LISW, 9 years of experience
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Kim! First, I know how hard it can be to search for a therapist, so I want to acknowledge that if you are here, you are making a big step. Whether you choose to work with me or another therapist, I wish you the best as you begin or continue your therapy journey. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation in Ohio, and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Alabama. I have experience as an individual therapist, family therapist, parent coach, and group facilitator. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Practice, and Strengths-based approach, however, I bring in many elements of evidence-based practice to meet clients needs. I work with clients around anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, relationships, and overall skill building. I believe that change can happen quickly and I often work with clients on targeted goals with a solutions-focused approach. I truly believe that therapy is collaborative. I feel deeply honored to work with my clients and to witness their progress. I work to create a safe, calm, and positive therapy space for clients to explore their challenges and practice new ways of relating to those challenges.
I know that the first session can feel overwhelming, so I provide a gentle structure so that we can get to know each other. In our first session, I will guide you through an assessment of your strengths, challenges, history and goals. We will also talk through some basic logistics of therapy, including confidentiality and scheduling. I will ask you many questions and I want clients to ask me questions so that we can build a solid therapeutic space together.
I feel passionate about teaching skills in therapy. I want clients to know that there are real, tangible tools we can practice to help us feel more grounded and connected with ourselves and our goals. I see so many strengths in every person I meet with and I point those out freely. This is an integral part of my approach and I think it is powerful to be seen and validated in this way.
I often work with clients who are contemplating and/or ready to make changes. Whether that is improving symptoms, increasing insights, or learning how to open up to someone, I am here to help.
While I tend to pull from many treatment methods, CBT has been a part of my practice for almost 10 years. CBT provides a great learning opportunity about the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I have had the honor of witnessing clients transform with the knowledge gained from CBT as they apply skills to lead a more emotionally healthy life.
I have experience teaching mindfulness in the individual, group, and family settings. Mindfulness practice can help to us regulate our nervous systems and learn acceptance. Mindfulness can help us to become less judgmental towards ourselves and others which can benefit our overall relationship with ourselves and others. I enjoy working with clients to practice mindfulness in a way that works for their lives.
As a Clinical Social Worker, the strengths-based approach was built into my foundational education and clinical experience. I believe that every person comes to therapy with skills and strengths. I believe that clients benefit from having a supportive person highlight those strengths and help them to apply them more intentionally. This can help to reduce anxiety and depression, increase self-esteem, and increase understanding and gratitude for the experiences that gave way to those strengths.