Kimberly Fitzpatrick
I am passionate about trauma and helping others who have suffered from trauma in the past. The impact of trauma is largely unrecognized and can last a lifetime. Additionally, symptoms of trauma masquerade as many other diagnoses.
I have experienced several forms of trauma myself, am familiar with the pain and fear that comes with it, and with how that pain and fear persists long afterwards.
For example, thousands of children are diagnosed each year with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, when their symptoms are actually due to trauma. Trauma disguises itself as anger management issues, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks ... the list goes on and on. For me, treating trauma and helping others overcome its devastating effects is intensely rewarding.
First session
My goal for your first session is to answer any questions you may have and for us to learn about each other and what to expect from one another. I'll ask questions about what you are dealing with and what you want to get out of therapy. We'll talk about trauma treatment and what you can expect, and together we'll go through your history. If you wish to move forward with treatment, then I'll send you some documents to fill out that will give us both some information about how your trauma is affecting you and how deeply the impact goes.
Strengths
I have experienced several forms of trauma myself, am familiar with the pain and fear that comes with it, and I know how that pain and fear persists long afterwards. After Hurricane Michael devastated my hometown, I sought training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), one of the leading forms of trauma therapy, and used it to help people in the area deal with the traumas of having lost homes, pets, and loved ones. My patients have experienced life-changing results from this process.
Ideal clients
If events in your past still haunt you, I'd like to help. If painful or unpleasant thoughts or memories just seem to spring into your mind, I'd like to help. If you are like a human volcano, filled with anger just waiting to explode, I'd like to help! I will walk with you every step of the way, beginning wherever you are and with whatever you are struggling with. As your therapist, I will support you and help you find your way through the obstacles that face you. I offer nonjudgmental compassion and a nurturing environment where you can speak freely. I provide both online and in-person therapy for your convenience.
Treatment methods
EMDR
EMDR is a leading and highly effective method of trauma treatment that can produce positive results more quickly than many other trauma therapies. I was trained in EMDR therapy following Hurricane Michael, and used it to help the hurricane victims deal with their devastating losses. In the years since then I have used EMDR to treat symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, anxiety, prolonged grief, anger issues, and other issues related to trauma.
Eclectic
People and their problems are unique, and a technique that works well for one person won't work for everyone. I use a wide range of theories and interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Client-Centered Therapy (Rogerian), and Solution-Focused Therapy, depending on what each client needs, wants, and responds well to. I frequently recommend books and videos to my clients as well.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions1399 Jenks Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Identifies as
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Other specialties
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Licensed in
- FloridaLicense MH17380