Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr .Kimberly Atkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dr. Kimberly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Growing up was different for me. To make it plain and simple, I was the middle child. I often felt forgotten or dismissed. I felt there was nothing special about me. I wasn’t as creative as my older brother. I wasn’t as endearing as my youngest sister. I blended in. I did not stand out much. I was just well, Me. However, my parents did not make me feel inferior. They made me feel special. They taught me self-love. Although I was the introvert, they allowed me to be no one else but myself.

Later when I made the decision to become a Social Worker, my parents were so very proud of me. They told everyone who would listen and even those who did not that I, their older daughter was a clinician. They would say, “you know my daughter is a Social Worker, and she is also a doctor who has her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology.” They have always been proud of me, no matter what. Their love allowed me to embrace myself and understand that I could achieve any goal I put my mind to.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

When I opened my counseling practice, I wanted to do something different. I wanted to stand out. I wanted to combine the resources of social work and implement the tools of counseling psychology to help others achieve their goals and basically “renew their minds”. I wanted to show them a different way of looking at their life, their situations, and their accomplishments. I wanted my professional clients to see themselves as creative, endearing, and distinctive. I wanted them to embrace who they are as individuals and identify their targets and goals needed to make improvements in their lives. I have the expertise to provide mental health counseling to kids, teens, adults, couples, and families. My main objective is to get people to understand the importance of having positive thoughts. Our thinking can shape our various ways of feelings, believing, and behaving.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I remember when I was taking my test for my clinical exam. I was so discouraged that I failed the first time. My dad told me to keep trying, he said to “figure the purpose of the test and then answer the questions accordingly.” My mom told me to figure out the best times and places to take the test. I decided to get a tutor. We reviewed the test and took practice exams that were similar to my clinical exam. I took a vacation from work and rest well prior to taking the test. I researched the areas of the test that were difficult for me. I listened to course materials in the car daily. I took the test over again and I passed. I was so very excited that I passed, I now teach a training course on test anxiety. I also teach others how to find ways to help pass difficult tests such as times, days, and comfort levels.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When the pandemic hit in March 2020, it was difficult for me at first because I mostly saw my clients face to face or in person. When we had to see the clients virtually, it was new and different. However, I learned to practice telehealth. I learned new ways to get the attention of my younger students by playing games online. I would have online family sessions with each family member who may not have been in the exact same room during the counseling appointments. I would counsel my college students when they were away in school from their dormitory room via telehealth. It was a new way to conduct counseling. I began to think innovatively within the guidelines of the counseling practice to ensure that the counseling experience was just as beneficial via the computer as it was in person.

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