Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Simmons.
Hi Kim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story technically starts in elementary school, but I promise not to keep you here long! A career quiz at 7 years old suggested becoming a mental health counselor. Even at that young age, I was drawn to listening, encouraging, and helping people sort through dilemmas. My passion for this work deepened as I navigated my own journey of self-acceptance and grief. What began as a passion, God shaped into purpose. Now, as a Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor, I’ve supported thousands of clients through trials and triumphs while also pouring into the next generation of mental healthcare providers. My mission is clear: “Help the helpers, so more of the helpless can be helped.” Ultimately, in all I do, I aim to love Jesus and love people.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road personally or professionally. Early on, I faced seasons of grief and self doubt, all while trying to make myself useful in society. There were moments when I questioned my direction, my timing, and whether I was truly capable of the vision God gave me for my life, that was so much bigger than my own. What sustained me was learning to show up even when I didn’t feel fully confident, resting when I needed to, staying open when plans shifted and trusting God through it all. Also, it took some trial and error to master caring deeply for others, professionally and personally, while prioritizing caring for myself as well. Looking back, I can see that the road didn’t need to be smooth for it to be amazing. In fact, it needed some detours for it to be impactful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My professional life has taken many forms over the years, from counseling people through highs and lows to training and mentoring mental health professionals. I specialize in Mental Health Crisis Intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Supervision for aspiring Clinical Social Workers, and public speaking as a mental health advocate. I’m proud of the people I’ve witnessed journey through seasons of healing and taking action like their lives depended on it. In many cases, it actually did. I feel honored that my clients and mentees trust me enough, and that God sees me fit, to support their development into who they were called to be. Whether counseling, educating, making chocolate-dipped treats for my small business, leading worship at my church, or singing the National Anthem at Houston Rockets games, my heart is the same. To steward my gifts well and show up intentionally in every space I’m in.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
For me, risk has usually looked like moving forward even when I didn’t have full confidence in myself, but I did have full faith in God to see me through it. With that being said, hold on to your seatbelts! I quit a full-time, well-paying position with benefits at a respected organization to pour 100% of my effort into my own psychotherapy practice. Becoming a leader in my field came with accepting the monumental responsibility of shaping future generations of mental health professionals. Speaking and singing on national platforms took obedience in spite of nerves. Traveling the world solo and opening myself up to finding love using very “unique methods” stretched me in amazing ways I didn’t anticipate. Along my journey, I’ve said yes to opportunities that required trusting God with timing, provision, and even my reputation. My perspective on risk is simple. Don’t do it for the plot, but don’t avoid it out of fear either. If something stretches me toward growth, service, and purpose, I walk by faith into it, even when the full picture hasn’t come into focus yet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yourisecounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberly_rising
- Other: https://linktr.ee/KimberlyRising
