Yesel Yoon, Ph.D.
Psychologist & Facilitator
I'm a psychologist with ten years of experience translating behavioral science into practical tools.After a successful career in private practice, I’m pivoting from individual therapeutic work into organizational roles that focus on leadership development, designing group learning experiences, managing scalable programs, and change management.
Education & Work
B.S. in Psychology at University of Maryland, College Park
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at University of Massachusetts, Amherst
University and College Counseling Centers (In Person) - Director of Group Psychotherapy Programs, Co-Director of Outreach & Consultation
Founder and Owner of Dr. Yesel Yoon Psychological Services (Hybrid) - Private Practice
Volunteer Leadership Roles (Hybrid) - Co-Chair of Women's Mental Health Consortium Early Career Committee, Chair of WMHC Social Action Committee
About Me
My favorite part of being a private practice psychologist and therapist was helping people make meaningful, sustainable change.
I translated complex emotional and social issues into concepts they could understand.
I shared resources with people and got real-time feedback about what worked.
I witnessed people adapt to difficult situations and apply their strengths and skills to solve problems in their personal and professional lives.
After a decade of applying these skills in predominantly therapeutic contexts, I realized:
I want to have a broader impact and I feel energized by purpose-driven work.
I prefer to wear multiple hats and to connect with people at the organizational level.
I have a natural gift for facilitating, culture building, and problem-solving.
I feel most alive when I’m facilitating a gathering where people come to learn and connect, and leave with more confidence and clarity about the actions they want to take next.
So now I am actively pursuing opportunities in the areas of:
Learning & Development
Organizational or Leadership Development
People-focused Program Management
Change Management
What I Do
📖 Writer & Author: I write for broad, non-clinical audiences to help people make sense of complex inner and interpersonal challenges in practical ways.
My book and articles reflect the kind of work I do in groups: translating insight into clarity and action.
I have been featured in publications such as The Cut, Well + Good, BBC.com, HuffPost, and NextShark.🎤 Facilitator: I lead professional development workshops and skill-building trainings.
I have led workshops on stress management, procrastination, work-life balance, and how to cope with audiences ranging from college students to professionals in the corporate sector.🤝 Connector: I create spaces for learning, dialogue, and shared growth.
I lead group learning experiences centered around community building, values-based goal setting, and professional networking.
Letting Go of Perfectionism: Stop Striving and Start Living
"Who am I outside of my accomplishments"?
"Who am I outside of being someone who does things for other people?"
"Who am I if I'm not always working or doing something?"These are common questions people ask themselves when they struggle with perfectionism and self-worth outside of work and performance culture.
Why This Book?
This book was written for thoughtful, high-achieving adults—not clinicians—and reflects my approach to learning, growth, and behavior change across personal and professional contexts.
Core Themes In This Book
Perfectionism and performance culture
Identity beyond achievement
Values-based decision-making
Creating sustainable motivation and habits
Emotional flexibility during change
