Kimberly McCray
Hello, my name is Kimberly, but you can call me Kim. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with approximately eight years of experience. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Behavioral Health, further deepening my expertise in the field.
Additionally, my personal experience with chronic medical illness has deepened my understanding and compassion for those facing similar challenges.
My professional background includes working in school and treatment settings, providing therapeutic support to individuals across various age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults. My approach prioritizes building strong client relationships and creating a non-judgmental space where individuals feel safe to explore and address their core challenges. I am passionate about guiding others through difficult times and helping them find healing and fulfillment through the therapeutic process.
First session
In our initial session, you can expect a collaborative and supportive space where we begin building a foundation of trust and understanding. We will discuss your goals for therapy, explore any immediate concerns or challenges, and review relevant aspects of your background and experiences. This session also serves as an opportunity for you to gain insight into my therapeutic approach, ask any questions about the process, and ensure that you feel comfortable and supported as we embark on this journey together.
Strengths
As a mental health provider, my greatest strength lies in my ability to build authentic and meaningful connections with my clients. My approach is rooted in empathy, fostering a non-judgmental space where individuals feel safe to express themselves openly. Additionally, my personal experience with chronic medical illness has deepened my understanding and compassion for those facing similar challenges. This unique perspective enables me to provide nuanced, empathetic support to individuals navigating health-related concerns, helping them feel seen, heard, and empowered in their journey.
Ideal clients
As a clinician, I am uniquely positioned to support individuals facing complex medical and mental health challenges, including renal and transplant patients, as well as those battling non-active eating disorders. Drawing from both my professional expertise and personal experience with chronic medical illness, I bring a deep understanding and empathy to my work. My background includes extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in school and treatment settings, allowing me to adapt my approach to diverse needs. I am particularly passionate about providing comprehensive and compassionate care to those managing chronic health conditions, helping them navigate the emotional and psychological impact of their journey. Additionally, I am dedicated to supporting caregivers, recognizing the immense physical, emotional, and mental toll of caring for a loved one with a chronic or life-altering illness. My goal is to foster resilience, promote healing, and empower individuals to find fulfillment and strength despite the challenges they face.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I have extensively utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a primary therapeutic approach. My focus is on empowering clients to become their own therapists, fostering a sense of self-efficacy in managing their mental health. Through collaborative sessions, I guide clients in understanding the intricate connections between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
In my practice, I integrate SFBT principles by guiding clients to recognize their resilience, past successes, and the steps they have already taken toward their goals. When working with individuals facing chronic medical conditions, renal failure, or those recovering from non-active eating disorders, I use SFBT to highlight moments of progress, encourage small, achievable changes, and help clients develop a future-oriented mindset. This approach is particularly beneficial for clients who may feel overwhelmed by their circumstances, as it shifts the focus from what is wrong to what is possible.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
My experience with the person-centered treatment modality involves creating a therapeutic space characterized by compassion, active listening, and a deep respect for the client's autonomy. Through this approach, clients often find the support needed to navigate their personal journeys toward self-awareness and positive change.
Trauma-Focused CBT
In my practice, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) has emerged as a highly effective and comprehensive approach in addressing trauma and its impacts on individuals. This therapeutic method is structured around three essential phases, each designed to meet specific goals: safety and stabilization, formal gradual exposure, and consolidation/integration.
Location
Virtual sessions