Kim Padula , LCSW

Kim Padula is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has been licensed and practicing since 1995. She completed undergraduate studies in psychology at Vanderbilt University and went on to earn a master’s degree in clinical social work with the express intention of becoming a therapist. Kim brings a strength-based perspective to her clinical work, intentionally recognizing both resilience and vulnerability as part of each person’s story.

She frames therapy as a place for perspective, accountability, support, and growth, and aims for work that moves beyond insight to a genuine sense of choice in responding to life’s challenges. Her interventions are rooted in established, evidence-informed approaches and the therapeutic relationship is treated as a collaborative team effort. At the start of therapy she reviews personal history with attention to the experiences and relationships that have shaped the client, then identifies clear objectives and maps a plan for focused work.

That plan is revisited and adjusted as progress and new information emerge. Kim’s practice emphasizes practical coping skills alongside exploration of meaning and patterns, and she invites questions from prospective clients who want to learn more about how she works.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Kim Padula draws from client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to tailor treatment to each person’s needs. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and the client’s own goals, helping people clarify values and make meaningful choices during life transitions. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, offering practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. DBT teaches skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be especially helpful for intense emotions, mood instability, and relationship challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Kim works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their goals, preferences, and circumstances. She adapts techniques over time as progress and needs evolve.

Online therapy with Kim is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to maximize flexibility and access. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, allow continuity of care across locations, and support people who prefer different modes of communication.