Kim Venema, LPC

she/her

I know that coming in to speak with someone can be daunting and scary. “What if I do it wrong? What if it doesn’t work?” These are scary questions, and questions I have asked myself when I have been in therapy. I strive to provide a welcoming environment. I believe that laughter is, maybe not the best, but definitely in the top 5 of medicines. I take my cues from whoever is sitting on the other side of the room from me, or next to me on the floor. But I do it in a manner that still allows you to have some thoughts and reactions challenged, in order for growth to be allowed and seen. I look forward to working with you and celebrating your successes.

SPECIALIZATIONS

  • Registered play therapist

  • Works with children ages 5 & up

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • EMDR

  • Family counseling

My Background

Everyone has some history that affects their mental well-being. Yours might be steeped in significant trauma, or maybe you believe you are “just carrying around baggage.” You might have been told that you need to “get your stuff together.” Or maybe you just need someone to sit and listen to you, really hear you, and help you process your thoughts. You think your mental health might be holding you back from being the best version of you, but you just are not sure how to go about changing that.


As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am trained to help you move towards improving your mental health. As a Registered Play Therapist, I am trained to help you work towards your goals in a manner that allows you to, dare I say, have fun with therapy while learning about yourself and who you want to be. For children who have endured traumas that impact their lives, I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). This is a practice that allows children to process the impact of trauma while addressing the trauma itself. For adults whose lives have been impacted by trauma, I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This practice allows for processing trauma while minimizing the lingering impact it has on the body mind and soul.

My Education

MASTER OF ARTS - COUNSELING

Spring Arbor University

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Grand Valley State University

Five Fun Facts

FAVORITE QUOTE

“It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself” - Eleanor Roosevelt (I have always used this as a motto, to remind myself to stay humble)

PETS

We have two dogs - Bert (Norbert -golden lab/red-bone hound mix) and Jazzy (Jasmine - retriever mixed with pit bull attitude).

FAVORITE MOVIES, BOOKS, AND TV

My favorite book is “To Kill a Mockingbird”. I typically read psychological thrillers and love to watch psychological thrillers to guess the “who-dunnit”. My go-to movies are “Oscar”, “Clue”, “Second-Hand Lions”, and “The Princess Bride”.

HOBBIES

I enjoy gardening, reading, quilting, baking, and backpacking.

SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME

I love the mountains, and number one on my bucket list is to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail.