Barbara Kirkman , LPC

Barbara Kirkman is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Tennessee. She returned to graduate study after confronting her own struggles with addiction and beginning recovery, and that personal journey informs her compassionate, experience-based approach to care.

Her early work began in a recovery center and continued as an Aftercare Supervisor, where she supported people through the crucial first months of maintaining sobriety. She later served as an outpatient therapist at a community mental health agency, gaining experience treating depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, trauma, and other mental health concerns. As a survivor of both physical and emotional domestic abuse, she brings a particular commitment to supporting survivors of abuse and those coping with trauma.

Kirkman draws on cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and client-centered principles, treating clients as the experts in their own lives while offering guidance from professional training and lived experience. She is a liberal thinker who respects diverse lifestyle choices and encourages self-awareness, personal growth, and practical coping strategies. Her schedule is largely daytime with some evening and weekend availability, and she strives to be flexible to meet clients’ needs. Her goal is to help people discover a more meaningful, joyful, and satisfying life.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Recovery and Growth

Barbara Kirkman uses client-centered therapy, which emphasizes empathy, active listening, and collaboration so clients can explore values and goals while feeling heard and supported. This approach is useful for relationship concerns, self-esteem issues, and life transition work.

She also applies cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a practical, skills-focused method that helps people identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT can be effective for anxiety, depression, addiction-related triggers, and coping with stressful situations.

Mindfulness therapy is incorporated to help clients develop present-moment awareness and stress-reduction skills; these practices often support emotion regulation, sleep difficulties, and managing cravings.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process and Barbara works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best based on needs, goals, and preferences. Together they adapt techniques and pacing so therapy feels relevant and manageable.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or limited local options. These remote formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care and access consistent support from licensed professionals regardless of geography.