about me

Kim Wallace Stewart, MS, LMHC

My interest in social science and psychological research led me to pursue an academic path focused on those areas. Initially, I wanted to be a social science and psychology researcher, but my journey took an unexpected turn.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I worked as a data science intern to strengthen my quantitative skills with the intention of returning to academia. However, a conversation with a friend studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling in graduate school made me realize that I wanted more than just analytical understanding. I desired to be in direct contact with people, to share space and be in dialogue, to sit with the ambiguity and pain of our existence, to explore life’s paradoxes in conversation with others rather than theoretically. I went on to study Clinical Mental Health Counseling; a decision I would not regret.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with advanced training in sex therapy, relationship therapy, and Gestalt therapy. Gestalt therapy serves as the foundation for my clinical practice. This approach focuses on the individual's experiences, including sociocultural factors, to better understand their behavior. It embraces all aspects of a person's life—physical, psychological, intellectual, emotional, interpersonal, and spiritual.

In essence, my clinical approach centers around establishing a strong therapeutic relationship that allows for deconstructing existing assumptions, especially the ones that hinder fluid living.

I am deeply interested in the influence of culture on identity formation, how we perceive ourselves, the world around us, and how all this unfolds in therapy. My upbringing significantly impacted my current perspective and interest in recognizing the vital role that cultural factors play in shaping individuals' experiences, beliefs, and sense of self. I grew up in Jamaica, a geographically tiny yet culturally and socially powerful island in the Caribbean (“wi likkle, but wi tallawah”). Growing up in Jamaica, I was exposed to a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape where traditions, customs, and community values significantly shaped my identity. My experience of migrating and assimilating into the US contributed to heightened awareness and curiosity about the influence of culture.

As a therapist, I am inspired by the intricate details of people's life stories and their remarkable resilience in navigating the complexities of living. Witnessing individuals' journeys as they manage, cope, and overcome adversity is a source of profound admiration for me. I am committed to providing a supportive space where clients can explore their experiences, process their emotions, and discover their inner strength. I believe in the power of human resilience and the transformative potential of therapy.

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