Kim Valdes

My name is Kim Valdes and I am a licensed professional counselor and registered play therapist. I have years of experience working with children and families providing in-home mental health services in community agency setting since 2006 and then in office therapy since 2012. I started my practice in 2015 providing counseling services for children, adults and families experiencing issues from abrupt life changes and transitions, to school bullying, family conflicts and communication challenges, ADHD, and Anxiety and Depression. I now specifically focus on anxiety and depression coaching adolescent & adults individually and in groups who seek ways to reduce anxiety and depression by building their capacity to be resilient but also addressing embedded trauma memories behind the anxiety and depression as well as getting at the core of the fears, worries, and feelings that have been long held from the past in our bodies. My coaching work with adolescent and adults is a holistic approach that integrates a spiritual component as well as body and mind approach. I love working with children and using play therapy to support children to reduce anxiety and depression and find ways to express sadness, hurt, and release anger. Art is a great tool to support children and adolescent and I incorporate Mandala work with children and the adolescent program. I also experienced anxiety growing up and had not become aware of the anxiety until I was in my 20’s so I understand the isolation, avoidance, negative thoughts, and physical symptoms kids and adolescent experience. With kids especially I incorporate virtual sand tray play, art, and cognitive behavioral strategies with play, learning to identify, connect and release feelings using a combination of these activities.