Kimberly Brasher, LPCC is a private therapist offering individual counseling in Albuquerque, NM. Learn about her background below; for information on her therapeutic approach, visit Kimberly’s My Approach page.
Why I Love My Work As A Mental Health Counselor
I have always been fascinated by the emotional and spiritual side of humanity. Even before I began my bachelor studies in anthropology and English at Rice University, I was interested in exploring the depth and complexity of the human experience. Throughout my life, I have learned to appreciate the unique ability of poetry, music, and other art forms to facilitate that exploration.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree, I learned through an early volunteer experience that mental health counseling can work in much the same way as artistic expression. Therapy helps people bring to light previously unrecognized aspects of their world, their lives, and themselves.
Therapy works, in part, by providing a safe space in which to explore one’s deepest emotions. As a licensed therapist, I feel incredibly lucky to be a witness to this process of exploration and discovery.
My Professional Interests
My early volunteer work at a local rape crisis center got me interested in learning about trauma and its effects. Today, I work with adults struggling with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, problems with personal relationships, and professional burnout. Regardless of each client’s presenting issues, they often have one thing in common: trauma.
I learned while working at the crisis center—and later working as a therapist with children in treatment foster care—that some people’s trauma is connected to a single event. Other people have trauma histories that are much more complex or nuanced. Trauma can be defined as an event or series of events that overwhelm our mind and body’s ability to process and make sense of our experience. My years working as a therapist have taught me that everyone experiences traumatic events in some form during their life, and these events can impact our mood, our health, and our connection to others.
This recognition of trauma as a universal experience informs my approach. Rather than view my clients as being mentally “ill” in the clinical sense, I recognize that we are all simply doing the best we can to cope with what has happened to us in the past. This hopeful perspective allows me to infuse the therapy process with a sense of understanding and compassion that facilitates healing.
My Activities Outside The Office
When I’m not witnessing the beauty of my clients’ discovery and healing, I am busy making my own way through life’s journey. I have a husband and two grade-school-aged daughters who are my daily focus. Together, we enjoy attending soccer games/practice, school functions, and—a family favorite—baseball games.
Over the years, I have also spent much of my personal time learning about new therapeutic techniques. After completing my Master’s degree and passing the exam to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), I underwent the additional training and supervision to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC). Additionally, I have completed the Level I and Level II trainings for EMDR, an evidence-based form of trauma therapy.
I feel so fortunate to have both a beautiful family and the opportunity to do work that promotes peace, health, and wholeness in the world. If you’re ready to join me in the exciting and important work of pursuing healing and reducing suffering, please reach out to me for a free initial consultation or learn more about my approach to therapy.
Kimberly Brasher, LPCC serves clients in and around Albuquerque, NM. She holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Rice University and a master’s degree in counseling from the University of New Mexico.