Kim Nesmith- Play Therapy, Counseling for kids, teens & their parents, Educational Consultant/ Presenter
254-366-2582
Waco Child & Adolescent Counseling
Dr. Kim Nesmith- Play Therapy, Counseling for kids, teens & their parents, Educational Consultant/ Presenter
Dr. Kim Nesmith is a Registered Play Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. She holds a master's in Clinical Mental Health and a doctorate in Educational Leadership & Psychology. She started her career as a special education and early childhood teacher with a strong interest in children with emotional disorders. Kim loves helping children & teenagers learn to regulate big emotions, and treat any underlying disorders (ex: depression, anxiety, OCD, ADD) or process grief/ trauma. She also enjoys facilitating parent & teacher workshops to help the adults in these kids' lives connect with one another and encourage true change.
Dr. Nesmith started her career as a kindergarten teacher eventually teaching in various other settings including first grade, a self contained classroom for children with severe emotional disorders, and a special education resource room. She has also worked in schools as a behavior specialist. Kim has experience counseling in schools, a university setting, a multi-therapy practice and in private practice. Dr. Kim Nesmith is an adjunct professor in Baylor's School of Education.
Dr. Kim Nesmith loves teaching adults-both parents and teachers- and has experience conducting various size workshops. She has training in Child Parent Relationship Training and completed her dissertation on Child Teacher Relationship Training with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Waco Child & Adolescent Counseling Services
Kim Nesmith, Ed. D., LPC Educational Leadership/ Psychology Registered Play Therapist
Play Therapy
Play therapy provides a means for young children to express themselves, identify emotions, and learn new skills. Dr. Kim Nesmith uses both Child Centered Play Therapy and other more directive techniques such as CBT Play Therapy and Adlerian Play Therapy based on individual client needs and developmental level. She works closely with parent and families throughout the process. Dr. Kim Nesmith is one of few Registered Play Therapists in the Waco area.
Counseling for Tweens and Teens
Tweens and teens, like all of us, need to be heard and understand. They experience new, strong emotions and are working to navigate difficult situations and developing their identities as individuals. Anxiety, depression, relationships struggles, family conflict, self esteem issues, among many other concerns are common during these years-- but can be treated. Dr. Kim Nesmith, through a strong therapeutic relationship, works with teenagers and their parents to meet clients' counseling goals. She uses a variety of theoretical approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Adlerian Therapy, and Client Centered Therapy. Kim utilizes art, games, writing, and other creative techniques when working with teenagers.
Parent Nights
Not all children are the same. And not all children can be parented the same way. Kim Nesmith loves working with parents to help them better their relationship with their children and learn new strategies to produce lasting change and growth. Every few months Kim will host parent nights (and sometimes days) covering a variety of topics like communication, managing meltdowns, reducing power struggles, homework help, decreasing defiance, and promoting independence. Dr. Kim Nesmith also teaches Child Parent Relationship Therapy (filial therapy) in which parents learn to hold play therapy sessions with their child at home.
Teacher Workshops, Custom Schoolwide Workshops and/or Consultation
Managing student behaviors is hard. Teachers have extensive demands placed on them. Dr. Nesmith presents new research based techniques for addressing student needs and connecting with the child rather than just desperately treating behavioral symptoms. Please check back to see upcoming workshop days, times, and individualized opportunities for your campus.
Please call/text to set an appointment! 254-366-2582
Or email kim@wcacounseling.com
Upcoming Inservices
Dr. Kim Nesmith offers various workshops for teachers and schools. Options are available for schoolwide trainings or community trainings that an individual teacher or team of teachers can attend. Please check back for upcoming workshops!