From the outside my life appears to have taken unrelated twists and turns: 1st generation Korean American born in Virginia, Competitive Martial Artist, English teacher in rural China, Rotary Scholar of Japanese Literature, Global Executive and Psychoanalyst. And yet to me, these disparate landmarks can be linked by my lifelong, restless inquiry into the connection between the mind and body across many cultures, disciplines and spiritual beliefs.
I have had the great privilege of studying under, and training with, great teachers from all over the world. My mentors in Somatic Psychology and Psychoanalysis in particular, aided me in the excavation of memory and meaning so I could connect and articulate the vast array of my experiences. The highlights of my athletic, academic and professional achievements pale in comparison to the uncelebrated events that emotionally challenged and fundamentally changed me: the slow recovery from heartbreak, the loss of my religion, the loss of my mother, my struggles in addiction, and the many years it took to rediscover myself and my purpose through my own therapy. These are the events that continually bloom with deeper meaning in my work in helping others find understanding, meaning and freedom.
“On the surface, our family seemed to function and appear “normal” until one of our children started to rebel and then everything started to fall apart. We came to Meme to work on reconciliation and maintaining boundaries. The beginning was very painful as so much bubbling underneath came to surface. We learned things about each other we never knew and had the uncomfortable and hard conversations that we used to just sweep under the rug. She helped us to listen to each other, communicate, express our emotions and then gave us tools to use whenever we have conflict. Despite all of our different personalities, Meme is warm and able to make all of us feel heard but is also to the point, allowing us to face and accept negative emotions. She has not only helped us with reconciliation and maintaining boundaries, but helped us to heal in ways we never expected and taught us a new language to communicate in a positive and loving way. All of us are definitely more aware of ourselves and of each other. Our family is the strongest it has ever been and we all 100% agree it is thanks to Meme and the work she has done with us.” L.K.
“I worked with Meme Rhee during a very difficult time in my life. There were so many issues I was working through with fear and frustration. Meme led me through them in such a kind and compassionate way. She created a truly safe place for me to feel the feelings I was terrified of and helped me to find ways to recover and thrive. I’m forever grateful for her.” K.B.
“Meme made a significant difference in my life. When I was traveling extensively, working very long hours, and dealing with complicated relationship issues, she was the one I turned to for helping me sort out my true feelings, priorities, and changes in my life. My sessions with her were critical to achieving several breakthroughs. Her direct, candid and probing approach always made me think, feel and reflect. And led to important changes! I greatly appreciate my time with her.” R.N.
“Meme is incredibly insightful and culturally sensitive. My partner and I were raised in two different cultures and immigrated from different countries. We were having difficulties understanding each other and communicating effectively. She really created a bridge for understanding between us and that bridge really saved our relationship.” J.O.