Kimberley VanHaitsma, LMSW - Therapist in Michigan

About Kimberley

Kimberley VanHaitsma is a licensed social worker who uses client-centered care to guide people through stress, anxiety, depression, and life changes. She brings practical skills and straightforward support to conversations about self-esteem, grief, compassion fatigue, and career concerns. Kimberley introduces tools that can be used day to day and listens for what matters most to each person.

She has a broad background that includes work in geriatrics and crisis counseling, and she trained in social work at Grand Valley State University.

Background and approach

Over the last decade she has focused on helping people manage chronic illness, caregiver stress, and the emotional impacts of aging. That experience shaped her steady, problem-solving style. Kimberley uses approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and client-centered therapy.

Sessions tend to focus on practical strategies, skill building, and clear steps for coping with immediate problems. Her crisis work included safety assessment and short-term solution-focused supports, so she is comfortable addressing urgent concerns and creating safety plans when needed. She also works with people facing isolation, communication problems, and the challenges of visual impairment.

Based in Michigan, Kimberley offers phone, video, live chat, and text-based sessions. She aims to make therapy straightforward and usable, helping clients apply what they learn between sessions.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Client-centered therapy focuses on hearing the person first and shaping sessions around their priorities; it helps when someone needs a respectful, steady space to work through decisions and emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, breaks down thoughts and behaviors into manageable parts and teaches concrete skills to reduce anxiety and lift low mood. Dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT, offers tools for emotional regulation and distress tolerance and can be useful when strong emotions interfere with daily life.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Kimberley will listen to goals, try techniques, and adjust the plan based on what works best. She involves each person in deciding which methods to use and focuses on practical steps that fit the client’s life.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text messaging makes it easier to fit care into a busy schedule. These formats allow for flexible meeting times and steady check-ins between sessions. For people juggling caregiving, work, or limited mobility, remote options make it simpler to maintain consistent support and practice new skills in real time.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Kimberley commonly address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, grief, compassion fatigue, relationship and family concerns, career changes, ADHD, and coping with life changes.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is practical and client-centered, using clear skills and short-term strategies from CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing.

How much experience does she have?

She has 10 years of experience in social work practice, with earlier work in nursing and additional background in geriatrics and crisis counseling.

Where is Kimberley licensed and practicing?

She holds the license MI LMSW 6801092457 and practices in Michigan.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are offered?

Therapy is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging.

How are sessions paid for?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 10 years
Licensed: Michigan
Languages: English

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