Esther J Kim, LCSW, LICSW
My Approach
I read a quote recently nearby my home. It went like this, "Life must be lived forward, but can only be understood backwards." These words stuck, as I have learned that sometimes life comes with an immeasurable amount of struggles and challenges. But I believe with the proper amount of support and collaborative understanding in place, it is possible to move forward in a healthier and more fulfilling way.
My goal in counseling would be to create a safe place for you to explore your story, feel understood and find healing in your life. We would work towards a goal that would be realistic for you. I have been in the mental health and medical field with individuals and families dealing with trauma for over 20 years. My specialized trainings include story informed trauma (SITT), accelerated resolution therapy (ART), brain spotting, and dialectical behavioral (DBT) therapy.
I am also a christian counselor but have respect to those of all faiths. I am open in implementing matters of faith in our counseling process, if requested.
My Training
SITT: Story informed trauma therapy is a paradigm shift from what is wrong with the client to what has happened to the client. A trauma therapist is aware of the complex impact of a person's suffering and how it has shaped one's efforts to cope. By understanding one's story it is the beginning of one's own healing, growth and recovery. SITT will seek out to understand how people react and adapt to these personal experiences. When processing traumatic memories, ART can be offered to self regulate the brain.
Brain Spotting and ART is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that utilizes eye movements to help clients address common problems such as depression, anxiety, phobias and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In experiencing this, you may find that you connect pieces of information that are already stored in your memory to help you resolve your issues. The brain, while focused on a problem makes new connections with a person's strengths and problem solving abilities.
DBT therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy used to treat personality disorders and personal conflicts. The 4 common DBT techniques are these:
1) Self awareness on improving an individual to accept and be present in the current moment
2) Distress tolerance is geared to increase a person's tolerance of negative emotion, rather than escaping it
3) Emotion regulation to rediscover the ability to manage and change intense emotion that are causing problems in one's life
4) Interpersonal effectiveness consists of techniques that allow a person to communicate with others that is assertive, while maintaining self respect, and strengthen relationships.
My style is to collaborate a mindful evidence based therapy including cognitive behavioral techniques to overall improve one's quality of life. These types of modality are used to help identify and positively change one's negative thinking patterns.
My Education
I graduated with a MSW degree and earned my Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) certificate through supervisions in the State of OR and WA. I attend annual CEU (continued educational units) workshops for continued upkeep in learning and training.
Work Number: 360-342-4334
esther4newlife@gmail.com
Davina Karpstein
MA, Licensed associate counselor
Although people may have similar struggles, your experiences and perspectives create your unique story. If you are at the point where you feel stuck, afraid, or hopeless but wish life can be different and are ready to choose a different direction or you are looking for growth or recovery, I can be your guide. Through the use of evidence-based practices and a safe space, we can work together to create lasting change in your life.
Our work together may include tools from dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, internal family systems, motivational interviewing and narrative therapy with a strengths-based approach, all through the lens of person-centered, attachment-based therapy. I offer spiritual integration to support being creative, wise, loving, strong and resilient throughout the phases of healing and change. My main areas of treatment include anxiety, depression, addiction and trauma for individuals, adolescents and adults.
Work number: 360-276-2513
davinakcounseling@gmail.com
Our work together may include tools from dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, internal family systems, motivational interviewing and narrative therapy with a strengths-based approach, all through the lens of person-centered, attachment-based therapy. I offer spiritual integration to support being creative, wise, loving, strong and resilient throughout the phases of healing and change. My main areas of treatment include anxiety, depression, addiction and trauma for individuals, adolescents and adults.
Work number: 360-276-2513
davinakcounseling@gmail.com
Payment information
Standard licensed clinical session is $175 per 53 minute session.
Standard clinical associate session is $120 per 50 minute session.
All out of pocket payments are due at the beginning of service. Cash, check. health savings acct or credit card is accepted.
Insurances are accepted. In net-work provider with:
Aetna, First Choice Health, Pacific Source, United Behavioral Health, Tricare West and Lyra EAP.
In order to check your eligibility and benefits, please provide a copy of your insurance card with your member ID and date of birth.
A super bill can be provided for out of network insurance if needed. Typically deductibles and co-pays are higher out of network, but coverage is less strict and more flexible. A receipt can be provided for you to submit to your insurance plan.
Standard licensed clinical session is $175 per 53 minute session.
Standard clinical associate session is $120 per 50 minute session.
All out of pocket payments are due at the beginning of service. Cash, check. health savings acct or credit card is accepted.
Insurances are accepted. In net-work provider with:
Aetna, First Choice Health, Pacific Source, United Behavioral Health, Tricare West and Lyra EAP.
In order to check your eligibility and benefits, please provide a copy of your insurance card with your member ID and date of birth.
A super bill can be provided for out of network insurance if needed. Typically deductibles and co-pays are higher out of network, but coverage is less strict and more flexible. A receipt can be provided for you to submit to your insurance plan.
Cancellation Policy
A 24 hour notice is requested for all cancellations prior to your apt time. Over the phone or video counseling is offered as another option. Late cancellations or missed appointments will be charged.
Please contact us for any other questions. We will be happy to answer any other questions you may have. We look forward in hearing from you!
Location
The office building is conveniently located in the Portland and Vancouver metro area. Centerpoint is a single floored building, suite 108.
A 24 hour notice is requested for all cancellations prior to your apt time. Over the phone or video counseling is offered as another option. Late cancellations or missed appointments will be charged.
Please contact us for any other questions. We will be happy to answer any other questions you may have. We look forward in hearing from you!
Location
The office building is conveniently located in the Portland and Vancouver metro area. Centerpoint is a single floored building, suite 108.
