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Counseling Services

01.

Currently, I provide tele-health or in person sessions to tweens, teens & adults.  I have two master degrees, Counseling and Art Therapy, and have over 20 years of clinical experience.  In addition to having a private practice, I also have worked in an inpatient behavioral health unit and several IOPs (intensive outpatient programs) for mental health and substance abuse issues.  In individual therapy, I often use CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), ACT (acceptance & commitment therapy) & EMDR.  All three modalities are evidence based & effective in helping clients meet their goals.  I also incorporate

mindfulness and self compassion too.  

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Areas that I have specialized training in:

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Anxiety (GAD, social anxiety & Panic Attacks)

Mood Disorders (Depression & Bipolar)

ADHD

Maternal Mental Health

Addictions (Substance & Gambling)

Thought Disorders (Schizophrenia)

Trauma

Chronic Pain & Illness

Parenting Children with Special Needs

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02.

Are you concerned about your tween or teen?  Do they seem to be struggling with ADHD, anxiety, or depression?  Have you noticed a change in their behavior?  Did the recent pandemic increase their stress or anxiety?  In my practice, I work with children who are ten and older. I provide both art therapy and talk therapy to children and teens.  In my experience, children and teens really respond well to using art therapy techniques & interventions in sessions.  Creating art provides a safe, comfortable way to express one's thoughts and feelings, increase self esteem, self awareness & recognize how behaviors are impacted  by one's thoughts & feelings.  

03.

Parenting is hard.  It's 24/7.  It can be extremely difficult to meet the needs of others and your own needs too.  You don't have to parent alone.  I am here to support you through it- whether its anxiety, depression, ADHD, medical issues, navigating school challenges or finding the right environment for your kiddo.  I am resourceful, kind and compassionate.  And as a parent to two teen boys, I get it.  

04.

Art therapy is a type of expressive therapy where one uses drawing, painting, sculpture and collage to express emotions, improve self-esteem, manage addictions, relieve stress, improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, or cope with a physical illness or disability. No artistic talent is necessary, just a willingness to be creative. The act of creating, in of itself,  can be healing. But more so, processing the artwork with a trained therapist can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences.  

(To learn more, please see the Art Therapy section for some specific examples of directives/activities used in art therapy.)

05.

Are you a new grad on your way to becoming a licensed therapist?  In California, new grads must complete 3,000 supervised clinical hours prior to taking the state licensing exams.  If you are looking for a supervisor for your art therapy or counseling hours, I may be able to help.  Please call or email to discuss your needs.

06.

Kim has a special interest in using art therapy along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions to help individuals with chronic pain and/or chronic illnesses.  Art therapy can be a wonderful addition to one's standard medical treatment and Kim is happy to collaborate with doctors and/or physical therapists to coordinate care.  A 2018 study, showed art therapy can be helpful in reducing one's experience of pain.  Art therapy can also help people better manage the symptoms of stress & anxiety that accompany chronic pain and illness.  

06.

I have a special interest in using art therapy along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help individuals with chronic pain and/or chronic illnesses.  Art therapy can be a wonderful addition to one's standard medical treatment. I am happy to collaborate with doctors and/or physical therapists to coordinate care.  Art therapy can be helpful in reducing one's experience of pain.  It can also help people better manage the symptoms, the stress & anxiety that accompany chronic pain and illness.  

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© 2019 by Kimberly Gibson, MS, ATR, LPCC.

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