My name is David Ha. My name like yours, carries a unique story. I'd like to share a bit of myself to you because I think it's important for you to know my journey of how I became a counselor. My parents were born and raised in South Korea and immigrated to the States, where I was born and raised in NY. I can't imagine the challenges they've experienced adapting to a new language and culture. To say that they worked hard and sacrificed is an understatement, as they saw their goals realized and had a successful medical practice for 25 years. Every family has dysfunction on some level and for me, it was growing up with an alcoholic parent. Looking back, I can see clearer why at different seasons I was severely obese, anorexic, bulimic, got into the wrong crowd, etc. Hindsight is 20/20 and I wish I could have known the importance of confronting and dealing with the issues at hand. But instead, I faced my relational traumas by avoidance and distraction. It was only until I reached young adulthood where I realized that if I didn't intentionally deal with the traumas I experienced, that it would only perpetuate and do me greater harm. So began the hard work of navigating through trauma and journeying towards whole health.
I grew up hearing the stigma of counseling and was taught by culture and family not to discuss our problems but rather to "deal with it," "to be a man and suck it up," but in doing so, I never dealt with the problems. I often wonder how life would have been different if I was in counseling and was able to get the help I needed at such a critical time in my development. But what I've realized by seeing a counselor in my later years, that it's never too late to work through trauma and it's never too late to work towards change.
Counseling isn't just a job, it's a passion and mission--to bring aid and help to individuals, couples and families so that they can truly be who they are meant to be.
I've counseled at the Center (Dallas), Buckner International, Incarnation House, West Dallas Community School, Recovery Resource Council (formerly known as The Council on Alcohol and Drugs in Dallas, TX), and contributed at Highland Park ISD. I've had a record of success in seeing individuals (including children), couples/families, veterans and pastors. I aim at creating an environment where you can be your true self so that within a trusted relationship, we can accomplish your intended goals. At different points in our life, we can feel like we're drowning. Anxiety and depression can leave us feeling helpless. We can experience hurt and anger from loved ones that cause us to withdraw. I know what it’s like to experience debilitating depression, anxiety, relational conflict, grief or trauma and I can help. I keep up to date with the most recent research done on what is proven to be effective in helping people get better. Who you are today doesn't have to define you for tomorrow. You don't have to feel stuck or helpless anymore. Together, we can experience freedom, hope and relief. Call (469-431-3961) or email me for a free 15 minute consult.
Emily Edwards Ha graduated from Baylor University with a BS in Family and Child Studies. She is a child life specialist at Children's Medical Center in Dallas, TX and also has professional experience as a Development Manager and Business Owner. Emily has a passion to help individuals receive affordable mental health care by working with local communities and organizations in the DFW area.