024: The Clients I Wanted to Give Up On—and Why I’m Glad I Didn’t

About this episode

Roy Kim and Dr. John Han discuss the challenges of working with difficult clients and the healing that can occur when therapists choose to stay present.

In this episode, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. John Han to explore what happens when a difficult client stirs up our own countertransference—and why choosing not to quit can become a deeply healing moment for both therapist and client. We also discuss the fear of performance that so often pulls us out of true presence, and share honestly about the unique challenges many Korean Americans face around shame, optics, and staying emotionally authentic. This episode is an invitation to slow down, stay curious, and rediscover the courage to remain in the room when everything in you wants to step out. Links related to John: Psychology Today profile drjohnjhan@gmail.com New Therapist FAQ on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/newtherapistfaq/⁠⁠ New Therapist FAQ on Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ntfaqpodcast⁠⁠

People in this episode

Guest: Dr John Han

Topics covered

• countertransference
• therapeutic relationship
• Korean American challenges
• emotional authenticity

Keywords

• performance anxiety
• shame
• curiosity
• presence

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