Kim Poitra – Therapist
MSW, LICSW, SEP
Hi, I’m Kim. I’m a master’s level clinical social worker, and I’ve been a licensed therapist since 2008. Over the years, I’ve supported children, teens, and adults through all kinds of life experiences- from trauma and anxiety to feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected.
Most of my work has been in outpatient therapy, but I’ve also spent time in an intensive outpatient treatment program for people living with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges.
No matter the setting, my focus has always been the same: to help people feel safe enough to heal at their own pace.
I have a deep passion for working with trauma, including developmental trauma, attachment wounds, and all the ripple effects that come with them- like anxiety, depression, shame, chronic stress, or self-esteem struggles. I know that when life feels heavy, it can be hard to see a way forward alone. My hope is that together, we can find that path for you.
An Approach Rooted in Respect & Curiosity
I believe that everyone’s story is shaped not only by personal experiences but also by larger social, historical, and political realities. I deeply value diversity and inclusion, and I’m always working to better understand my own privilege and the ways I can show up with humility and openness.
I’m grateful to have worked alongside and within Indigenous communities for more than 13 years. These experiences have contributed to the person and therapist I am today. I feel deeply honored to have learned with, listened to, cared for, and been cared for by so many here. I try my best to bring that same respect and curiosity into every session.
How I Support Healing
I believe that we all hold the capacity to heal within ourselves, but sometimes we need help finding it. Over the years, I’ve completed advanced training in approaches that support both mind and body:
- Somatic Experiencing (SE): A 3-year advanced training that helps people understand how trauma and stress live in the body and how to gently release what feels stuck.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS): A compassionate way to get to know all your “parts” including the protective parts, the wounded parts, and the resilient core Self that can help you heal. I’ve completed Level I & II training in IFS.
- Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR): A gentle method for processing the shock and deep survival responses held in the nervous system after trauma.
- ILF Neurofeedback: A form of biofeedback that helps your brain learn to regulate itself, supporting better sleep, mood, and stress resilience over time.
All of You is Welcome Here
Whether you’ve been in therapy before or this is your first time reaching out, please know that all of you are welcome: all your parts and all of your identities. You don’t have to leave anything at the door.
If you’d like to learn more or see if we’re a good fit, I invite you to reach out through our Contact Us page. I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey.