Meet Kimberly
Trauma-informed and LGBTQIA+ competent.
Kimberly Shirk, LPCA
Pronouns: She/Her
Modalities: CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Family Systems, Humanistic-Centered, Acceptance and Commitment, Psychodynamic, Recovery and Harm Reduction
Languages other than English: N/A
Email: hello@spokenbalance.com (intake)
As a therapist, I approach my practice with a person-centered and neurodiverse perspective. I prioritize understanding and valuing each individual's unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths. I strive to create a safe and empowering space where clients feel respected, accepted, and supported in exploring their thoughts, feelings, and goals.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and collaboration. I work alongside my clients to co-create personalized strategies and interventions that honor their autonomy and foster personal growth. I believe in empowering clients to tap into their inner resources, build self-awareness, and develop skills to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
Kim’s focus areas
Neurodiversity: |My work with the neurodivergent population is rooted in a deep understanding of the unique experiences and needs of individuals who identify as neurodivergent, including those on the Autism Spectrum. My approach is person-centered, strengths-based, and inclusive, ensuring that each individual receives tailored support that promotes overall well-being and development.
Relationship Diversity & Relational Conflict: | Sex, relationships, and self-expression are on a spectrum. Dynamics vary greatly from person to person and relationship. I am confident in working with all orientations of relationships (ie., polyamory, ethical non-monogamy) by creating a safe space to discuss your mental, emotional, and physical needs.
Recovery/Harm Reduction: | Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to supporting individuals in recovery from addiction and other life challenges. My approach is compassionate, client-centered, and rooted in harm reduction principles, ensuring that each individual receives the support they need to achieve and maintain their recovery goals.
Life Transitions:| Life can be challenging! As we grow, we experience many transitions, some less difficult than others. I enjoy supporting individuals navigating various life transitions, including young adults contemplating their future and those at mid-life seeking new meaning and direction. My approach is client-centered, empathetic, and holistic, providing tailored support to help individuals manage change and achieve personal growth.
Young Adult Transitions: I support young adults facing pivotal life decisions, such as career choices, higher education, and moving towards independent living. Through career counseling, goal setting, and skill-building, I help them gain clarity and direction.
Mid-Life Transitions: | For those at mid-life seeking new meaning and direction, I offer guidance on exploring new career paths, personal interests, and lifestyle changes. I help clients reassess their goals, embrace new challenges, and find fulfillment in this stage of life.
Kim’s ideal client
My ideal client is deeply invested in personal growth and eager to find solutions to their problems. They may be at a crossroads in life, looking to explore, emerging from childhood difficulties, and searching for their sense of self. They may be a couple who is committed to their relationship and willing to explore themselves and their significant other as they work together to build a positive future for their relationship. I enjoy working together with individuals and couples to bring out the best in them, navigating past experiences, current difficulties, and those looking to make changes for their future. If this sounds like you, reach out – let’s talk!
What kind of therapy does Kim provide?
- Individual therapy for those who are age 18 or older
Couples/partner therapy for those who are age 18 or older
Parent/Caregiver therapy
Recovery/Harm Reduction Therapy
Kim’s practice locations:
Connecticut: Kim is currently only providing telehealth appointments anywhere in the state of Connecticut.
Who is Kim in-network with?
In the state of Connecticut, Kim accepts private pay and several insurance networks, including:
Cigna
Husky
BCBS/Anthem (PPO Only)
Aetna
United/Optum/UMR/Oxford
Reach out to verify up-to-date information!
Out of Network Benefits:
Kim provides super-bills that can be provided to your insurance company for reimbursement.
Kim’s qualifications
I bring to Spoken Balance a long history of working with individuals who identify as neurodivergent, including those who identify as Autistic. As my career progressed, I expanded my focus to include working with individuals in recovery, couples of all types, and those at various life crossroads. This includes young adults contemplating their next steps and midlife individuals seeking meaning and purpose.
Licensure
State of Connecticut | License Number: 7094
Education
2023 | Southern New Hampshire University | Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
2020 | Charter Oak State University | Bachelors in Psychology
Kim’s personal information
I live in beautiful northern Connecticut with my spouse of over thirty years. Mom to two grown children, I enjoy spending time with family in my free time and am an avid reader and animal lover.
