Hi, my name is Kimberly Hutchinson. My goal is to empower you. All of us feel down or overwhelmed at times in our lives, or maybe it even feels like more than that. I'm here to help. With a busy life, additional emotional support, a sense of direction, or help understanding current circumstances may make navigating life's challenges a little easier. By working together to clarify the difficulties or challenges, and then working through them, you can achieve therapeutic goals that enable you to obtain greater self-understanding and grow into a life with less anxiety and a better ability to withstand the stresses of the everyday world. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and I have more than 25 years of experience in the field of mental health. My approach to therapy is collaborative, which means we work together. I use evidence-based cognitive-behavioral and supportive approaches. Sometimes we may talk about the past, but the focus is on the present and helping you move forward. My expertise includes anxiety, depression, domestic violence, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, adjustment, and stress management. I have specializations in neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology (e.g., stroke, health problems), so I also work with individuals who have issues such as ADHD, Asperger's syndrome/autism, the effects of stroke or adjusting to a medical disorder. You can expect a collaborative, practical approach to therapy with achievable goals. I look forward to working with you!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
While the decision to start therapy may be a difficult one, it is a sign of strength. After the first session, we will develop a personalized plan to achieve mutually agreed-upon treatment goals. You will learn practical approaches for managing emotions, modifying behaviors and habits, and challenging thoughts that may be getting in your way. Periodically, you will also complete brief questionnaires to track your progress.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) approaches focus on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A change in any one of the three can lead to changes in the others as well. The structure of CBT includes practicing strategies during therapy and during the time between appointments to strengthen new skills. Supportive approaches emphasize empathy and compassion. You are the expert on you. We use your knowledge and experience to develop self-understanding and awareness. Solution-focused approaches work for a specific problem. There is an emphasis on a resolution to a problem or a path forward to manage a problem or situation. Other approaches are also used depending on the specific situation. Often, successful therapy includes the use of more than one approach.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I embrace the view that we are life-long learners. We have all learned behaviors that no longer work for us. That means we can adapt and learn new behaviors that are more effective for our current stage of life. Other times it feels like life has been turned upside down by unexpected life events, trauma, or health problems. I can help you find your path from where you are now to re-establishing balance.