Therapy services

Mimi Cole, MS, NCC

ACMHC, #12819871-6009 (UT)
LPC-MHSP (temp), #6213 (TN)

Areas of Specialty

Parenting Wounds + Family Relationships,
children of immigrants

BIPOC Identity Exploration

Neurodiversity Affirming Self-Exploration

Complex Trauma

PTSD is typically centered around a singular event, complex trauma is usually associated with developmental / relational experiences of trauma. Trauma isn't limited to one big event, it can be our bodies attempts to protect us when we feel threatened or unsafe or scared.

Maybe you worry that your pain or hurt isn't that big of a deal or you don't want to "over-exaggerate" and feel like it shouldn't be this hard for you based on your experiences. I want to hold space for you in this. Together we will explore messages you learned about yourself and the world in childhood. We will talk about what it feels like to be in your body and how you can find more safety.

Trauma can feel like racing heart, intense anxiety, minimizing how much seemingly "simple" things impact you like day-to-day conversations or typical adulting. You might be "should"-ing all over yourself. Therapy is a place we can unpack this together and help you see yourself through a gentler, more compassionate lens. 

Religious Trauma / Faith Transitions

  • As a fellow child of immigrants myself, there are some experiences that are easier to communicate when I know there is that shared identity. 
  • It can be challenging to navigate the conflicting emotions of holding compassion for your parents' past traumas and the sacrifices they made, which have shaped your current circumstances. At the same time, you may find yourself grappling with experiences of invalidation, where you feel that your own hurt or trauma is perceived as lesser or not valid. This can lead to a sense of loneliness, as you may hesitate to express your feelings openly for fear of perpetuating a negative perception of the intricate dynamics within your family and cultural context.
  • Processing experiences being the only one or one of a few kids of color and how this impacted your understanding of yourself as "different" and your feeling of belonging in your work or school or communities now
  • Figuring out how to celebrate and honor your racial identity and family culture in spaces that feel unsafe to be yourself
  • Processing past experiences of feeling compelled to compromise your family and cultural values to fit in with others, and grappling with the lasting effects on your relationships with family.
  • Exploring racial identity with adults who grew up in predominantly white spaces
Common experiences may include:
  • I love to work with individuals who are highly sensitive to criticism, to sensory input like sounds, colors, sensations, and especially if you have felt frustrated for being "too needy" and overwhelmed by trying to make yourself less in order to fit in and belong. 
  •  If you are exploring self-identification around neurodivergence and want someone who will listen as you explore new language around special interests, shutdowns, grapple with internalized ableism and how this new understanding of yourself makes you think about your experiences growing up, I want to hold space for your processing around this with the utmost compassion.
  • I am passionate about helping you find resources and figure out how to find community and understand diagnosis, self-accommodations, and integration as you discover more about yourself and needs.

OCD / Intrusive Thoughts

  • Approach rooted in understanding of trauma and intersection between intrusive thoughts and trauma
  •  Focus on response prevention in alignment with client's values
  • Our work together might include grief around feeling like your brain is working against you, how to cope with intrusive thoughts, creating space for you to share the thoughts that scare you and know that you are not alone.
  • My approach is different than many others in that I understand nuance around exposure therapy and how it can be activating for the nervous system (especially autistic nervous systems that don't habituate to sensory input the same as neurotypical modalities are often geared towards). You are the guide, and I invite us to prioritize safety and your values and goals.
  • If you are leaving religion and scared of losing family support or community...
  • If you are scared of coming out to family who is religious or frustrated with being told by family or church that they love you but don't agree with your "lifestyle"...
  • If you are worried that naming your experiences within religion as abusive and/or traumatic will be met with disbelief or invalidation...
  • If you are scared to go to hell or of the consequences of leaving religion or want to do some work around deconstructing old beliefs and how they show up in your life today...

Reach out today!

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THERAPY SERVICES

I want to hold space for and with you.

- Meredith Williams

"I could listen to Mimi talk all day. She is a wealth of knowledge in all things mental health, OCD, and eating disorders. I admire her dedication to learning more, always. And her kind and gentle spirit are incredibly welcoming. I'd recommend this podcast to everyone."

- Sumner Brooks, MPH, RDN

"I absolutely LOVE this podcast. Beautifully and thoughtfully produced episodes - a fantastic mental health resource."

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