Kimberly Parker M.A. of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, NCC

I have training and experience working with the LGBTQ community through individual therapy in private practice settings as well as group & individual therapy at a community mental health agency that centered on clients who are HIV+. I have specifically sought education in the area of affirming theology from a Christian perspective, for myself as well as to advocate for my queer clients who are struggling with integrating their faith or parents of clients who are not supportive.

As a graduate of a CMHC and MFT graduate program, pursuing licensure in both areas, I have experienced training from a systems lens. My area of focus is in relationship stress stemming from family dynamics. My work often includes individual therapy (done through a systems lens), family therapy, and communicating between adolescent clients and parents.

Most of my clients are either in couples counseling or in counseling to work on their relationship. We discuss relationship patterns, dynamics, "the dance," and family of origin re-enactment. I use an EFT approach to my work with clients doing relationship work.

Attachment theory drives EFT and IFS. Our external family systems is what shapes our internal. I have read many books, utilized it in session, gained supervision from this perspective, as well as engaged in countless hours in my own therapy.

IFS's approach to addiction and deterrence from structured therapies for skill building is what drew me in. I am continually taking trainings, reading books, and listening to podcasts in order to continually gain competence in IFS - as I wait for access to the certification.

EFT is crucial to engaging in healthy relationships - whether they are romantic relationships or not. I integrate EFT into every one of my sessions by using psychoeducation to gain skills for recognizing and naming emotions. With couples, or in individual sessions where we are working on relationships (always), we walk through how to de-escalate, restructure, and consolidate.