About Kimberly Simpkins
Kimberly has been married since September 1999 to a wonderful man with a not-so-wonderful illness that was recently changed from Bipolar 1 to schizoaffective disorder bipolar type. He was diagnosed at age 16, long before they were a couple. They met when they traveled the world as missionaries with a Christian music group. She played violin, he played drums. Together, they have a lovely college student daughter who brings sunshine into their lives.
By profession, Kimberly is a violinist, violist and music educator. Her musical journey has taken her all over the world and given her rich experiences too numerous to recount. However, thus far her greatest, and at times most treacherous, adventure has been that of her family of three, as they navigate life in the shadow of her husband’s serious mental health challenges.
In the midst of the many joys and trials, the Lord has been faithful beyond measure. She hopes to share with you some of the ways in which God has met them in the darkness, and pray you will come away encouraged with the hope that He can do the same for you!
Topic Covered by Kimberly
On Being "Trauma Adjacent": Navigating marriage to a spouse with severe trauma
If you are married to someone with a diagnosed mental illness, there is a good chance that person also has trauma in their background. In fact, many mental health conditions are a direct result of trauma. The word “adjacent” means to be next to, or nearby. When I married my husband Scott 24 years ago, not only did I marry someone with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, I also married someone with an extremely traumatic history. This presented many challenges to our relationship. In my talk, I will share lessons I have learned in navigating this unique position as a spouse, using my own story and lived experience as an example.
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One-year access to online event for your team
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Engage with fellow participant in event Facebook Group
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Download handouts and speaker resources