At a glance
- Credentials
- LCSW
- License
- LCSW, Tennessee / 3352
- NPI
- 1467415018
- Experience
- 26 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Tennessee
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
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- Strengths-based care
- Practical goal planning
- Motivational methods
About Kim
Kim Padula is a licensed clinical social worker with 26 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, and life transitions. She approaches therapy from a strength-based perspective, helping people recognize their resources while also naming what feels hard. Her work supports issues like grief, anger, relationship struggles, self-esteem, career concerns, and compassion fatigue.
Kim uses clear, practical steps in sessions. Early work focuses on your history and the relationships that shaped you. Together we set goals and map a plan that fits your life. Progress is reviewed regularly and the plan is revised as needed.
Her method blends several well-known approaches. Motivational Interviewing helps people strengthen their own reasons for change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy addresses thinking and behavior patterns that keep problems going. Client-centered ideas make space for your pace and priorities.
Kim values a team approach where therapist and client work side by side. She emphasizes perspective, accountability, and actionable change rather than only insight. Sessions aim to increase choices in how you respond to stress and setbacks.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University and a master’s in clinical social work. Kim holds a Tennessee LCSW and has worked clinically since 1995. If you have questions, she asks that you use the Start Therapy process to begin.
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Therapeutic approaches and online care
Kim blends Motivational Interviewing with Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in a practical way. Motivational Interviewing helps people clarify their own reasons to change and build confidence to act. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, respect, and allowing the client to set the pace and priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact and teaches tools to shift unhelpful patterns.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to test methods and adjust the plan based on goals and what feels most useful. That collaborative process helps match techniques to real-life needs rather than following a fixed protocol.
The biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow regular check-ins that keep momentum going. It can also let people choose shorter or more frequent meetings when that suits their schedule. Licensed professionals can adapt these approaches to remote sessions while focusing on practical skills, goal setting, and problem solving that translate into everyday life. -
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoachingCompassion fatigueAdditional focus areas
Aging and geriatric issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesTherapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyExperience
26+ years
Listed in
Tennessee
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist address?
Kim helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, bipolar disorder, grief, anger, self-esteem, career issues, and life changes. She also focuses on caregiver stress, aging concerns, first responder issues, and related problems.
How would you describe the therapy style?
The style is strength-based and collaborative. Sessions focus on perspective, accountability, and practical steps rather than only insight.
What is Kim's clinical background?
She studied psychology at Vanderbilt University and completed a master’s degree in clinical social work. Kim has been practicing since 1995, for 26 years.
What credential and location are listed?
Kim holds a Tennessee LCSW and practices from Tennessee.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
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Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers