About Me

Hi, I’m Daniel.

I am a behavioral sleep therapist who specializes in helping people who struggle with insomnia symptoms – difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), which is widely regarded as the most effective non-medication treatment for insomnia. In fact, this evidence-based intervention consistently shows better long-term results than sleeping pills in numerous research studies.
 
My practice is centered around two core values: sleep science rigor and clinically sensitive care. Sleep is a fascinating and important topic, and we have the tremendous benefit of great scientific and medical advancements in the field of sleep in the modern era. I believe that helping clients gain an understanding of how sleep works, how their sleep patterns may have gotten off track, and how to recalibrate their sleep systems, serves to empower clients through the process of change. I aim to present sleep biology and the mechanisms behind the therapeutic techniques in a compelling way to each of my clients. And I must admit I enjoy geeking out about sleep science in general.
 
In addition, because each individual’s journey is unique, I believe that sleep therapy is most effective when it is tailored to the client’s needs and goals instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. Therefore, I consider it vital to cultivate a good therapeutic connection, as well as to work collaboratively on the treatment plan. Depending on clients’ needs, I also utilize other related modalities as appropriate, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Insomnia (ACT-I), Brief Behavioral Treatment of Insomnia (BBTI), and Mindfulness Based Therapy for Insomnia (MBTI). 
 
Professionally, I work full-time as a behavioral sleep therapist at a hospital clinic in north San Diego county, as well as maintain a small private practice on the side. I really enjoy being in the field of behavioral sleep medicine, and feel grateful and extremely lucky to be doing what I love doing every day. I have extensive experience in this field, including: individual and group therapy, sleep workshops/presentations, program development, sleep coaching/consulting, and research involvement.
 
If you are here because you are exhausted from your long struggle with sleep and could use some help – welcome. I’m looking forward to hearing your story and helping you on your journey toward restorative sleep.

Daniel Kim, LCSW
Behavioral Sleep Therapist

Qualifications:
    

  • Degree: Master’s degree in Social Work
  • Licensure: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (California & Illinois)
  • Training: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia,
    Brief Behavioral Treatment of Insomnia,
    Mini-Fellowship in Behavioral Sleep Medicine (UPenn),
    Continuing Education courses in Sleep Medicine
  • Other Relevant Modalities: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Insomnia,
    Mindfulness Based Therapy for Insomnia,
    Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for Nightmares
  • Membership: Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine
  • Certification: Certified Sleep Science Coach