Kim Simmonds
MA, LMFT – CLINICAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR
There are times when feeling disconnected, stuck, overwhelmed, or helpless can hamper our ability to have the relationships we want or overcome obstacles in the way of creating and maintaining the life we have envisioned. Depression and anxiety may rob us of our will and ability to do what’s needed, enjoy our experiences and loved ones, or live in the moment. Chronic stress and trauma may interrupt life and throw us off course. Sometimes, life’s challenges simply spur us to seek support as we adjust to changes and new phases of life.
Kim is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT89466). She holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She began her counseling experience as a suicide crisis line counselor for the Suicide Prevention Center in 2004 before pursuing a clinical psychology degree. Since 2009, she has used her training in Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Family Systems approaches to psychotherapy to work with adults, couples, families, and children within the context of their culture and values.
Kim’s work focuses on recovering from crisis; healing from trauma; working through unresolved issues that contribute to depression, anxiety, or emotional distress; as well as learning skills and strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and depression. In her work with couples, she focuses on increasing mutual understanding, learning effective communication skills, reducing blame, and developing a more satisfying and fulfilling connection. In addition, her work with families and children focuses on improving communication among family members, improving family relationships, addressing behavior problems, and improving parenting skills.
The relationship you have with your therapist is one of the most important factors in your effort to make positive changes. Kim combines her clinical training with experiences in the sciences and arts, and establishes a connection that serves as a vehicle for healing, learning, working through issues, defining your goals, and taking action. She provides a safe and supportive environment in which you can begin to learn about yourself, recognize your strengths, and utilize them to reconnect – to yourself, your loved ones, and your vision of your most satisfying life experience.