LCSW, 18 years of experience
New to Grow
Welcome! My name is Kristen Sims, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Level 5 Certified Trauma Therapist. I and dedicated to helping individuals navigate healing and growth. With a deep understanding of how trauma impacts the mind, body and spirit, I use a holistic and integrative approach to support my clients in reconnecting with themselves and restoring balance in their lives. My work is grounded in evidence-based practices and enriched by mindfulness, somatic awareness, and a compassionate, person-centered philosophy. Whether you're dealing with the aftermath of trauma, chronic stress, or seeking deeper understanding , I strive to create a safe, supportive space where healing can unfold organically and authentically. I believe healing is not just addressing symptoms, it involves exploration and resolve of the root causes. I aim to cultivate resilience, inner peace, and a renewed sense of purpose. I meet each client where they are, honoring their unique journey and work collaboratively toward meaningful, sustainable change.
I strive to create a safe space that feels gentle, warm, and welcoming from the very beginning. In our first session, we will take time to explore your history, current challenges, and what brings you to therapy. This is a collaborative process where we begin to understand your unique experiences, needs and start building a personalized treatment plan together. There's no pressure to share more than you are ready to-your pace and comfort matter. My goal is to ensure you feel seen, heard and supported as we begin your journey!
With over 18 years of experience in the mental health field, I've had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families across various settings-including outpatient, residential and provided in-home services. Much of my work has focused on addiction and trauma recovery, and I've spent time supporting individuals in an intensive residential treatment program where trauma is often complex and deep rooted. I hold a Certified Trauma Professional designation, having completed a rigorous five-week trauma training. More importantly, I have engaged in my own healing work as a trauma overcomer. This personal experience allows me to approach therapy with deep empathy, authenticity, and a commitment to helping others uncover the core of their pain to find lasting resolution. My approach is grounded in both professional and personal expertise and lived experience. I believe healing requires safety, courage and willingness to go deep-and I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they tale those steps.
I work with individuals who are struggling with the lingering effects of trauma-whether it shows up as flight, fight, freeze or fawn responses. My clients often find themselves in patterns that no longer serve them, including addiction, anxiety, depression, or other maladaptive coping behaviors. Many have experienced complex trauma, including domestic violence, childhood trauma, psychological, physical and emotional abuse, and are seeking a safe space to begin the healing process. I specialize in helping clients uncover and process the deeper roots of trauma through a trauma-informed lens, using approaches like EMDR, grounding techniques, and mindfulness practices to regulate the nervous system and support emotional resilience. I also work closely with those navigating attachment wounds and relationship issues, offering tools to foster healthy connections with themselves and others. If you are ready to explore your story, break free from old patterns and reconnect with your authentic self, I am here to walk that journey with you-at your pace and in your power.
I am a Level 5 Certified Trauma Therapist and am EMDR Trained. I will utilize my extensive experience working with individuals, families and couples to assist with identifying how trauma has affected your quality of life. We will explore how trauma has affected your ability to remain in the present moment, how it has affected your mental health and how it has affected every area of relationships. We will work together to compose a realistic and attainable treatment plan in which you learn the techniques to assist with mindfulness and calming.
I have had the privilege of working with multiple couples that feel disconnected, struggle with healthy communication and feel as if they have lost their way. This can happen, but there is hope. I assist by educating and actively practicing techniques to improve connection, healthy and assertive communication techniques and conflict resolution.
I am EMDR Trained and utilize this technique when intellectually one knows they are not presently in their trauma, but their body is triggered to flight, fight, freeze or fawn. I use EMDR to assist with complete processing of trauma to decrease the client's trauma responses when activated.