About Kimberly Kempey, LPC
Virtual Counselor for Teens & Adults in New Jersey
Virtual therapy to help you heal.
If you’ve found yourself searching for “the best online therapist near me,” you’ve come to the right place! I am a licensed professional counselor, serving teenagers and adults suffering from anxiety and OCD while struggling with life’s many challenging transitions in the State of New Jersey.
Whether it be a transition from high school to college, a transition from single to in a relationship, or a transition into parenthood, together, we will create a plan to help you navigate these transitions with as much grace and ease as possible, giving you a sense of control over your life again. You will develop the skills needed to manage your anxiety by quieting the rampant, worrying thoughts and welcoming inner peace like a warm hug.
My approach is relaxed and collaborative. Imagine talking to a trusted friend in a safe and supportive environment. I will meet you where you are at, empowering you to lead this journey. I believe no one knows you better than you! It is truly a privilege to walk alongside you as you work towards creating your inner peace and wellness.
What is Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
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Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. It's that feeling of nervousness or worry you get when you're facing a big test, meeting new people, or going through a major life change. But for some people, anxiety can become overwhelming and interfere with their daily life. It might feel like a constant knot in your stomach, racing thoughts that won't go away, or a sense of unease that won't let up. Anxiety can make it hard to focus, sleep, or enjoy things you used to love. But the good news is, there are ways to manage anxiety and feel better with the help of therapy and support from loved ones.
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OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
OCD is a type of anxiety disorder where people have unwanted thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that make them feel anxious or distressed. To try to relieve these feelings, they engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). For example, someone might have obsessions about germs and feel compelled to wash their hands over and over again. Or they might worry about something bad happening and feel like they have to perform certain rituals to prevent it. OCD can be really distressing and time-consuming, making it hard to go about your day-to-day life. But with the right treatment, such as therapy and sometimes medication, people with OCD can learn to manage their symptoms and live full, fulfilling lives.
Therapy Approach for Anxiety and OCD:
Therapy is a collaborative process, and I prioritize your unique needs, preferences, and goals every step of the way. I provide a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel supported and empowered to take control of your mental health journey. I utilize a holistic and evidence-based approach to therapy, tailored specifically to address anxiety and OCD. My therapy approach combines elements of:
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CBT is a highly effective therapeutic approach for managing anxiety and OCD. By examining the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we can identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and develop practical strategies to alleviate symptoms. With CBT, individuals learn to recognize distorted thinking patterns and replace them with more balanced and realistic thoughts, leading to a reduction in anxiety and OCD symptoms.
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EMDR is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences or distressing memories. By using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, taps, or sounds), EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and associated anxiety.
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DBT is a therapeutic approach that combines elements of cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies. It teaches individuals skills to regulate emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and cope with distressing situations, which can be particularly helpful for managing anxiety and reducing OCD-related compulsions.
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Mindfulness involves intentionally focusing on the present moment with acceptance and non judgment. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation, help individuals cultivate awareness of their thoughts and emotions, reduce stress, and develop coping skills to manage anxiety and OCD symptoms.
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Strengths-focused therapy emphasizes identifying and building upon an individual's inherent strengths and resources. By recognizing and leveraging their unique abilities, individuals can develop resilience, confidence, and adaptive coping strategies to navigate challenges related to anxiety and OCD.
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Somatic-based therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body, recognizing that emotional distress can manifest as physical symptoms. Through techniques such as body awareness, movement, and relaxation exercises, somatic-based therapy helps individuals release tension, regulate emotions, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and OCD.
By integrating these evidence based therapeutic approaches, I aim to provide you with the tools, support, and guidance needed to effectively manage anxiety and OCD, regain a sense of control, and live a fulfilling life aligned with your values and goals.
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Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, particularly Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In ERP, you are systematically exposed to feared stimuli or situations (exposure) while being instructed to refrain from engaging in your typical anxiety-driven behaviors or rituals (response prevention).
The therapy aims to help you confront your fears in a controlled environment, gradually reducing the anxiety associated with them. Over time, this leads to a reduction in anxiety and a greater sense of control over your symptoms.
Education & Training
Ramapo College of New Jersey, Psychology, BA
Montclair State University, School Counseling, MA
Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey: #37PC01017600
EMDR trained
I have extensive experience providing therapeutic services in settings such as school districts, partial care programs, government venues, and private practice. I also have experience counseling students with disabilities, assisting in transition planning, and preparing adolescents for adulthood.
Experience
FAQs
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You would start by using the contact form to book a consultation call. On that call, we determine if we're the right fit for each other. If so, I would send you intake paperwork via email and we would schedule the first available, virtual therapy session based on your schedule.
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Yes, therapy is usually confidential. Most of what you discuss with me will remain private and protected by law. The only circumstances in which that is not the case is if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others. In this case, maintaining safety becomes priority. I will provide an in-depth description of the limits of confidentiality during our intake session.
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Our therapy will be collaborative. We go at the pace you feel comfortable with. You're in control of what you share and we will explore only what you feel comfortable with.
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All virtual therapy sessions are typically 55 minutes long and the frequency of sessions is determined between you and I.
Individual sessions are $160/session.
Relationship therapy sessions are $200/session.
Family therapy sessions are $250/session.
Payments accepted: All major credit cards.
I am an out-of-network provider, accept with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ and Aetna. I use a platform called Headway, which handles billing and insurance related matters.
I can provide a superbill upon request, which you may submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Please contact your insurance provider to get information about potential reimbursement.
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When contacting them, it can be helpful to inquire about:
Out-of-network mental health coverage: Ask whether your plan includes coverage for therapy sessions with an out-of-network provider.
Reimbursement rates: Inquire about the percentage of fees they cover for out-of-network services and any deductible or copayment requirements.
Necessary documentation: Find out if there are specific forms or receipts they require for reimbursement purposes.
Please Note: I will not be contacting your provider on your behalf.
