Where Kim stands
- Credentials
- LCSW
- License
- LCSW, Tennessee / 3352
- NPI
- 1467415018
- Experience
- 26 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Tennessee
About
- Client-centered approach
- CBT and DBT methods
- Goal focused planning
About Kim
Kim Padula is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee with 26 years of experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, addictions, bipolar and mood disorders, depression, grief, relationship and family concerns, and codependency.
Kim trained in psychology at Vanderbilt University and completed a Master of Social Work focused on clinical practice. She begins by reviewing a person's history and the relationships that have shaped them. That helps identify what matters most now.
Her approach emphasizes strengths as well as vulnerabilities. Sessions focus on developing perspective, accountability, and practical options for responding to life. Kim aims for therapy to move beyond insight so people gain a clearer sense of choice.
Techniques draw from established methods, including client-centered work, cognitive behavioral ideas, dialectical behavior strategies, existential thinking, and Jungian perspectives. She frames therapy as a team effort and outlines goals and a plan at the start.
Progress is revisited periodically and plans may be revised as needed. Kim also addresses caregiver stress, aging concerns, family of origin issues, and challenges tied to addiction and recovery. She accepts international clients and offers services in English.
To begin, she asks clients to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session so the work can start with a clear plan.
How sessions work
How her approaches translate to online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and building on a person's strengths so they can clarify goals and make choices that fit their life. It helps with relationship patterns, self-esteem, and coping with change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) concentrates on identifying thoughts and behaviors that maintain distress and teaching practical skills to shift them; it is useful for anxiety, mood challenges, and panic symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills that can reduce reactivity and improve handling of strong feelings.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods match their needs and goals, and will adjust the plan as progress and priorities change.
Confirm the current session formats before booking, as the profile does not list specific options. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when a full hour is not possible. Some formats may use video, audio, or other arrangements; check which of these are offered so the choice fits day-to-day life and comfort levels.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
26+ years
Listed in
Tennessee
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can she help with people-pleasing and boundary issues?
Yes. She lists relationship concerns, codependency, and communication problems among her focus areas and works with those patterns in sessions.
What is her therapeutic style?
She uses a team-based, strength-focused approach drawing on client-centered work, CBT, DBT, existential, and Jungian ideas to build perspective and practical options.
How long has she practiced?
She has been licensed and practicing since 1995, giving her 26 years of clinical experience.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is an LCSW licensed in Tennessee and practices from that state.
Does she work in languages other than English or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Confirm current session options before booking; the profile does not list specific formats and you should check which formats are offered now.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to begin.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.