Stella Kimbrough, LCSW

11/12/2025

If you’ve been through trauma therapy and you’re wondering “Who am I now?” — this post is for you. Let’s talk about how healing and identity are deeply connected.

When the nervous system is in constant “fight or flight,” there’s no room for self-discovery — just survival.

Swipe to learn more about how to rediscover yourself after trauma, and don't forget to check out the full post on our website at https://calmpathway.com/blog/f/heal-your-childhood-trauma-and-discover-your-true-self

11/11/2025

I've been thinking about how depression can show up (or worsen if you're someone who is predisposed) during the holiday months.

Holiday depression could be a lingering cloud of emptiness you feel because your children are celebrating in a different state with their in-laws this year.

Or it could show up as an all-encompassing sadness that feels endless because all you want is to spend one last holiday with a loved one who passed away.

Or maybe it could look like being disinterested in decorating the house, something you’ve always enjoyed, because you feel hopeless about all the pain and suffering in the world.

I wrote a blog post going into more depth about what is holiday depression and how to cope with it when it shows up, linked in my bio.

Struggling this holiday season? You don’t have to do it alone. 💙

At Calm Pathway, I help adults heal from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction through both virtual therapy (PA) and in-person sessions in Bala Cynwyd.

Schedule a free 20-minute consultation at: www.calmpathway.com

Or email me directly: stella@calmpathway.com

10/10/2025

Today is 💚

Let's end the stigma

10/03/2025

Love to see this therapist practicing her DBT skills by ✨accumulating pleasant events ✨in her day ❤️‍🔥

09/30/2025

🍂 3 DBT Skills Every Student Can Use This Fall 🍂

Back-to-school season in Philadelphia and the Main Line can be tough. Between academic pressure, social stress, and shorter days, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skills give you practical tools to manage anxiety, depression, and seasonal slumps.

Here are 3 you can start using right away:

✨ Effectively → Focus on what works instead of what feels good in the moment.

Example: You may not love your biology teacher, but focusing on studying, flash cards, and review sessions will help you reach your goal of acing the exam.

✨ Opposite Action → Act opposite to urges that keep you stuck.

Example: Seasonal depression might make you want to bed rot and scroll all day. Instead, push yourself to get up, go outside, or meet a friend—even small shifts can change your mood.

✨ Accumulate Positive Emotions → Intentionally plan activities that bring joy and balance.

Example: Apple picking at Linvilla Orchards, ice skating at Dilworth Park, or even scheduling weekly coffee dates with friends. The more joy you build in, the more resilient you’ll feel against stress.

💡 Practicing these skills regularly can help you stay motivated, manage stress, and feel more connected during the colder months.

➡️ Read the full blog for more tips on using DBT skills this fall: https://calmpathway.com/blog/f/3-dbt-skills-every-student-in-philadelphia-can-use-this-fall

09/16/2025

🌿 What is a DBT Group? 🌿

A DBT group isn’t your typical therapy group—it’s more like a class where you learn and practice real-life skills to help you:
✨ Manage overwhelming emotions
✨ Build healthier relationships
✨ Reduce stress + anxiety
✨ Navigate life’s challenges with confidence

In a DBT group, you’ll learn four core skill areas:
🧘 Mindfulness
💬 Interpersonal Effectiveness
💡 Emotion Regulation
🌊 Distress Tolerance

Each session is structured with mindfulness, skill practice, and support—so you can take what you learn and apply it directly to your daily life.

If you’re in Bala Cynwyd, Narberth, Wynnewood, or the Main Line area, our DBT groups may be a supportive next step in your healing journey. 💙

📍 Learn more in my new blog: “What is a DBT Group?” (link in bio)

09/09/2025

I'm running a virtual DBT group starting in January, 2026. Reach out to me at stella@calmpathway.com or visit my website at www.calmpathway.com for more information!

08/16/2025

https://medium.com//how-to-overcome-procrastination-and-perfectionism-38715010d8e6

I recently wrote a blog post on my website about procrastination and perfectionism (click to read), and was quoted in an article in Bustle…

07/10/2025

Have you been thinking about starting therapy for a while, but haven't taken the steps necessary to begin the process?

If the above statement resonates with you, I want to gently encourage you to take the next step forward. I've found that some of my most successful clients are the ones who show up even if they don't feel totally ready to unpack their most tightly-taped and packed away boxes, but they have the willingness to talk about their feelings and emotions related to the process of unpacking.

Here are the next steps to take:

1. Do a quick google search of local or online therapists along with a few words describing what's been bothering you. Read a few profiles and reach out to a few therapists who stand out to you or seem interesting. Most therapists offer a free consultation call before scheduling an intake appointment.

2. When doing a consultation call and in the beginning stages of therapy, pay attention to how you are feeling during and after sessions. Do you feel like you "click" with the therapist? Could you see yourself trusting them as a close ally in your life? Do you want to tell them more? Do you think about them between sessions? Do you think about what they have said to you?

3. Trust your gut. If something feels "off," talk about it with them! They won't be offended. They can help troubleshoot so that therapy can be more effective. They want to help you, even if that means referring you to another therapist who would be a better fit.

Read more at https://calmpathway.com/f/how-to-know-if-youre-ready-to-begin-therapy

07/01/2025

Preparing for your first therapy session can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Here are three essential tips to help you feel more at ease and ready to embark on your healing journey.

1. Fill out all required paperwork. I will send you a link ahead of time to complete some forms that will help us get started, including a demographics page, informed consent, practice policies, questionnaires, and some background questions.

2. If you're meeting virtually, check your phone or computer to make sure you have all the required software set up (a Zoom account, a working camera, etc.). Next, decide where you're going to set up your therapy space. Make sure it is quiet and free from distractions, and that it's a space where others won't interrupt or overhear your conversation. Will you feel most comfortable in your bedroom? The dining table? Your couch?

If meeting in-person, make sure you know where the office is located and check your GPS to see how long it will take you to get there, then add in a few extra minutes to account for finding the office, using the restroom, etc.

3. Start to consider your goals for therapy. What are you hoping to achieve? What would you like to be different in your life after 6 months or 1 year of regular therapy? Start to brainstorm this now, and we can discuss further during your first session as we are getting to know each other!

Most importantly, don't stress! I am here to help, you are not in this alone. I am here to be your guide on this journey together. You're taking a really important first step, so make sure to give yourself lots of grace.