My name is Kimberly Christian and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Faith Based Therapist. I have been in private practice for approximately 15 years and specialize in the following diagnoses: Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorders, PTSD, and OCD. Faith Based therapy is available to anyone who is seeking that, otherwise I utilize the following therapy approaches primarily: CBT, DBT, mindfulness training, solution focused, and motivational interviewing. I might be a good fit for you if you are in a place where you are ready to learn skills and feel better quickly! I have taught skill-based classes for many years and enjoy being able to help clients learn what it takes to manage their illnesses with using healthy coping strategies. I work with adults only, but as a Wife and Mother myself, I do believe in understanding the dynamic of the family as it is vital to create a network of support around you when dealing with the symptoms each of these diagnoses can often bring. I will help each client to reach the goals they set out to meet in therapy and maintain a safe space to be vulnerable and explore new goals. I believe therapy does not need to take years to see significant progress.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
You can expect to learn something new with each session. In the first several sessions, I am getting to know you and what you want/need most from therapy, however when there is an opportunity to teach a skill that can be used right away, I will take it. I teach clients how to continue working on therapy throughout the week, not just in session so that it becomes a new way of thinking and feeling. Hopefully, as time progresses as we work for a longer period of time, the trust and rapport will support deeper work and the ability to see this relationship as the only truly selfish relationship you may ever have. It is all about you!
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I utilize mainly CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Both are in the family of CBT where one focuses more on the relationship between thoughts and feelings and how they both impact behavior and physical symptoms whereas DBT teaches specific skills to de-escalate feelings to be able to tolerate tough situations and access the skills needed. I also utilize Faith Based therapy skills which are optional. Many of the tools I have learned can be leveraged for any belief system, however my vast knowledge comes from the faith of Christianity.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My strengths as a Therapist are that I have my own tool belt of healthy coping skills so I know they work and I don't like to see clients in therapy for long periods of time not learning how to manage the illness(es). I help clients feel empowered in how to use the skills and make this a lifelong commitment of seeing life through a lens that places their mental health at the forefront. I want to train clients not to need me someday.