Kim Van Etten, LPC, CCTP II, EMDR trained

My Story

My name is Kimberly, and in my life, I have experienced complex medical trauma and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. As a child, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness after endless evaluations and procedures. During this time and as a young adult, I experienced what I now know is post-traumatic stress disorder from repetitive traumas -emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual. With the help of a wonderful therapist, I learned that dissociation, increased anxiety, depression, and body responses were signals.

After a final surgery, I returned to the island of Maui, where my relatives and family have been blessed to call a second Ohana. As I sat alone on the beach one day, I let my breath return, not recognizing that I had even lost it. I made a promise to myself that I would learn ways to embody that feeling and focus on my Mauli'Ola - Breath of Life.

Realizing the importance of reducing trauma of all kinds, I earned my Master's in Mental Health Counseling to support clients with not only trauma, but with mental health challenges we all may find ourselves coping with throughout our lives. My goal is to provide a safe and accepting environment for all of my clients -mirroring the healing space where I began my journey. Being vulnerable is uncomfortable, and being uncomfortable helps motivate us to make changes.