Kathryn Sims , LPC

Kathryn Sims is a licensed professional counselor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, and struggles with self-esteem. She works with concerns like depression, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting strain, and career transitions. Kathryn communicates plainly and offers practical ways to move forward.

She emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassionate listening. Sessions are shaped around each person's needs rather than a one-size-fits-all plan. Kathryn focuses on small, doable steps that build confidence and coping skills over time.

Her approach blends client-centered work with behavioral tools and mindfulness practices. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies to help people notice unhelpful thinking and try different actions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills and motivational interviewing techniques are used when emotion regulation or boosting motivation are priorities.

With eight years of experience as an LPC in South Dakota, Kathryn draws on a broad range of clinical work. She has helped people navigate postpartum depression, mood disorders, and trauma responses, and she supports those dealing with fertility challenges, loss, or major life changes.

Sessions are available in English and American Sign Language. Kathryn also works with clients who face compassion fatigue, first responder stress, or military-related concerns. She aims to create a steady, supportive space where people can set clear goals and practice new ways of coping.

How therapeutic approaches fit into online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building a trusting connection. The therapist follows the person's lead, reflects what they say, and helps clarify goals so people feel understood and empowered. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify unhelpful thoughts and patterns and then tests small, practical behavior changes to reduce distress and improve mood.

The right approach is often a mix, and finding that mix is a shared process. Kathryn will work collaboratively to pick methods that match a client's goals, needs, and preferences. She checks in regularly and adjusts the plan when something is not working.

Online sessions are offered by licensed professionals using video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video calls are useful for full conversations and visual cues. Phone sessions can fit a break at work or when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text messaging work well for brief check-ins, homework support, or when someone prefers writing rather than talking. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and access consistent support from wherever the client is located.