Kim Mains
Welcome, my name is Kim Mains. Grief is a powerful, personal experience—often unpredictable, sometimes isolating, and always deserving of care and attention. If you’re navigating the loss of a loved one, a major life transition, or are feeling stuck in sorrow that others don’t seem to understand, I want you to know you're not alone.
Whether your grief feels fresh and raw or quietly lingers beneath the surface, our work together can help you move toward healing and meaning in your own time.
I specialize in grief counseling and create a safe, compassionate space where clients can explore their emotions without judgment. Whether your grief feels fresh and raw or quietly lingers beneath the surface, our work together can help you move toward healing and meaning in your own time. Therapy doesn’t mean “getting over it”—it means having a place to process, to be seen, and to find strength again. If that sounds like what you're needing, I’d be honored to walk with you.
First session
In our first session, we’ll start by getting to know each other. I’ll ask questions to better understand what brought you to therapy, what kind of support you’re seeking, and how grief or loss is showing up in your life right now. You’re welcome to share at your own pace—there’s no pressure to go deeper than you’re ready for. We’ll also talk about your hopes and goals: where you’d like to be in the near future and what changes you’d like to see. Together, we’ll begin to outline a plan, and you’ll leave the session with a clearer sense of what’s ahead and a few “next step” strategies you can start using right away. Most of all, you can expect a safe, nonjudgmental space where your story matters and your healing process is respected.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is offering a compassionate, empathetic presence. I genuinely listen—with curiosity, patience, and care—so that clients feel deeply seen and heard. In the midst of grief or emotional overwhelm, having someone who can hold space without rushing to fix or judge can make all the difference. Clients often tell me they feel safe, understood, and less alone after our conversations. I believe healing begins when we feel truly witnessed, and I strive to create that kind of space in every session.
Ideal clients
I love working with someone who’s navigating loss—whether recent or long ago—and is ready to explore how it’s impacting their daily life, relationships, and sense of self. They may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, numb, or like the world has moved on while they’re still trying to make sense of their pain. What people have in common is a deep desire for meaning, clarity, and forward movement, even if they’re unsure where to begin. They're open to self-reflection, curious about how grief shapes their experience, and willing to try new strategies to cope, heal, and grow. Most importantly, they value a collaborative relationship where they feel heard, supported, and gently challenged.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP)
I have helped many clients with CBT to help individuals identify and change negative patterns and behaviors that contribute to feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. As a counselor I assess for safety and develop a safety plan if needed, which includes coping strategies, emergency contacts, and steps to stay safe. We also work to identify negative thought patterns and challenge these distorted thoughts. Then build coping skills to manage distress such as relaxation techniques, problem solving, and emotion regulation. All to empower individuals to regain control and build hope.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Helping someone to Identify negative thought patterns or beliefs is key to success! Challenging these thoughts by examining what evidence supports them, therefore testing if they are realistic or not. Then replacing thought patterns by developing a more balanced, helpful way of thinking. I have used techniques such as Journaling your thoughts and practicing coping skills help with promotes a healthier point of view.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Begin by teaching how trauma can affect thoughts, emotions and beliefs. Helping with identifying stuck points that are unhelpful or extreme beliefs related to trauma and may be blocking recovery and creating emotional distress.
Grief Therapy
I have been a grief therapist for 8 plus years. I use a supportive therapeutic approach to help individuals process the emotional, cognitive, and physical reactions to a loss, especially the death of a loved one. Validating and normalizing the grieving process is key to success. We can explore the relationship and any unresolved issues, regrets, or gratitude and how the death has changed the person themselves.
Motivational Interviewing
I use motivational interviewing to help people by asking the right questions to get a better understanding of the client's perspective. It helps clients to see the gap between where they are and where they want to be. We will work with your hesitations rather than confronting them. It is important to focus on one's strengths to encourage one to find their own reasons and their own confidence to promote change.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- PennsylvaniaLicense CW025694