Steven Kirkilas, LCSW, CSW

Steven Kirkilas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and CSW who brings a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to therapy. He holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago and has seven years of clinical experience supporting people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, relationship challenges, addictions, and a wide range of other concerns. Steven emphasizes meeting each person where they are, offering nonjudgmental support and practical tools to help navigate life transitions, grief, parenting struggles, identity questions, and work-related or caregiving stress.

Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), he integrates trauma-focused methods with somatic techniques and mindfulness practices to address symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. His practice also draws on client-centered and cognitive behavioral approaches to tailor interventions to individual goals, whether the focus is on coping skills, emotional regulation, or exploring deeper patterns in relationships and identity. Steven welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, including LGBT individuals, and works with varied issues such as attachment concerns, dissociation, first responder stress, and eating or sleeping difficulties.

Based in Wisconsin, Steven aims to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship rooted in respect and curiosity, helping clients build resilience and clearer pathways forward. His credentials - LCSW and CSW - reflect clinical social work training and licensure to provide professional therapeutic care.

Integrating Evidence-Based Approaches in Online Care

Steven commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR alongside client-centered principles. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, making it useful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. EMDR is a trauma-focused method that works with disturbing memories and triggers by combining guided attention with therapeutic processing, which can reduce symptoms related to traumatic experiences. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, empathetic therapeutic relationship that supports self-discovery and personal growth.

Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process. Steven works with each person to understand their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts techniques over time so therapy fits the individual rather than forcing a single model.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - which helps people balance care with work, family, and geographic constraints. For many, remote work with licensed professionals and therapists makes it easier to maintain continuity of care, try different approaches, and engage in therapy from familiar settings.