Does economic development make people happier than before? Many might agree in terms of ‘swelled purse’ but many might disagree in terms of ‘happiness’. Why? Happiness is invisible while money is substantial. In other words, one’s happiness depends on one’s state of mind. Economic development certainly has improved quality of life but equally created a new form of ‘alienation’ which comes from stress and emotional scars.

It is reported that many people are suffering from stress from human relations as well as the work they are doing to earn bread and butter. The role of counseling centers in this respect is to help those who suffer fromstress and emotional scars. Haesoon Lee, CEO of YD Counseling & Coaching Service, has extensive knowledge and experience in the field of ‘alienation’, ‘absence of communication’, ‘stress’ and ‘emotional scars’. YD stands for the initial of Yonsei University (her alma mater) and the word dream.

“It was 15 years ago I started a study of counseling in preparation of my life in old age. I obtained a counseling coaching certificateat my alma mater. I think many people in our society suffer from emotional scars. As a counselor, it is really sad that they hesitate to take counseling for money reason or social prejudice about psychotherapy. Old people are especially vulnerable as it can easily lead to depression and dementia. In my experience of talking with them openheartedly for the last 8 years, we can heal their emotional scars by listening openheartedly and talking friendly. One interesting thing I found is that the more I listen the more I learned; so it is me who benefits more” says Lee.

YD Counseling & Coaching Serviceis providedin two offices: one in Seoul and another in Namyangju City. The latter one is run as a healing center where clients are encouraged to engage in planting coffee trees and chilli on a farm. Its purpose is to bring the clients closer to nature to be healed more naturally. In other words, the center in Jongno District Seoul is designed for ‘emotional healing’ and the center in Namyangju City is for ‘natural healing’; and these two are linked to create synergy. As an ardent Christian, Lee says that her belief in god has always been the driving force of her life and her business. Youndong Presbyterian Church, which Lee belongs to as a service deaconess, has 120 years of history and has ardently provided full material and emotional support for Lee.