Kim Hoj, MA, M.Ed., PPS, R-DMT

About

The lens through which I see the world is the body, movement, breath and energy. I am motivated to support others on their personal journeys as I believe that when we feel safe and connected, we can expand more fully into our authenticity with all of its complexity and nuance. Safety and connection can serve as a means to help us manage difficult emotions such as anger, sadness, disappointment, grief, fear and shame that can manifest in anxiety and depression.

As a counselor, I believe that we can improve our quality of lives and our relationships as part of the journey of being human. Reflecting upon our life stories can allow us to write a new narrative in service of our potential for growth.

Background

I hold a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Dance Movement Therapy from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts and am a registered Dance Movement Therapist with the American Dance Therapy Association. Additionally, I hold a masters degree in Education with an emphasis in Teaching from the University of California, Santa Barbara. My career in education spans three decades as a psychology and dance teacher, school counselor and assistant principal / dean. I am a life-long learner and recently completed a 200 hour yoga certification; I am currently completing a certification as a Dance for Parkinson’s Disease teacher.

Approach 

I offer collaboration, support and a sense of humor in working with my clients as well as opportunities to use talk therapy, visual art, & movement to understand inner emotional experiences; together, we create a space to work through your barriers to release ingrained patterns of thinking and behavior and find greater freedom and ease.

I work with teens and adults of all ages individually and within group settings. My areas of speciality include supporting clients working through issues such as abandonment, bereavement, childhood trauma, body issues, parenting needs and life after divorce. My background as an educator allows me to specialize in supporting adolescents and adults through life and educational needs and transitions, stress and anxiety. I am a childhood survivor of open heart surgery which informs my ability to support families facing health related concerns.

Offering

Along with providing individual counseling via telehealth or in-person in Ojai, I am offering a support group “Living with Grief” starting in late August, 2024 for bereaved adults of all ages seeking community and solace.

Please click here for more information about “Living with Grief.”

To set up a free 15 minute phone consultation to learn more about working with Kim, email openheartdmt@gmail.com.