My name is Kimberly Rakiec, I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the states of California and Rhode Island. I believe in the potential of each person to create the life they imagine through a holistic approach and begin to envision new life goals if they are having trouble seeing through at the present moment. I believe that although each person's life journey can be vastly different, that compassionate support and certain strategies can both improve our experience of life, as well as elevate our functioning to open new doors.
My approach:
I believe that first and foremost it is important for me to understand the person's current circumstances, their worldview, and what led them to counseling. If they are having difficulty identifying these things, it is my responsibility to help them make sense of things, find a way through, and experience a better present and future. The modalities that I lean on are typically holistic, solution-focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
My focus:
I have worked with individuals and families, and have supported people through a range of experiences including depressive symptoms, anxious symptoms, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress.
My communication style:
My communication style is collaborative, compassionate, and direct and dependent upon what the person's needs are at the time, the stage of therapy, and the circumstances. I believe that helpful counseling is an offering of a safe space for people to express thoughts, feelings, and situations openly and authentically so that we can work through them together. I also ask for feedback regularly so I can ensure that I am creating a space where the person feels heard and is getting what they need from me, that we are making the most of our time and meeting the outlined goals of therapy that we have decided upon together.
My first session with you:
During the first session, we will discuss what is going on for you and what you'd like to address in counseling. If you feel that we are not a good match, I am happy to try to find a good fit for you. It is my responsibility to help you feel as comfortable as possible through the process and answer any questions you have along the way.
Additional areas of focus: Trauma and abuse, Anger management, Motivation, self esteem, and confidence, Depression, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Caregiver issues and stress, Communication problems, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Family problems, Forgiveness, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Self-harm, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy
CA LPCC 8245