Meet Kimberley: Trauma-Informed Child & Youth Counsellor
Hi, I'm Kimberly, founder of Coastal Edge Youth Services and a qualified Social Worker (AASW registered). My passion is helping children and teenagers (ages 5-17) feel safe enough to explore their big feelings, overcome challenges, and build effective emotional regulation skills that last a lifetime.
For the past five years, I’ve worked extensively with children and teens struggling with issues like anger, anxiety, and school refusal across diverse settings, including residential care, NGOs, schools, and NDIS programs. Through every experience, I’ve been inspired by the incredible strength of each individual. I founded Coastal Edge to offer the consistent, genuine, and safe care that families and youth in Adelaide, SA truly deserve.
My therapeutic approach is deeply trauma-informed and focused first on creating safety—because kids must feel safe with counsellors before they will open up. This foundation allows us to use effective, evidence-based practices that build lasting resilience. We are here to help young people and their families understand and manage big feelings, ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and cared for as they build confidence and inner calm.
I incorporate a range of therapeutic models in my practice, including:
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): For practical, immediate relief over intense emotions.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): For self-compassion. This helps children and teens to stop fighting their difficult thoughts and feelings.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): For tangible tools to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, ultimately fostering greater confidence over their emotional responses.
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Strength-Based, Systems: For helping young people see their strengths and understand how their social, educational, community systems influence their everyday lives.
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Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI): For supporting parents/carers to learn how to respond confidently during high distress moments.
Qualifications
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Certificate 3 Children Services
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Bachelor of Education
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Masters of Social Work
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Graduate Certificate of Behavioural Health Counselling
Upskill Training
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
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Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
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Resending to Risk of Harm, Abuse & Neglect (RAN)
Outside of work you’ll often find me:
🌊Walking by the ocean🧩Doing a puzzle ☕Reading a book with a hot chocolate nearby.
At Coastal Edge Youth Services, every interaction, every session, and every decision is guided by a strong set of core values. These principles ensure that we provide a safe, effective, and deeply respectful environment where young people can truly thrive. Our core values are T.R.U.S.T.
T= Therapeutic
We believe in the power of professional, skilled support to foster healing, personal growth and lasting positive changes. Our interventions are grounded in evidence-based social work practices and therapeutic principles, designed to equip young people with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges and build a meaningful future.
R = Relationships
Authentic and collaborative relationships are the cornerstone of our work. We priorities building strong connections based on empathy, genuine listening, and mutual respect. We walk alongside young people, fostering a sense of belonging and partnership that empowers them to feel seen, heard, and valued.
U =Understanding
We approach each young person with an open mind and a deep commitment to truly grasp their unique experiences, perspectives, and needs. We strive to understand their world, their strengths, and their challenges without judgment, creating a space where they feel safe to explore their thoughts and feelings openly.
S= Self-Compassion
We encourage and model kindness, acceptance, and understanding towards oneself. We believe that fostering self-compassion is vital for building inner resilience, managing difficult emotions, and developing a healthy relationship with oneself. We support young people in treating themselves with the same care and empathy they would offer a friend.
T= Trauma-Informed
We recognise the widespread and profound impact of trauma on development, behavior, and well-being. Our entire service delivery is built on a trauma-informed framework, ensuring that we priorities physical and psychological safety, build trust, offer choice and collaboration, and empower young people in their healing journey.