Steven Kirkilas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps people who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or low in self-esteem. He speaks plainly and meets clients where they are. He aims to create a calm space for people to talk about stress, trauma, grief, relationship strain, and life changes.
Steven holds a Master of Social Work and uses a practical, down-to-earth style in sessions. He draws on client-centered work to follow each person's pace and priorities. He also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try small experiments that change behavior.
His background includes seven years of clinical practice and work with many different concerns, from addiction and bipolar challenges to parenting stress and first responder issues. He has experience addressing trauma and abuse and works with people facing dissociation, attachment wounds, and grief.
Steven incorporates mindfulness practices to reduce anxiety and improve sleep and attention. He also uses EMDR methods as part of his trauma work and references Jungian ideas for people who want to examine personal meaning and patterns. He describes his approach as collaborative and practical.
People who choose Steven can expect straightforward conversation, skills to cope with crisis moments, and guidance for longer-term change. He encourages questions and aims to make the process easy to understand for someone searching for help with self-esteem or related issues.
How therapeutic approaches guide online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and following what matters most to the person. It helps people feel heard and decide what to work on first. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts and behaviors and teaches simple exercises to test new ways of thinking and acting. These approaches suit worries like anxiety, low self-esteem, and problems with sleep or mood.
EMDR is used with care for people who are processing traumatic memories. It involves structured steps to reduce the intensity of distressing memories and is often paired with grounding and calming practices. These methods are chosen based on the issue and the person’s comfort, not forced on anyone.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, try methods that fit their needs, and adjust the plan as progress is made. That collaborative process helps identify what tools help most for symptoms and daily challenges.
Confirm current online session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, shorten commute time, and allow quicker check-ins between appointments. It also lets people use mindfulness practices and behavioral exercises from their own routine when that helps with long-term change.
AbandonmentAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDissociationDomestic violenceEmptinessFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injury
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Jungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
7+ years
Credentials
Alaska, Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Washington
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Steven commonly address?
Steven works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, self esteem, addiction, relationship and intimacy-related issues, grief, and coping with life changes.
What is his general therapy style like?
His style is client-centered and practical. He focuses on listening without judgment, teaching skills, and helping people try small changes that can improve daily life.
What training and experience does he bring?
He has a Master of Social Work and seven years of clinical experience supporting people with trauma, mood concerns, and complex life challenges.
What credentials and location are listed for Steven?
He holds LCSW and CSW credentials and is located in Wisconsin.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Steven?
Use the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
