Kimberly Motley
Have you been thinking about therapy and struggling with where to begin? Sometimes taking the first step is the most difficult one. I can help you take that first step with a warm and encouraging approach to therapy. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) using a compassionate, client-centered philosophy. This approach employs evidence-based techniques and tools to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, and related issues in an accepting, non-judgemental therapeutic relationship. Change takes time. My goal is for the people I work with to feel heard, supported, and able to develop skills to use in their lives and relationships. Personal growth leads to living as the most authentic and best version of ourselves. I look forward to helping you grow.
I also use faith-based approaches, mindfulness, and wellness (nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene) when appropriate and when clients are interested in these topics.
First session
During our first session, we'll work to gather a detailed history, identify your goals for therapy, and develop at least one tool to use in your daily life until your next session. As we continue, we'll work to recognize and process emotions and understand the connections between past and current experiences, thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Finally, we'll develop tools to reduce unhelpful thinking and expand on what you've learned to meet your therapeutic goals.
Strengths
I genuinely enjoy working with people to help them become the best, most authentic version of themselves. I've worked extensively with teens, young adults, and adults with a variety of issues: depression, anxiety, trauma, anger management, grief, stress, relationships, adjustment, personal growth, and LGBTQ+. I approach therapy with warmth, encouragement, and humor backed by evidenced-based cognitive behavioral tools and techniques.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with older teens and adults who are interested in growing into the most authentic, healthiest version of themselves. Working through issues related to depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief, anger, and trauma opens my clients up to a deeper understanding of themselves and creates space for change. In that space, clients develop and practice skills to improve mood, relationships, and quality of life.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that is effective in reducing, managing, or eliminating symptoms of a wide range of problems including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, obsessive compulsive behaviors, trauma, and many other related issues. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behaviors. The goal of CBT is to increase healthy coping skills, increase healthy thinking, and improve mood and functioning. My goal is to work with my clients in an accepting, safe, and non-judgemental alliance to learn these skills, work through issues, and live as the most authentic and best version of themselves.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person-centered therapy was developed by Carl Rogers and is based on the belief that all humans have the drive and capacity for growth and self-actualization. This treatment method relies on the client feeling heard, validated, and accepted while encouraging personal growth and understanding of self. My goal is to foster a therapeutic relationship that provides a safe and encouraging environment to explore, validate, and process experiences and emotions. This supportive relationship creates a space to work through issues and develop cognitive behavioral skills to reduce unwanted thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while improving mood, self-worth, and healthy behavior.
Grief Therapy
Grief therapy helps guide people through issues of grief and loss. Therapy often focuses on exploration and processing of emotions related to grief and providing a safe and supportive space to work through the stages of grief. Cognitive behavioral therapy and person-centered interventions are used to reduce unwanted thoughts and emotions and increase coping skills. My goal is to help people face and work through what is often the most difficult and painful time in their lives. Spiritual and religious strengths and practices are used when desired or appropriate.
Compassion Focused
Compassion Focused therapy is focused on compassion for self. The goal of compassion work is to replace feelings of insecurity and hostility toward oneself with compassion, understanding, and hope. Improved mood, improved relationships, more functional behavior, and personal growth are focused on as clients develop compassion for self and compassion for others. Cognitive behavioral skills, person-centered techniques, mindfulness, and coping skills are used within the compassion focused framework to work through trauma, negative thoughts and feelings, and unwanted behaviors.
Location
Virtual sessions