LCSW, 7 years of experience
Your mind is always busy. Its like you have 50 browser tabs open on your computer, you can’t remember which one you were supposed to be looking at, and one of them is playing music! You’re so tired but can never seem to rest. You forgot to switch the laundry over, again. There is something sticky on the floor and you are late for an appointment! Something has got to give…maybe it is time for a new notebook? New calendar system? Maybe you should just make one on Canva real quick...Does this sound familiar? Feeling seen (or attacked)? If so, you may be in the right place! I'm Kim 😊 I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker, trauma therapist, ADHDer, mom, serial hobbiest, and corgi lover. I am neurodiversity affirming and a safe therapist for gender and sexuality diverse folks. I have lots of experience working with people who are struggling with PTSD/C-PTSD, ADHD, parenting issues, and life transitions. I am all too familiar with the gifted-kid to anxious-adult pipeline. I understand that for some people, really hard things may come easily and really basic things may be very hard. I love working with people who are tired of repeating the same old cycles and are ready to make a change.
First sessions are all about getting to know one another. You will be deciding whether or not you feel like you can be comfortable and open with me, and I will be listening to see how I can help. At the start of your session, I will briefly introduce myself, explain how confidentiality works in therapy, and will ask you if you have any questions. Then we will dive in to the important stuff like what brings you to therapy, what your interests are, who the important people are in your life, and what you are hoping to gain from therapy. I will ask you some history questions and we will begin discussing a treatment plan together.
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is my unwavering commitment to authenticity and collaboration. I strive to create a supportive and laid back space for my clients where they feel safe and understood. I am very comfortable with clients using whatever language they need to express a point or emotion (hey, sometimes an F bomb is the best fit!). I am told by my clients that they appreciate my ability to adapt their therapy to their unique needs and interests. Do you need to chat about the difference between crows and ravens for a few minutes before you feel ready to get into the heavy stuff? No problem. Need to phone it in from your blankie fort? I love that. Want to conceptualize your current problem through the lens of Middle Earth or your current D&D campaign? Lets do it! Squeezing in your appointment from your car on your lunch break? Been there. I am all about meeting you where you are and making therapy accessible.
I am best suited to serve clients who are seeking a warm, curious, and down-to-Earth therapist to work alongside them towards their goals. I have extensive experience working with neurodiverse people, particularly those who have been diagnosed later-in-life or who are still seeking formal diagnosis. I have a special interest in women’s issues and enjoy working with women from all walks of life who are looking to learn more about themselves, break generational cycles, set boundaries, say "no," and embrace their authentic selves 😊 I have worked with military folks and their families for many years. I am familiar with military culture and the unique challenges that come with military life.
I use CBT to assist clients in exploring the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I work collaboratively to assist clients in identifying how thought patterns may be negatively impacting their mood and hindering progress towards goals. I utilize specific CBT protocols for various diagnoses and problems, such as CBTi for insomnia or exposure response prevention for OCD.
I incorporate DBT to help clients build emotional regulation, improve interpersonal relationships, and develop healthy coping skills. DBT tools can help folks feel more in control of their lives and improve the quality of relationships.
I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to help folks process traumatic experiences and reduce the impact that those experiences have on their daily lives. EMDR is an evidence based trauma treatment that is helpful for many of my clients.
I use an attachment-based approach to help folks explore how early attachment relationships are affecting their emotional well-being and may be affecting their current problem(s). Many folks find that learning more about their attachment style and patterns is very healing and helps to build healthier relationships, closer connections, and develop self-compassion.
I work from a person-centered (Rogerian) perspective, emphasizing a non-judgmental and empathetic environment where clients feel comfortable to take the lead in their therapy. I support clients in discovering their own solutions and developing a stronger sense of self by demonstrating respect and fostering genuine connection.