Kim Skelton, LCMHCS, LCAS
Executive Director and Psychotherapist
Asheville NC
Central to my therapeutic approach lies a philosophical foundation grounded in existential and humanistic principles. I'm deeply committed to helping my clients navigate the complexities of their lives by facilitating the exploration of meaning and the integration of past adversities.
In today's world, characterized by significant political and ecological challenges, I guide individuals towards radical acceptance and resilience. Together, we confront the realities of our current challenges while also acknowledging their place within the interconnected web of existence. My goal is to support clients in embracing both the profound beauty and the inherent struggles of being alive without succumbing to despair.
I draw upon a diverse array of evidence-based modalities, including EMDR, Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, harm reduction psychotherapy, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Each client receives personalized attention as we collaboratively devise a treatment plan tailored to their unique strengths, needs, and preferences.
As I eagerly anticipate potential FDA approval of MDMA-assisted therapy, I look forward to incorporating this innovative approach into the therapeutic offerings at Widening Circles. Together, we'll continue to explore new avenues for healing and growth on the path towards greater well-being and understanding.
Hi there!
I'm Kim and I co-founded Widening Circles back in 2017. Today, I proudly serve as the executive director while also practicing as a psychotherapist. My journey in mental health care has been multifaceted, and I bring over two decades of experience to my practice.
My career trajectory has seen me work across a spectrum of settings, from private practice to community mental health and even a domestic violence shelter. In 2013, I co-founded Willow Wellness and Recovery, a mindfulness-based opioid use disorder program, where I served as clinical director until 2019. Since then, my focus has shifted towards integrating psychedelic medicine into therapeutic practice at Widening Circles.
I'm deeply passionate about making mental health treatment accessible and meaningful. In recent years, I've dedicated myself to ethically incorporating psychedelic medicine into therapy. I've undergone specialized training, including MDMA-assisted therapy training through MAPS and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy training with PRATI. Additionally, I'm honored to have been a part of the FDA Expanded Access program for MDMA-assisted therapy.
Beyond my clinical work, I'm a perpetual learner. I've delved into areas like herbalism and Chinese Stone and Crystal Medicine to broaden my holistic approach to healing. And when I'm not in the therapy room, you'll likely find me enjoying the company of my family, playing with watercolors, or exploring the beauty of Western North Carolina with my beloved dogs.
I'm here to guide you on your journey towards psychospiritual growth, healing, and recovery. Let's walk this path together with compassion and mindfulness.
1. Heliotrope Individualized Integrative Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Heliotrope offers truly individualized mental healthcare through a unique multidisciplinary combination of integrative psychiatry, functional medicine, qEEG- guided neurofeedback, psychotherapy, coaching and more. While each patient’s treatment plan varies, participants generally engage in five individual therapeutic contacts per week and are with us for 3-6 months. Heliotrope primarily serves motivated patients seeking a higher level of care than traditional outpatient treatment can provide; those seeking a supportive aftercare option following inpatient or residential care; and patients who may receive benefit from working one-on-one with members of a coordinated treatment team. Many of our providers are dually licensed to treat mental health and substance use disorder conditions and have years of experience working with the interplay of complex trauma, addiction and mental health concerns.
2. Heartwood Integrative Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Heartwood delivers a holistic and diverse treatment strategy aimed at tackling a range of mental health issues, particularly those influenced by or originating from traumatic events. With a focus on promoting mental wellness, enhancing coping skills, and fostering sustainable recovery, our IOP supports individuals grappling with various mental health conditions. This program is tailored to offer concentrated and organized mental health support for individuals needing more extensive care than standard outpatient therapy but not requiring the intensity of inpatient treatment. Our program seamlessly integrates psychiatry, functional medicine, psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, individual and group psychotherapy, family involvement, case management, and WRAP planning, offering individuals a comprehensive and evidence-based journey towards healing and recovery.
We are currently working towards CARF accreditation which will allow us to accept insurance. We are currently piloting Heartwood on a privst epay basis and hope to be able accept commercial insurance by Fall 2024.
3. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
KAP is a unique therapeutic method used to address a variety of mental health conditions, including treatment-refractory depression and post-traumatic stress. It involves the use of the psychoactive substance ketamine to enhance and deepen the therapeutic process and utilizes psychotherapy and other integrative forms of treatment to amplify and prolong the therapeutic effects of ketamine.