Following the Footsteps of Dr. Witmer’s First Psychological Clinic

The historical predecessor of the Center for International Psychological Services is the Psychological Clinic established in 1896 by a clinical psychologist named, Dr. Lightner Witmer.
The early pioneers of psychology accumulated scientific knowledge of the human minds and mental abilities at several universities. The research findings were very useful in understanding the norms of human capacities which consequently led to developing and implementing a valuable educational and clinical treatment plan.
The field of clinical psychology was created about 120 years ago with the enthusiasm for assisting children and adults who suffer from developmental and psychological difficulties. The first Psychological Clinic was born with Dr. Witmer’s innovative approach of clinical application of psychological research findings at the University of Pennsylvania in 1896.
Dr. Witmer who studied with an eminent German experimental psychologist, Wilhelm Wundt, was concerned about the welfare of children who had extreme academic struggles in school. He started evaluating their intellectual and psychological difficulties and treated them with a systematic approach. It quickly became popular among other people, and similar psychological clinics opened across the United States.
At the 1896 meeting of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Witmer emphasized the importance of helping people through psychological services. He stated, “the progress of psychology, as of every other science, would be determined by the value and amount of its contributions to the advancement of the human race.” The Psychological Clinic was established based on an honorable mission for treating all classes of people who suffer from psychological difficulties without prejudice. His suggested principles have been applied to the training of clinical psychologists in North America and his pioneering works and vision are alive at the Center for International Psychological Services.



Center for International Psychological ServicesㅣStory

2001 Dr. Cho started the English/Korean bilingual services in the U.S.
In 2000, Dr Cho started the English/Korean bilingual services
for Korean immigrants and their children at the Zucker-Hillside Hospital/North

2003 The New York Times highlighted the treatment work of Dr. Yong Cho
“Freud Meets Buddha: Therapy adapts to immigrants’ need”
The New York Times, January 18, 2003

2003 Promoting Evidence-Based Psychological Services in Korea
In 2003, Dr. Cho established the Tree Group to provide evidence-based treatment in both New York and Korea.

2004 The Tree Group Expansion and Relocation
The Tree Group’s Center for International Psychological Services was expanded and relocated to Daechi-dong in Korea.
International organisations and international

2005 Prolonged Exposure Therapy Workshop with Dr. Edna Foa
In May 2005, the Tree Group held a workshop by Dr. Edna Foa, a worldly renowned psychotherapist in treating PTSD,

2008 Lectures about bilingual Korean students organised by Embassy of the United States in Seoul
Lecture offers help for Korean kids overseas
– JoongAng Daily by Moon Published July 23, 2008

2008 Dr. Marsha Linehan’s DBT Seminar, hosted by the U.S. Embassy
The DBT Center of Korea (under the umbrella of the Tree Group) invited Dr. Marsha Linehan and initiated the DBT

2008 Dialectical Behavior Therapy Workshop with Marsha Linehan
The DBT Center of Korea invited Dr. Marsha Linehan who is one of the most influential authorities in the field

2011 Published ‘Prolonged Exposure Therapy Therapist Guide’ and ‘Client Workbook’
Edna For published two guidebooks for Prolonged Exposure Therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

2013 Established “The Tree Group Co.”
Established “the Tree Group Co.” to expand its mission.

2015 The Tree Group Co. relocates to Songpa Campus
The Tree Group moved from Gangnam campus to Song campus and rebuilds its space to illustrate our philosophy.

2016 A Psychotherapy Novel “The Seven Room” was published
In 2016, the Tree Group Press published a psychotherapy novel called “the Seven room”.

2017 “DBT Skills Manual for Adolescents” was published
In 2017, “DBT Skills Manual for Adolescents” was published.

2017 “Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Workbook 2nd Edition” was published
“In 2017, “Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Workbook 2nd Edition” for emotional dysregulation and borderline personality disorder was published.”

2017 “Today’s Mindfulness Cards” was created.
2017 “Today’s Mindfulness Cards” was created.

2018 “DBT Skills Training Manual, 2nd Edition” was published.
In 2018, “DBT Skills Training Manual, 2nd Edition” was published, producing two of Dr. Marsha Linehan’s manuals.