Steven Kirkilas , LCSW, CSW

Steven Kirkilas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago and seven years of clinical experience supporting people through difficult life transitions and emotional struggles. He centers his work on treating trauma, anxiety, depression and related concerns using an empathetic, nonjudgmental stance and a trauma-informed perspective that honors each person’s pace and resilience.

Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), he incorporates somatic techniques and mindfulness practices to help clients process distressing memories and reduce the physical and emotional impact of trauma. He blends evidence-based methods with a client-centered approach, focusing on practical coping skills while exploring deeper patterns that affect relationships, self-esteem and identity.

Steven works with individuals facing a wide range of issues including grief, addiction, anger, attachment and intimacy-related concerns, and stress related to caregiving and first responder roles. He values collaboration, meeting people where they are, and supporting clients in discovering tools that fit their lives. He believes every person deserves to be understood and offers a welcoming, strengths-based style of care.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Steven integrates several therapeutic approaches tailored to the individual, beginning with Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes empathic listening and creating a supportive environment where clients explore their feelings and values at their own pace. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering practical strategies for managing anxiety, depression and stress. He is also trained in EMDR, a trauma-focused method that helps the brain reprocess painful memories so they lose their intensity and emotional charge.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and he works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods align with their goals, needs and comfort level. This collaborative exploration helps tailor sessions to what feels most helpful and sustainable for each person.

Online therapy options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging provide flexibility for people balancing work, family or geographic constraints. These formats allow licensed professionals and therapists to deliver consistent care, make scheduling more accessible, and offer different ways for clients to engage based on their communication preferences and daily routines.