Kimberly VanKirk, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Kimberly!

I specialize in treating adults with anxiety disorders, trauma, stressor-related disorders, and perinatal mood disorders. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Mindfulness and Meditation, and Solution Focused Therapy to help my clients meet their goals.

My focus

I typically work with adults experiencing anxiety and symptoms of trauma. I also have specialized training in working with perinatal mood disorders. My focus is on helping you alleviate these symptoms through evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique situation.

My approach

I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet your individual needs. I am a goal-directed therapist, meaning I focus on specific, actionable steps that can be taken to reduce your symptoms during each session. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, EMDR, Mindfulness and Meditation, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

My communication style

I create a judgment-free space with active planning and goal-setting to meet your needs. I use a strengths-based approach to reduce shame associated with mental health symptoms. Working primarily with anxiety and trauma-related disorders, my sessions focus on teaching calming coping strategies.

My journey to mental healthcare

I have always wanted a career in which I can help others. I currently practice a combination of all of the coping skills and strategies that I teach my clients, and feel they have greatly benefited my life. I want to continue sharing these techniques so that emotional health and well-being are at the forefront of most people's lives.

My goals for you

Goal setting is one of the most important aspects of our therapeutic sessions. I like you to feel like you have something to work on between sessions that can help alleviate your symptoms.

Our first session

Our first session will be about getting to know each other. I will gather information about your current symptoms and your goals for therapy. I will likely give some basic psychoeducation about your symptoms and treatment approaches that may benefit you. From there, we will develop therapeutic goals together.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White
Agnostic

Expertise

Specialties

+ 6 more

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

EMDR

Dialectical (DBT)

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

+ 6 more

Focus populations

Police/Fire/First Responders

+ 1 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 57 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Denver.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Kimberly VanKirk