I utilize a relaxed, interactive communication style in my therapy sessions. My aim is to create a warm, non-judgmental environment where you feel comfortable openly sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Hi, my name is Debbie Kirkwood, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. Having been in the mental health field, I have worked with many people of every age group and from various backgrounds and cultures. My approach to therapy depends on the presenting issue and the client's motivation for change. Each person is different and responds to different approaches. I believe in meeting the client where they are and not where I want them to be. My primary therapeutic approaches when providing therapy are Cognitive Behavior and Solution Focused. I also use homework assignments and various strategies to reinforce what's discussed in the sessions.

Talking about sex and problematic sexual behaviors is often stigmatized by society, family or culture. My main goal is provide a safe place where one can openly discuss sexual concerns and we can work together to determine if they are problematic or to discuss the impact of another's sexual behaviors on you. Too often, it is assumed that therapy around sexual addiction or sexuality is about stopping one's sexual behavior. Here, we work to define your sexuality as an individual. Work may include trauma focused work in order to gain access to underlying concerns, or it may involve sex education to best claim your sexuality. Working with loved ones of sex addicts, including parents, often includes shame reduction and healthy boundary work. Whatever the work is, you are part of the treatment team and the most important part of guiding therapy.

Accepting new clients- Life is hard. Most of us want to think that it gets easier but that only occurs when our skills (emotional, mental, physical, spiritual) improve. Therapy is the perfect place to learn and practice new skills while getting the encouragement to make it through life's toughest moments. And I am ready for you. I work with all clients and specialize in the BlackBrown communities, LGBTQ population, couples, and adolescents. I value intersectionality, solutions-focused work, and holistic practices. I specialize in following therapies: cognitive-behavioral, play, solutions-focused & strengths based. I value & support parent educationcounseling especially as parents navigate through the school system while raising a child with mental health concerns. I strongly value a holistic & organic approach to mental health progress. As a Counselor in an urban setting, I understand the time and transportation constraints that many clients may face. Therefore, I am able to provide on-site services (in-home andor confidential setting) or in my office.

Working with you, alongside you, and for YOU, to take care of the emotional wellbeing that defines YOU. Life can present some difficult challenges. With the right support, these can be an incredible opportunity to grow. I offer deep empathy and active listening skills. I meet you where you are, and assist you in developing strength based techniques that you can use in reaching your goals in a non judgmental environment. I am also offering group counseling and workshops online that will assist you in taking care of your mental health.

My philosophy and approach to helping clients is to do a thorough assessment and develop a treatment plan that is characteristic of that client and guide clients through therapy to healing. Each client has a uniqueness about them and my work is finding it and helping that client realize it and live in it. Perception is the key to understanding. Awareness is the key to realization.

A healer does not heal you. A healer is someone who holds space for you while you awaken your inner healer, so that you may heal yourself. -Maryam Hasana Welcome to Authentic Healing Health and Wellness Center! I am so excited that you have decided to find healing in areas of your life that may cause stress, anger, disruption, turmoil, frustration, or imbalance in your daily life tasks. My goal is to assist you in finding solutions that bring healing, harmony, balance, and restoration into your life. If you are open to starting your healing journey, please contact me today!

If you feel anxious, sad, overwhelmed, or stuck, if you are frustrated by your family or relationships, navigating a challenging life transition, or are worn out by the stress of work, life, or parenting, my practice may be a good fit for you. My therapy style is collaborative, warm, and nonjudgmental, with room for humor. Together, we will work to improve your symptoms, gain a deeper understanding of your concerns, and bring about lasting change. I have extensive experience with college students, young adults, and mid-career professionals, with a particular focus on individuals navigating life transitions such as graduation, relationship changes, and the transition to parenthood. I also work well with clients who feel stuck professionally, struggle with work-life balance, or are considering a career change.

After struggling with anxiety or depression for long enough, you may start to feel stuck. Anxiety and depression can make us think and act in ways that ironically leave us feeling even more anxious and depressed, creating a kind of "vicious cycle." Fortunately, advances in evidence-based therapies have given rise to interventions that can reliably interrupt this cycle, so you can stop struggling and start living. I work with my clients using cognitive-behavioral and humanistic approaches, and incorporate mindfulness-based interventions to decrease the impact of challenging thoughts and emotions, while simultaneously increasing engagement with who and what matters most. Your values and goals will guide our work together every step of the way.

I am passionate about working with childrenl having difficulties with anxiety and emotional dysregulation. I utilize cognitive behavioral strategies, relaxation techniques, and other approaches based on the needs of the individual. In my spare time, I like walking my dog and spending time with my family and friends.

I help children, adults, and adolescents who struggle with behavioral, emotional, and relationship challenges by providing guidance and support through active listening and communication to overcome obstacles, utilizing calming techniques and guided imagery through Neurofeedback to alleviate symptoms related to health and behavior conditions. As well as improving focus, attention, and memory by training your brain to maximize achievement, performance, and productivity. My approach is to tailor to the needs of my clients, including applying a variety of techniques, from cognitive-behavioral therapy, art therapy, and play therapy. I use evidence-based treatment methods, and my goal is to aid you in helping yourself.

I have a broad range of experiences in working with the problems of career-oriented individuals and parents that result from relationship issues, too much responsibility, stress at home and work, personal and social isolation, loss of motivation or debilitating fears. I have worked with many people and families who are affected by anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavior challenges at school, defiance and anger, divorce or trauma. I've worked with children, teens and young adults with emotional disturbances, behavior problems, self-harm, or personality development issues, and helped couples and parents sort through relationship challenges. I also have experience in the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse and addiction in both outpatient and inpatient settings. There are no rules as to how you must or should respond to stressors: we will find positive and non-stressful alternatives. I use a non-judgmental approach to both listen, accept and validate your experiences in order to urgency address and resolve your issues. We will enhance your autonomy so you feel relief, quickly. I use a broad spectrum evidence-based therapies, particularly mindfulness-based approaches that relieve stress and augment therapy. I will help accomplish the peaceful and fulfilling life that you envision.