Hello and Welcome!
My name is Laurie Kimmel. I am a Master's level social worker. I 'd like to tell you a little bit about myself for you to feel comfortable.
I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio where I attended Cleveland State University. In 1979, I completed my undergraduate double major in social work and interpersonal communication. I moved to Michigan and interned at Wayne State University's PACT (Parents and Children Together) program. In 1986 I earned my MSW degree from Wayne State while simultaneously becoming a Specialist in Aging at the Institute of Gerontology .
During the mid-80s and 90s, I worked at Children's Center of Wayne County where I counseled sexually abused children and adolescents.
In the nearly 40 years that have followed, I now treat adults, in various stages of growth and development. As children, these individuals often felt unlovable and worthless. Now, these beliefs of low self-worth are expressed as shame and mistrust in others.
At a young age, misinformation gets "hot-wired" in the brain. Without successful therapy, these "truths" can become the filter through which lives are lead.
2001: EMDR Therapy Certification
I became a Certified Emdr Therapist after the exhaustive coursework, individual and group consultation.
2008: OCD Intensive Training Program
I learned how to design ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) treatment strategies for people suffering with OCD and other disorders.
My own growth and development
Seasoned by years of experience, I realize that my goals for my patients are twofold.
1. To provide a safe space for patients to be heard and given voice to their pain.
2. Help them process and fully resolve the haunting memories lingering from the past.
Often, my patients and I discover that the symptoms bringing them into therapy were the strategies developed in childhood to manage trauma, anxiety, depression, and even OCD. These strategies no longer serve them as adults and have become psychological and sometimes physical pain.
I feel gratified and privileged to bear witness to my patients growth and healing.
THE OLD ARCADE, DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND, OPENED 1890
I loved walking and shopping there