Hello, and thank you for reading my bio! I'm Kim Corts, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee. Like most people, I have a varied life history full of experiences and challenges that have shaped me for better or worse. In my work, I want to help others to find the "better" in those challenges. I specialize in helping individuals to grow their strength and resilience through change. My specialties include grief and loss, phase of life transitions, compassion fatigue, dementia, and other aging-related illnesses. While I do use evidence-based therapeutic approaches, I also like to explore how your interests like art, journaling, yoga, meditation, humor, music, etc., can be incorporated into an overall plan for wellness. My goal is to help you develop the tools and skills you need to feel more empowered and at peace in your life. I hope your search for a therapist is successful. If you'd like to work with me, I'd be honored to have the opportunity to help.
In our first session together, we start with an introduction and review of your needs. We may then discuss some history of the problem and determine goals for treatment.
Previous clients have appreciated my calm, open approach to engaging in therapy sessions and developing coping tools for ongoing mental health care. As I often work with individuals who are experiencing grief, trauma, and stage of life stress (family caregivers, aging), it is my intention to provide a safe place to express all thoughts and emotions.
Cognitive Behavioral interventions play a big role in my practice. I have used elements of CBT will clients who have panic attacks, anxiety, depression, and complicated or traumatic grief. When appropriate, we will work to identify and modify thinking patterns that no longer serve you. We may also develop some strategies to practice between sessions (homework).
I have had the honor to partner with many people who are experiencing grief and traumatic loss. I am heavily influenced by the work of Dr. Alan Wolfelt, and his philosophy of companioning with, rather than treating, those who grieve. My purpose in working with someone who is grieving is to provide the space and permission to express all thoughts and feelings and to validate that they are heard and understood. In addition, I am always assessing for maladaptive coping patterns or thought patterns that may be complicating grief. Grief is a highly personal experience and as such, the treatment methods are tailored to the specific individual.