Dr. Kim Stolow, DSW, LCSW, Owner

Who am I?

My name is Kim Stolow and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 15 years of clinical experience. I have a Doctorate in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University, where I focused on the study of resiliency and trauma. I currently work with teenagers and adults. I have experience providing individual, group, and couples counseling. I am trained in EMDR, ARC, and TF-CBT. I also utilize an interpersonal approach and utilize body based interventions when appropriate.

I consider myself a trauma specialist. I work with clients who have experienced child sexual abuse, traumatic grief, and other forms of trauma, in addition to adult survivors of sexual assault and non-offending parents. I also work with clients who have difficulties in their interpersonal relationships. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities depending on the needs of the client and the specific treatment goals.

What makes me unique?

There are so many therapists out there. I am sure it can feel very overwhelming when it comes down to making the decision. How do you know which one is right for you? I believe that personality plays a large role in finding the right therapist. The therapist that you choose should be someone you feel comfortable with and someone who shares a similar energy. The therapist you choose should be someone you can imagine opening up to (in time) and someone who makes you feel safe enough (also in time) to do so.

I can admit that I am not the right therapist for everyone. After a few sessions I always ask my clients how they are feeling about the sessions and the therapeutic relationship. If they do not feel that it is a good match, then I help them find another therapist who may be a better match for them. The goal is for YOU to get what you need and that can’t happen if you don’t feel you can connect with the therapist you are currently seeing.

That being said, I am very laid back in my approach. People have described me as down to earth and approachable. I am non-judgmental and try my best to provide a very relaxed, safe environment. I also bring humor into my sessions. There are a lot of serious things being discussed in therapy and sometimes a little levity makes the process seem less daunting.

As I said before, I have studied many different methods of therapy. I am careful not to shove everyone into one specific box. Every client has different needs and different therapeutic goals, each requiring a unique plan. I will work with you to figure out the best way to approach your goals. We will continue to assess how you feel about the process and will adjust as we go along.

What else do I do?

In addition to seeing private clients, I specialize and provide trainings on a variety of mental health related topics including: parenting, discipline, child sexual abuse, working with the non-offending parent, vicarious trauma, and human trafficking.

I am also an adjunct professor at Rutgers School of Social Work where I provide education on clinical theories, at the Masters level, related to individual therapy, couples counseling, and family therapy.

Don’t worry, I won’t be grading you or assigning any 20 page papers. 🙂

Why take a chance?

You deserve to feel good. You may not believe that right away, but hopefully, with some time, not only will you believe it, but you will take the necessary steps to make it a reality. It would be an honor to be a part of that healing journey.

Going to therapy is a big step for many people. It takes a lot of strength to call a stranger and to open up about your inner most thoughts. I will do my best to create an environment where that strength is nurtured.

Education

Rutgers University, School of Social Work, Doctorate in Social Work

University of Maryland School of Social Work, Masters of Social Work

Additional Training and Certifications

First year certification with the NJ Child Abuse Case Consultation Project

Finding Words Certification

Finding Words Faculty Member

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Training

Clinical Social Work Supervision Certificate

SIFI Certified

Protective Factors Training