COUNSELING
Virtual or
In person.
Convenient, confidential, and safe.
Kirk Sheppard, LPCC-S, LICDC
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages do you work with?
I provide counseling and personal/professional coaching to adults. I am not currently accepting clients younger than 18 at this time nor do I see couples of families. (For couples and families, I recommend Karascope Counseling or Kintsukuroi Counseling.)
Do you take my insurance?
Self-pay is my preferred option, as it allows us more freedom in how we approach your partiaular needs. However, I realize the need for more affordable options. I am currently accepting some insurance payors and if I am not in-network, I am able to provide you with a superbill for you to submit towards your out-of-network benefits for reimbursement.
Reach out and ask if you have questions! There may be discounts available for self-paying clients. I also accept FSA and HSA cards in addition to VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, and AMERICAN EXPRESS.
What kinds of issues can you help me with?
I see clients with lots of concerns, including anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, low self-esteem, codependency, life transitions, adults with ADHD, anger issues, stress, religious trauma, general trauma and PTSD, and grief and loss.
There are some clients that I do not treat. For example, I do not see clients who are court-ordered or mandated by a third party to treatment. I cannot provide any documentation about emotional support animals. I do not prescribe medications.
What is your approach to counseling? What should I expect when working with you?
At Story and Soul, I believe your life is made up of stories — some that empower you, and some that need a good rewrite. That’s where I come in.
My style is warm, collaborative, and deeply relational. I meet people where they are (not where some self-help book says they “should” be), and I genuinely love hearing about what makes you you. I value curiosity, honesty, authenticity — and humor. (Seriously, therapy can be hard work, but that doesn’t mean it has to feel like a root canal. If we can laugh while doing the work? Even better.)
Philosophically, I lean heavily on Relational-Cultural Theory, which is all about the power of connection, mutuality, and how our relationships shape who we are. I'm also into Narrative Therapy — helping you notice and reshape the stories you’ve inherited, internalized, or just outgrown.
Depending on what you need, I’ll also pull tools from CBT, DBT, Gestalt, and others — but I’m not dogmatic about it. If it works, we’ll use it. If it doesn’t, we won’t.
I especially love working with deep thinkers, writers, creatives, and folks who are trying to make sense of how to align who they are with how they live. (That’s what my book, Soul Audit, is all about.)
So if you’re ready to get curious about your story, feel more like yourself, and maybe even laugh a little along the way — I’d be honored to walk with you.
Let’s find the soul in your story. And write the next chapter together.
Read more about finding the right fit here.
What is a “multiple relationship?”
We used to call them “dual relationships.” Basically, it just means that I can’t counsel people that I know from other aspects of my life. Unlike other businesses, I can’t provide professional services to family or friends or co-workers.
Part of the reason counseling works so well is that there is a “professional detachment” that allows me to focus solely on your needs during our sessions.
This doesn’t mean that I won’t be friendly or warm and in fact, sometimes that’s why it’s so confusing; because you are sharing really intimate information and are being validated and cared for you sometimes desire a closer relationship with your counselor.
This is all very normal and I promise that I will do my best to navigate this issue in a way that is transparent, judgment-free, and not distracting to our work together.
I see that you went to a Christian college. Does that mean that you are a Christian?
I am happy to discuss how all of my views and philosophies impact my work as a counselor at any time in order to focus on how I can help you meet your goals. My faith, my worldview, my education, and my life experiences all inform my interactions with people in positive ways. I promise to be respectful of your viewpoint, identity, faith, and philosophy in order to help you navigate your own “stuff” – no matter what if we share the same ideologies or not.
I Googled you. I have A LOT of questions.
Since we live in an electronic age where there is access to so much personal data online, I think it’s only fair that I tell you upfront that yes, if you google me, you will find information about my personal life.
I have a lot of hobbies and interests outside of work. I spent 20 years in the local professional wrestling industry. I am a photographer, playwright, theatre critic, and occassional actor. I’ve tried my hand at standup comedy. I’ve written a book, a short story, and have a debut novel on the way!
Just remember – counseling is supposed to focus on the client, not the counselor, and so while I’m happy to answer your questions about any information you may have discovered about me, its important we stay focused on your goals and your life to make sure you’re getting the best possible treatment.
(But, yes, I have a lot of fun and no, I won’t be googling you back.)
I’m a current or former client. Can I refer my friend, colleague, spouse, or family member to see you?
While I really appreciate this, it is unethical for me to work with people that you are close to for a variety of reasons. I’m happy to provide you with a few referrals of other counselors that I trust who might be able to help but let’s keep our relationship sacred. Therapy is one area of your life that it’s OK to be selfish about - you don’t need to share me!
What are the differences between telehealth and in-person appointments?
During the COVID-19 crisis, it became clear to me that more mental health services are needed. Setting up a “virtual practice” was the quickest way I felt I could respond to the needs. Since then, I have found that it is more convenient for many people and works really well!
That said, I know some people prefer in-person sessions - and I see clients at 8118 Corporate Way, Suite 175 in Mason, Ohio a couple of days each week. Reach out if you have questions.
Can we be friends on social media?
Social media is a tricky thing. In modern times, those sites are sometimes a primary way people connect with one another. However, due to the importance of your confidentiality and the importance of minimizing multiple relationships, I do not accept friend or contact requests from clients on any social networking site personal profiles (Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIN, etc).
However, I do have public FaceBook and Instagram pages, a Substack, and a Youtube Channel that you can follow for motivational, inspirational, and educational type content if you are interested.
Soul Audit: A Not-So-Perfect, Broadly Spiritual (Or Not) Guide to Aligning Your Life is a funny, honest, and deeply human exploration of what it means to live in alignment with your soul—even when life is messy, imperfect, and not at all what you expected.
Blending storytelling, therapeutic insight, and humor, licensed therapist and writer Kirk Sheppard invites readers to stop chasing perfection and start paying attention to the real signs of growth: less hiding, fewer emotional spirals, and more moments of quiet joy. With warmth and irreverence, he walks alongside readers through the messy middle of adulthood, offering reflections on identity, shame, grief, time, spirituality, friendship, the body, and work.
For fans of Brené Brown, Glennon Doyle, and Mel Robbins and anyone who prefers their self-help with a side of humor, Soul Audit is a new kind of roadmap: imperfect, practical, and fiercely kind.
Helping with hope.
No mental health problem is terminal - with treatment. Anxiety, depression, grief, codependency, low self-esteem are common issues that can be improved through counseling.
Kirk Sheppard believes that all clients who want to get better can get better. As your counselor, he will extend hope - even if you may currently not be able. His positive attitude combined with his realistic perspective and honest feedback can help you improve your mental health.
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
- Aristotle
Pricing
Assessment
An hour long video session, required for all new clients to formally assess your needs and decide on a plan to move forward.
$165
Full Session
A standard counseling session done via video telehealth.
$150
Short Session
A shorter video session, for established clients who are looking for occasional maintenance sessions
$85
Please reach out to your insurance payor for specific information on your coverage and benefits.
We will verify your cost with you when you begin counseling.
Click here for more information.
This information is required by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board, which regulates the practices of professional counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy in this state.
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Counseling for people who don’t like counseling.
Things counseling should not be:
Stuffy
Intimidating
Cold
Boring
Things counseling should be:
Welcoming
Comforting
Warm
Hopeful
Kirk is refreshingly engaging. His natural warmth, gentle honesty, and off-beat sense of humor have helped many clients navigate difficult issues like self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and grief.
“Kirk Sheppard has impressed me for some time with his wit, his genuine compassion and his skill as a therapist. Kirk has the ability to cut through the fluff and help individuals see things more clearly as well as develop plans for change.”
- Dr. Tim Barber
“Kirk is an outstanding therapist with wonderful clinical skills. He is a remarkably talented clinician, and brings creativity, compassion and genuine caring to his practice. Kirk is personable and well-respected in the field of mental health care, and I have always enjoyed working with him personally and professionally.”
- Lisa Steiner, LCSW, LCAC