Kirk Shepard

The importance of being genuinely seen and truly heard cannot be underestimated. I weave different approaches to therapy based on what is the best fit for my clients. Therapy is a collaborative process that provides a safer space to discover yourself. Together, we will examine conflicts and symptoms that arise from past relationships in order to gain understanding on how these experiences impact the present. I tend to believe my clients have a deep wisdom within themselves. I encourage my clients to embrace their full range of emotion while relying on the client-therapist dynamics. Therapy can often feel uncomfortable- however when we move through this together we can cultivate a more wholehearted life filled with engagement and purpose.

I have a strong and proactive background in social justice. This has provided me many opportunities to work with diverse populations. I received my Masters degree in Community Counseling with a speciality certification in Ecopsychology from Lewis & Clark College, and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Point Park University. My therapeutic career started at The William Temple House and the Sexual Minority Youth Resource Center in Portland. I am a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator (CDWF ) which is based on the research of author and researcher, Dr. Brené Brown. I have lived in Portland for 14 years. My practice primarily addresses identity development and relational suffering with individuals and groups of all kinds.