Kim-Marie Hernandez, PhD, SEP

Therapy is not the only way, but it is an option that has been the way for many. My job is to walk with you on your unique therapeutic path. ************************* Dr. Kim-Marie Hernandez is a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with children, families, and adults in educational settings, clinics, and private practice. She earned her bachelors from Tulane University in 1993 and her doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin in 2000. She completed the 3-year professional training program to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) through Dr. Peter Levine's Somatic Experiencing International (https://traumahealing.org/professional-training/) in 2016. She currently assists Beginning and Intermediate year student trainings in Austin, Texas. Dr. Hernandez's private practice is anchored in research and informed by the fields of polyvagal theory, interpersonal neurobiology, the attachment sciences, mindfulness, neuroscience with respect to trauma and the brain/body, positive psychology and cognitive-behavioral therapy. She integrates somatic experiencing into her professional practice by helping clients connect with and understand their own physiology/nervous system, which is the foundation for their work together. This first step seems to deepen and enhance the effectiveness of interventions learned in therapy that are more cognitive/behavior based to facilitate overall growth. Her work in recent years is primarily with young adults and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, interpersonal relationships, self-criticism/shame, stress, parenting, attachment disturbances, and trauma. Using a collaborative approach, she supports clients in finding ways to manage their own emotional/physiological dysregulation, foster a healthy stress response cycle, develop a resilient sense of self, grow relational skills to feel more socially connected with self and others (children, loved ones, friends, etc.), and/or process past trauma(s) that are interfering with present life. ************************* On a personal note, Dr. Hernandez considers herself a lifelong learner and continues to develop personally and professionally through trainings/workshops in the field of psychology, weekly/bi-monthly consultations with her small team of colleagues, book studies, and her own therapeutic self work. Dr. Hernandez is a member of the following professional groups: Capital Area Psychological Association (CAPA), Austin In Connection, American Psychological Association (APA), Somatic Experiencing International (SEI). She is also an ardent patron to her favorite neuronerd podcast for professionals and nonprofessionals, Therapy Uncensored. Self-care is a top priority and includes a lifestyle of meditation, yoga, swimming, and running. She loves travel and outdoor adventures with her family. Her anchors include her husband and teen children, spirituality, physical activity, art/music, and nature. Her dog children make sure she keeps on "keeping it real".