it is a great joy to be part of empowering and supporting our youth, from music expression to encouraging their Bible knowledge and faith. 

I am married to Alex, and we have 4 children, two in high school and two primary school age. Alex and I enjoy visiting local cafes for coffee dates. In my downtime, I love diving into new piano pieces.

In our beautiful yet broken world, everyday pressures, personal and relationship trials can make a profound impact, sometimes making us feel as though life is 'on hold'. 

Jesus knows and cares for the details in the challenges we face. 

I believe in the sufficiency of the Bible reveals God's plan, purpose and glory through His Son, Jesus Christ. Through the lens of Scripture, we come to know who God is and His presence by a loving, transformative relationship with Christ. My counselling approach considers the whole person—body, soul and relationships—created in the image of God, greatly loved by God.

Providing a professional, comfortable, welcoming and compassionate space is the highest priority in my counselling setting to discover practical steps toward renewal in Christ, guided by wisdom from the Bible.

It is my privilege to walk alongside you for a part of your journey.

- M.A. Biblical Counseling (The Master's University, Santa Clarita CA.), Grad.Cert.Div. (Thesis track current, Australian University of Theology)

- Adjunct Lecturer, 'Foundations of Biblical Counselling', Australian College of Christian Studies, Burwood (2023) 

- Continual Professional Development: 

• Christian Counselling and Education Foundation (CCEF, Philadelphia)
• Fellowship and supervision provided by Biblical Counselling Australia (BCA)
• Associate member of Christian Counsellors Association of Australia (CCAA)

- Ministry in Australia: Preaching, Counselling, Training and Equipping: mission teams, children & youth ministry teams, local/interstate pastoral leadership teams, since 2010

- Ministry in Los Angeles, CA: Children,Women and Family Ministry 2007-2010