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I believe your story is important. The pain, the victories, the traumas, and the triumphs - all of those elements come together in a way that can either devastate us, hold us back, or motivate us to move forward. I want to cheer you on as you move farther forward than you imagined was possible. I have a compassionate, empathetic, and kind heart. Because we talk about some hard things, my unique sense of humor is a purposeful tool used to disarm and relax you as we find the best strategies to help move you towards your goals.
I believe that all clients who want to get better can get better. As your provider, I will extend hope - even if you may currently not be able to. My positive attitude, combined with a realistic perspective and honest feedback, can help you improve your life.
If you are primarily interested in asynchronous messaging, I'm thrilled to work with you, as this is one of my specialties. I also offer 30-minute counseling sessions via messaging, phone, and video - your choice.
We have relationships with other people, of course, but we also are in relationships with places and things and concepts - and with ourselves. We need to fully understand those relationships and how they impact our wellness and happiness. I want to hear your stories. I want to understand your point of view. And I want to help you better understand all of your relationships.
When it comes to my style, my approach is heavily influenced by the work of Jean Baker Miller and Relational-Cultural Theory, but I also utilize a variety of tools from other theories like Cognitive-Behavioral, Reality Therapy, Adlerian, and Gestalt. Because I have an eclectic toolbox, I’m able to choose tools, interventions, and approaches that will work for just about anyone’s personality. I love to look at the root causes for your problems and can discuss these issues in both philosophical ways and practical ones, too. I'll work hard to provide you with what you need - but if at any time you don't think we're a good fit, you can change providers at any time. I'll also be honest with you if I think you'd do better working with someone else.
I respond to messages within 24 hours (except for weekends) and often much sooner. Also, I regularly send check-in messages, some encouraging words, housekeeping items, and writing prompts to make sure we're connecting and engaging together.
I look forward to working with you!
Professional experience
19yrs in practice
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteem, MotivationDepressionCoping with life changes
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Attachment issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Emptiness, Family of Origin Issues, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders , Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexuality, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Kirk Sheppard. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
He helps me in many ways
Written on Nov 07, 2023 after therapy with Kirk for 2 years and 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Kirk is very insightful and knowledgeable. Offering helpful tips, and thought provoking prompts and ideas about the abstract issues presented to him.
Written on Mar 20, 2023 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
I feel heard and safe that’s more than I’ve ever felt in my life
Written on Mar 17, 2023 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties
I love reading Kirk’s weekly thoughts. They offer lots of good insights, and they are really useful when I’m journaling.
Written on Nov 07, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 10 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Kirk is an empathetic and helpful listener. He encourages the development of healthy habits and supports me in addressing issues in my life.
Written on Oct 17, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Kirk utilizes every part of Better Help—something many therapists on here do not do. He sends a weekly memo every Monday that provides words of wisdom and conversation starters to engage with his clients. Kirk responds in a timely manner and is very easy to talk to! He uses humor to lighten up the mood, is nonjudgmental, genuine and honest and truly cares about his clients. He has helped me through many different situations. I couldn’t find a better therapist!
Written on Sep 08, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Kirk has been great in helping me combat anxiety. He listens and makes note of things big and small. The techniques that he taught me allowed me to feel like myself again.
Written on Sep 06, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Kirk is an amazing therapist. He listens to what you as a person needs but also shows you how others have dealt with a similar situation and how he also deals with similar issues. He brings the real world into the sessions and helps you to connect. I went from having depression and anxiety (high in both) to now being able to live my life and not needing to message Kirk all the time.
Written on Aug 31, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
always communicates super well and keeps me in the loop of scheduly changes if needed.
Written on Aug 21, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 10 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I had a hard time finding a good therapy match on better help, but Sheppard has renewed my faith!
Written on Jul 18, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and grief
He’s the best therapist I’ve ever had and he’s one of the few people I think can actually help me. I’m lucky and grateful for his help.
Written on Jul 14, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Kirk Sheppard is a wonderful match as my therapist. He shows support in my journey and has so many tools to help. I am in such a better place and would not have made it without betterhelp. The flexible ways to communicate have made the ability to utilize a therapist for my mental health a game changer.
Written on Jun 15, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, and adhd
Kirk is great at being calm, personable, and approachable. He's a listener, first and foremost, and will help you gain perspective on things gently, in your own time.
Written on Jun 03, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
He is kind and a great listener. It has been very easy to open up to him. Gives practical advice without judgment.
Written on Jun 02, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and parenting issues
I appreciate the variety of ways I can communicate with Kirk. Especially responding to journals during the week with feedback from Kirk that we then cover during our live sessions.
Written on Jun 02, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, and intimacy-related issues
Kirk is the best. I cannot say enough about how much he has helped me with perspective in life. I appreciate him greatly.
Written on May 11, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Kirk is awesome, very supportive and helps me a lot.
Written on Apr 19, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety
Kirk is so kind, so helpful and relatable, and truly cares about your experiences and your issues and gives thoughtful and timely responses. Kirk is the BEEEEEST person and therapist around!
Written on Mar 16, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Seriously the best therapist I’ve ever had. May as well be Batman.
Written on Mar 13, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Kirk listens to my issues.
Written on Mar 04, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Kirk always provides great conversation and comfort through that conversation.
Written on Feb 24, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 5 months on issues concerning grief, sleeping disorders, and coping with life changes
Kirk is very helpful. He listens, comes up with ways for you to cope with your mental health, and he has a great sense of humor. I highly recommend Kirk.
Written on Feb 17, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
Kirk is one of the few people I have ever spoken with, who maintains his professionalism whilst also being incredibly laid back and down to earth. Makes you feel you can rely on him and trust him, and got me to open up very easily. He is not going to just tell you what to do, but he will invest in your issues and hardships and be incredibly empathic. He will do his best to actually help you, and makes you feel heard. We need more Kirks in this world.
Written on Feb 10, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, and anger management
Kirk is phenomenally flexible and has been incredibly helpful for me during a move and a time of transition when I was falling out of old habits that helped me keep myself together. He's almost always available on the messaging function (within reason! Work life balance is important) and is always thoughtful and responsive and willing to meet you where you are with what you need that day. I could not recommend him more, ESPECIALLY if you're looking to engage frequently through the messaging function.
Written on Feb 08, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and adhd
Kirk is amazing! Ive been through so many therapists, and he just has a completely different approach. It feels more like im talking to a friend than a therapist, and it makes it that much easier to talk about stuff. Highly reccommend!!
Written on Feb 06, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Kirk is a great listener, a kind soul and has helped me interrogate and reframe some of my thought patterns. I appreciate the conversations and the accountability they bring to some of the goals I've set for myself. He's been a great partner in my wellness journey.
Written on Jan 19, 2022 after therapy with Kirk for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Kirk Sheppard is friendly, approachable, kind and understanding. He is also well-read and has some really good tools that he shares with me. He has the gift of asking the right questions. I trust his expertise and know he gives serious thought to my concerns. He also has a great sense of humor!
Written on Nov 28, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and grief
Kirk is so supportive, positive, and helpful. He has helped me a lot!
Written on Nov 16, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, and adhd
Kirk is great! Very compassionate and thoughtful.
Written on Nov 02, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
Kirk is an inquisitive and funny guy. His approach to my therapy makes our sessions enjoyable and thought-provoking.
Written on Nov 02, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, and compassion fatigue
I would have starred 10/10 on the first question, but it was a mis-click. I very much enjoy my experience working with Kirk.
Written on Nov 01, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Kirk is amazing! I love his fun and loving attitude! I’ve only been seeing him for a short time and already has opened my eyes to some things about myself! My old one wasn’t the best fit for me personally so having Kirk has blown me away that there are people out there who can actually help you! Love online was very worried at first but is so convenient being a cNA’s my hours sometimes can vary. So having the option to respond when I am free whatever time that may be, really helps. Having a designated hour with a counselor/therapist was sometimes very difficult for me. And only having an hour for an entire week was also showing to be difficult for me as well. I would forget to talk about certain things with him and be bummed that I couldn’t reach out in someway before we had another very expensive appointment. Love that if something happens and I need to reach out I can just message Kirk and better help, and he will get to it at his next earliest convenience! So far has been a wonderful experience.
Written on Oct 23, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Kirk is very receptive and gives great feedback. He is relatable and allows me to challenge myself/how I am thinking. He has tools to help along the way, which is also perfect for a multi-modal approach.
Written on Oct 05, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes
Kirk's helping me work through many years of pain that I neglected. I appreciate the time he gives me and the theories he proposes.
Written on Oct 05, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, and anger management
Kirk is absolutely amazing. He cares and he listens. His insight is very much appreciated
Written on Oct 04, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and adhd
Kirk turned my crisis around so quickly.
Written on Oct 02, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 4 months on issues concerning adhd
I was starting to doubt counseling and therapy was going to be anything but a bust for me, then I decided I’d try one more counselor before I called it quits. I’m so glad I did! I scrolled through my options and something about Kirk stuck out. He seemed nice and so I clicked on him. Immediately I saw a difference! He seemed genuine and not like he was reading from a text book and I was just another appointment. His communication is awesome and I never feel like I’m bothering him. I have told numerous people how thankful I already am just 3 weeks in. I feel like I’m able to start taking steps to improve my life with his guidance and friendship.
Written on Sep 16, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, and self esteem
Kirk is everything I could have hoped for in a counselor. He is so supportive, genuine, and he really cares. Talking to him is like talking to an old friend (who gives great advice!) I can't say enough great things about him.
Written on Sep 06, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I. Love. Kirk. in the short time I used BetterHelp he genuinely made me feel SO good. I was never wrong for talking about my feelings, he simply let me use him as my outlet and gave me THE BEST feedback. And assistance. He was fast to respond and that made me feel important. I would recommend him to anyone!
Written on Aug 25, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and bipolar disorder
Dr. Kirk has been the best therapist I’ve found on BetterHelp, he keeps the conversation going and is so understanding while also making sure to develop a good relationship with his clients.
Written on Aug 20, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes
Kirk is great for people like me who prefer to use more of the messaging features of this website. I also like how he sends weekly check-in messages to his clients and includes his own relevant experiences, allowing him to relate to his clients on a more personal level and not just a professional level.
Written on Jul 25, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
I was skeptical of therapy in the phone but I wanted to give it a try .., within a few days I was matched with my Therapist Kirk , I had never had a male therapist, doctor .., anything ! However , from the first conversation it was like talking to a well informed friend , and it’s been very encouraging, very lifted ! I am thankful for this platform of therapy and for my therapist Kirk !
Written on Jul 22, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Amazing. I was skeptical about professional counselling, but after just one conversation with Kirk, I'm completely sold. He caught every tiny detail in my sentences and quickly grasped my feelings and the type of person I am and what I respond to, and immediately catered our conversation to my unique interests and needs with such precision that I questioned if he just watched my entire life's reel. My conversations with Kirk have been extremely insightful and helpful in conquering my stress and relearning to prioritize self care. All I can say is Amazing Amazing Amazing. Highly recommend.
Written on Jul 18, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Kirk is a very caring individual who will reach out to you and he will try his hardest to understand how you are feeling and where you are coming from.
Written on Jul 16, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Kirk is extremely supportive, kind, and patient. He is wise, and uses the worksheets and concepts together to create a powerful impetus to make positive change.
Written on Jul 11, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, and coaching
Kirk Sheppard has provided me with outstanding support, encouragement and beyond that, a true counselor that makes me feel safe to express myself authentically. I appreciate how accepted I feel, and confident I am with moving forward in life. He’s helped me since day 1, we’ve had extraordinary momentum with deep healing. He’s a great listener, I know I’ll have a counselor that has amazing talents, on my side to encourage my growth. Kirk Sheppard offers exactly what serves me with my best interest in mind. He’s selfless...funny, and changed my life in a way... He’s my hero! Thanks Kirk.
Written on Jul 11, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
Kirk not only took time to hear me but provided me with a comfortable space to unload whatever came to mind. I felt supported, heard, and respected. He’s wonderful end I highly recommend him to anyone, especially thoughts who work with kids or have troubles with a range of relationships, or are managing a work / life balance, or are seeking mental health wellness etc.
Written on Jun 22, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Kirk brings insight and care to his responses and interactions. I can tell that he invests a lot of time and energy into offering tools that are both universal and individual-focused. And he listens (be that reading deeply or actually listening in a conversation). In the past, I have worked with online therapists who essentially offer tips I feel I could Google. They may be packaged with theory, sure, but are delivered generically and lacking in authenticity and empathy. I feel as though Kirk understands my unique goals and genuinely cares about supporting those he works with to achieve their unique goals. I am confident that he is a solid partner for growth and positive change.
Written on Jun 21, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning self esteem, and adhd
Kirk is the embodiment of what all counselors should strive for in their profession. He was kind, empathetic, compassionate and honest. I can’t thank him enough for being a wonderful human and an even better therapist!
Written on Jun 21, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 1 week on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue
Working with Kirk has been a pleasant experience. He is always finding ways to get my brain to think in a different way so I can heal. Very easy going dude.
Written on Jun 08, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, and anger management
Working with Kirk is new for me, but so far he’s made the process reassuring and easy. I can tell he’s an excellent listener, respectful and insightful. I trust his expertise and he seems genuinely motivated to help. I look forward to working with him further.
Written on May 16, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression
He is wonderful. I can talk to him no matter what time of day because we have a similar schedule. He also will take his time looking thoroughly through the messages and especially long ones. If I send him a lot he will always respond to let me know he’s seen it but that he wants to actually read through and make sure he’s got it all before he fully responds.
Written on Apr 17, 2021 after therapy with Kirk for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and anger management
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