Counseling Services
01.
Currently, I am providing telehealth (video or phone sessions) to tweens, teens & adults. Eventually, I hope to return to my office in Mar Vista for those that want in person services. I have two master degrees, Counseling and Art Therapy, and have nearly 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.
Areas that I have specialized training in:
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
02.
Are you concerned about your tween or teen? Do they seem to be struggling with anxiety or depression? Have you noticed a change in their behavior? Is the current pandemic increasing 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 little ones and your own needs too- especially during Covid. Maybe you are seeking some assistance in learning how to be responsive rather than reactive? Or maybe you are the parent of a child with special needs or a kiddo who is neurodiverse and are working through both the grief and anxiety that comes with parenting a kiddo who is different than their peers. I enjoy working collaboratively with parents,
building on strengths and helping parents navigate challenges.
04.
Art therapy is an 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.