Steven Kirkilas , LCSW, CSW

Steven Kirkilas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who also holds the CSW credential and a Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. As a licensed social worker, he brings clinical training and an emphasis on practical strategies to help people navigate difficult times. He approaches each person with respect and a nonjudgmental stance, aiming to understand individual experiences before suggesting a path forward.

His practice centers on trauma-informed care, and he is trained in EMDR therapy while also incorporating somatic techniques to address how stress and trauma show up in the body. Mindfulness practices are another cornerstone of his work, offered as tools to reduce anxiety, manage depressive symptoms, and support recovery from PTSD and other forms of distress. He draws on several therapeutic models to tailor interventions to each person’s needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Steven emphasizes collaboration and empathy, inviting people to feel welcome and understood as they explore change, healing, and growth. He focuses on creating a space where practical coping skills and deeper personal insight can develop together.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a supportive, empathetic space where the individual’s goals and values guide the work; it helps people build self-understanding, strengthen personal resources, and make choices that fit their lives. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused approach that helps process distressing memories and reduce their emotional intensity, often used for PTSD and other trauma-related symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Steven works collaboratively to determine which methods best match a person’s needs, goals, and preferences. He integrates techniques as needed and adjusts the plan over time so therapy remains responsive and effective for the individual.

Online therapy offers flexibility by allowing sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, which can make it easier to fit treatment into busy schedules and varied circumstances. Working with licensed professionals through these options supports continuity of care and makes it possible to engage in therapy from familiar settings while maintaining a consistent, therapeutic relationship.