Bio
Kirk Shepard (he/they) has been a mental health counselor in Portland, Oregon since 2013. Kirk's work is built on the premise that we need connections to flourish and that isolation is major source of suffering for people on a personal and cultural level. Power imbalances and systems of oppression are central to all of Kirk's therapeutic understandings and interventions. Kirk teaches Group Psychotherapy for Adults at Lewis & Clark's Graduate School of Counseling and is an on-call After Hours Consultant for Multnomah County Aging, Disability, and Veteran Services.
Positionality
I am white, queer and often cis masculine presenting. I am able bodied and from a middle-working class background. I'm from SW Pennsylvania; coal mines, steel mills, and the Laurel Highlands mountain range, native land to the Shawnee Tribe. My father was a pastor and my mother a nurse. I am married and polyamorous. I recognize there is privilege in sharing life challenges with steady and long term partnerships. I have a graduate degree and run my own business. I'm an adjunct educator at a private graduate school. My citizenship is not questioned. I grew up in the Presbyterian Christian church, although I am not affiliated with any religion presently, I do not fear religious persecution. My default state is wonder and curiosity. I believe we heal through relationships and connection. I realize this is not everybody's belief or experience, however it will influence our work together.
Kirk Shepard (he/they) has been a mental health counselor in Portland, Oregon since 2013. Kirk's work is built on the premise that we need connections to flourish and that isolation is major source of suffering for people on a personal and cultural level. Power imbalances and systems of oppression are central to all of Kirk's therapeutic understandings and interventions. Kirk teaches Group Psychotherapy for Adults at Lewis & Clark's Graduate School of Counseling and is an on-call After Hours Consultant for Multnomah County Aging, Disability, and Veteran Services.
Positionality
I am white, queer and often cis masculine presenting. I am able bodied and from a middle-working class background. I'm from SW Pennsylvania; coal mines, steel mills, and the Laurel Highlands mountain range, native land to the Shawnee Tribe. My father was a pastor and my mother a nurse. I am married and polyamorous. I recognize there is privilege in sharing life challenges with steady and long term partnerships. I have a graduate degree and run my own business. I'm an adjunct educator at a private graduate school. My citizenship is not questioned. I grew up in the Presbyterian Christian church, although I am not affiliated with any religion presently, I do not fear religious persecution. My default state is wonder and curiosity. I believe we heal through relationships and connection. I realize this is not everybody's belief or experience, however it will influence our work together.
Counseling
I do individual, couples, and group counseling with youth and adults ages 16+. My approach to counseling is very much a collaborative process that supports people to engage more deeply with their lives and relationships.
2021 UPDATE:
I am on a temporary hold from taking on any new clients. All of my sessions are via telehealth due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fees:
45 minute Session: $175
Health Insurance Plans
I bill as an out-of-network provider for most insurance companies. Each plan is different depending on your deductible and out-of-network benefits. Please ask about payment options if you do not have health insurance or if your plan does not cover out of network benefits.
Clinical Supervision & Consultation
More information coming in Spring 2021
Fees:
$50/ 90 minute group supervision (4+ student interns in private practice or agency settings)
$75/hour for individual supervision
More information coming in Spring 2021
Fees:
$50/ 90 minute group supervision (4+ student interns in private practice or agency settings)
$75/hour for individual supervision
Contact Me: kirk@rootstockcounseling.com