Kimberly Christensen, LPC, CAADC

Hi, my name is Kim Christensen. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).  My licensure was granted through the State of Michigan (#6401013669).  I currently work with adults experiencing concerns with mental health, and with persons experiencing addictive behaviors. 

• I have a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Counseling from Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, Michigan.  

• I have completed a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Clinical Psychology at Michigan School for Professional Psychology/Michigan School of Psychology.  

• I have completed post-graduate coursework in a Specialty Program for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, through Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan.
  
  
• I have a Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE) in Theology and Youth Ministry, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Christian Counseling from Great Lakes Christian College, Lansing, Michigan.

I have completed internships/externships working with Veterans, medication-assisted treatment for addictions, eating disorders, as well as church planting, youth ministry, and children and youth Christian education.  

I am retired from General Motors skilled-trades.  I have worked with the Lansing School District, Clinton-Eaton-Ingham Community Mental Health, Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, as well as several positions in various churches.  

My theoretical approach is Humanistic, both holistic and systemic – meaning that I believe nothing happens in a vacuum.  The situations that are affecting you emotionally are also affecting your body and your spirit.  For that reason, we will be looking at supports and challenges in multiple areas of your life.  My work tends to be eclectic and includes various modalities based on your needs.  Treatment planning will be collaborative and also based on your needs.  The most central ideas in my work include the following:

• Human beings were created in the image of God for a purpose, and given freewill.  Therefore, every human being has the same value as any other human being regardless of internal beliefs, external behaviors, and/or circumstances.   
• We behave based on what we believe to be true.  Your perception is your reality.   
• Challenging and difficult times in our lives afford us opportunities to learn, including new thought processes and behaviors.   
• We all do what we do for a reason -- the choices we make mean something. 
• We take our experiences from childhood into adulthood.  The thoughts and behaviors from childhood may have been developed as an adaption to your environment, thoughts or circumstances.  As an adult these thoughts and behaviors may be maladaptive and may be contributing to your current issues.  Oftentimes, as adults, we need to unlearn coping mechanisms from childhood and re-learn more effective behaviors.
• Knowledge is power.  The goal of my work is to empower you by helping you understand how your thoughts, feelings and behaviors affect the challenges you are facing today. I believe that we all have what we need to cope with life, however we may need to learn how modification of thoughts, feelings and behaviors can be the change you’re looking for.
• I am not an expert on you.  You are the expert on you.  My goal is for you and I to combine your expertise of yourself with my education, experience, knowledge and skills to work together for your benefit.  I am honored to help you explore your possibilities for change.