Kimberly Rushing Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate

Kimberly Rushing, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, P012791 is practicing under the supervision of Conicka Wiggins (North Carolina, LCSW, C009296) at Be-Liv-It Life Healing Counseling, PLLC.

Please, note: A clinician listed as being “clinically supervised” is completing clinical hours toward their licensure. They have one or more fully licensed clinical supervisors that often have special training. They consult with their supervisor(s) on all of their cases.

My journey to becoming a therapist was shaped by personal experiences that deeply influenced my passion for mental health and healing. Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed the impact that challenging life events and health struggles can have on an individual and their loved ones. These experiences sparked my desire to understand the complexities of the human experience and to support others in navigating their own struggles. The desire to pursue therapy grew from a place of empathy and the understanding of how important emotional support is during difficult times. I’ve seen how powerful it can be to have someone who truly listens, offers guidance, and helps people process their emotions in a healthy way. Over the years, I became increasingly drawn to the idea of helping people heal from trauma, manage their emotions, and build resilience in the face of life’s challenges. This journey led me to study social work and therapy, where I could develop the skills necessary to provide the kind of support I wish had been available to my own family and loved ones during tough times. The more I learned, the more I realized that this was the work I was meant to do: offering compassionate care to individuals, couples, and families who are facing their own challenges, and helping them find their path to healing and growth.

I’ve always been a deeply compassionate and kind person, and I believe that these qualities are at the core of my approach to therapy. I genuinely care about the well-being of my clients, and I strive to create a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can feel safe to open up and explore your emotions. I believe that being a good listener is essential in therapy, and I am always ready to listen with empathy and without rushing to judgment or solutions. For me, therapy is a collaborative process, and I value the connection I build with each client. My natural inclination to support others allows me to be fully present with you, whether you’re processing difficult emotions or celebrating victories. I understand that everyone’s journey is unique, so I tailor my approach to meet you where you are, ensuring that you feel heard, understood, and respected throughout the process. My personality also allows me to bring a sense of patience and calm to my work. I know that healing is not always linear, and I am here to support you through the ups and downs, offering encouragement and practical tools when needed. Ultimately, my goal is to foster an environment where you feel empowered to explore, grow, and take the steps you need to create lasting change in your life.

If there’s one thing I wish people knew about therapy, it’s that therapy is not about being judged or “fixed” — it’s about being heard, supported, and understood in a safe space. Many people hesitate to try therapy because they fear they’ll be criticized or that they’ll be expected to have all the answers. But in reality, therapy is a journey where you are the expert of your own life, and I’m simply here to walk alongside you, offering guidance and support as you navigate your challenges. It’s normal to feel uncertain or vulnerable when starting therapy, but I believe the process can be incredibly empowering. You don’t need to have everything figured out or be "ready" in any particular way to begin. Therapy is about taking small, meaningful steps toward better understanding yourself, your emotions, and your patterns, all while creating a space where you feel respected and supported. You don’t have to go through your struggles alone, and therapy is a place where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace, without fear of judgment.

Over the years, my work has given me the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the challenges that many people face in their lives. Each experience has shaped my approach to therapy, allowing me to better support my clients in ways that truly make a difference. In my early career, I worked with individuals and families who were navigating difficult transitions, such as grief, loss, and relationship struggles. This work was invaluable in helping me understand how life changes, both expected and unexpected, can deeply impact someone’s emotional health. I learned how to help people process grief, rebuild their sense of self, and regain stability in times of uncertainty. This experience is one of the reasons I’m passionate about helping individuals through periods of loss and helping them find hope and healing on the other side. As my practice evolved, I began focusing more on anxiety and stress management. I noticed how these issues were often connected to underlying patterns in people’s thoughts and behaviors that they were unaware of. This led me to develop an expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is a powerful tool for identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns. I’ve seen firsthand how empowering it can be for my clients to learn how to challenge their anxiety and change their responses to stress, helping them feel more in control of their lives. In addition to my work with anxiety, I have spent a significant amount of time supporting individuals who are dealing with trauma. Whether it’s a single traumatic event or ongoing trauma that has built up over time, I know how deeply these experiences can affect someone’s emotional and mental well-being. My work in this area has allowed me to specialize in trauma-informed therapy, where I focus on creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences and begin to heal at their own pace. Throughout my career, I’ve also had the privilege of working with individuals experiencing depression, helping them navigate feelings of hopelessness and low self-worth. One of the most rewarding parts of my work has been guiding people toward recognizing their strengths and re-engaging with their lives. I have learned to help clients identify the underlying causes of their depression, whether they are related to life circumstances, internal self-criticism, or unprocessed emotions, and support them in finding pathways to healing. Over the years, I have also worked with couples who are struggling with communication issues, trust, and emotional disconnection. While I am not a marriage counselor in the traditional sense, I specialize in helping individuals within relationships improve their emotional well-being and develop healthier communication strategies. I help partners identify and understand each other’s emotional needs, find common ground, and rebuild trust and intimacy. My experience working with these varied issues has allowed me to approach therapy in a holistic way, where I recognize that everyone’s situation is unique, and their journey to healing will look different. I have learned the importance of meeting my clients where they are and offering the tools, strategies, and emotional support they need to make meaningful changes in their lives. Whether it's helping a person develop healthy coping skills, rebuild their confidence, or work through deep emotional wounds, I believe in empowering each person to move forward in a way that feels authentic and sustainable for them. Throughout my work, I have always been committed to continuing my education and professional growth, ensuring that I stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in the field. But most importantly, my work experience has taught me the value of empathy, compassion, and the power of the therapeutic relationship in helping people heal and grow.