Kimberly Whitman LCSW

As early as I can remember, I enjoyed helping people solve problems. My friends and associates would depend on me for sound advice and even in joining the military during college, I landed myself in leadership roles responsible for caring for others to include social problems, relationship problems, and addictions. One college elective class on social work sparked the seed within me and changed my entire view of my future. I knew from that moment that social work is my calling. Becoming a therapist is most rewarding for me! I love being a part of helping someone regain zeal for life again and appreciate who they are no matter the difference in skin color, choice of music, sexuality, spirituality, or outward physical appearance. The most beautiful people in the world are those who are not afraid to be themselves.

I would like to define my therapy style as creative, unique, and far from cookie-cutter therapy. I customize my approach in therapy for each individual to ensure you receive the best clinical care possible because no two people are alike in how they approach a healing process. I am direct, transparent, but always respectful in my approach to therapy. Rapport building is important so I expect transparency and honesty from clients to achieve the best outcomes. Don't be surprised about how much you will laugh, cry, and express anger and frustration throughout your healing process. In the end, you will enjoy the feeling of freedom and tranquility.

Treatment goals are developed with the client, not for the client. I believe in treatment goals being a collaborative process between therapist and client, because this is your treatment and you will only reach goals that you are interested in achieving. In our first session, I will complete a clinical assessment of your history and ask what you would like to see different at the end of therapy. From there we discuss treatment goals. I will make recommendations while incorporating your perspective on what you need. Then, we finalize our goals together and throughout your healing process, we will refer back to these goals to ensure we stay on track with meeting your needs.

• Missouri, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 2020028588

I am an enthusiastic clinical therapist with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. I received a Master of Social Work degree from New Mexico State University and currently completing a Ph.D. in Social Work at Walden University in 2022. I am an Army Veteran, having been deployed to operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. My active-duty service provided practical experience in cultural diversity, the examination of risk factors of several psychiatric disorders, trauma-informed care, substance use, suicide risk, and criminal justice-related to mental health. I am a trauma therapist with a wealth of experience in working with Military and First Responders. I believe in the power of therapy helping individuals find the tools located within oneself for healing, prosperity, forgiveness, peace, and freedom from past traumatic experiences. Trauma is subjective to each individual and cannot be compared as "big" or "small". All you have to do is take the first step, which is asking for help and allow me to guide you through your journey to freedom from nightmares, anxiety, stress, trauma, addiction, depression, and a loss of emotional management. I also have experience working with individuals suffering from grief and loss. Finally, self-esteem and identity are areas I like to focus on with an emphasis on guilt and shame. I look forward to connecting with you as you embark on your healing journey of empowerment over your mental and emotional pain.