Before you reach out

Frequently asked
questions.

Everything you need to know before reaching out — about the work, the logistics, and the person on the other side of the room.

About the work

What to expect in the room.

What ages do you work with?

I provide counseling and coaching to adults 18 and older. I'm not currently accepting clients younger than 18, and I don't see couples or families. For couples and families, I recommend Karascope Counseling or Kintsukuroi Counseling.

What kinds of issues can you help me with?

I see clients with a wide range of concerns — anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, low self-esteem, codependency, life transitions, adults with ADHD, anger, stress, religious trauma, general trauma and PTSD, and grief and loss. I don't see court-ordered clients, I can't provide emotional support animal documentation, and I don't prescribe medications.

What is your approach? What should I expect?

My style is warm, collaborative, and deeply relational. I meet you where you are — not where some self-help book says you should be. I value curiosity, honesty, authenticity, and humor. Therapy can be hard work, but it doesn't have to feel like a root canal. I lean on Relational-Cultural Theory and Narrative Therapy as my foundation, and draw from CBT, DBT, Gestalt, and Motivational Interviewing as needed. I especially love working with deep thinkers, writers, and creatives.

What is a "multiple relationship?"

It means I can't counsel people I know from other areas of my life — family, friends, co-workers. Unlike other businesses, I can't provide professional services to people close to me. This isn't about being unfriendly — it's about maintaining the professional space that makes therapy work. If this comes up, I'll navigate it transparently and without judgment.

Can I refer a friend, colleague, or family member to you?

I really appreciate the thought — but it's not something I'm able to do ethically. I'm happy to provide referrals to other counselors I trust. Therapy is one area of your life where it's okay to be a little selfish. You don't need to share me.

Can we be friends on social media?

I don't accept friend or follow requests from clients on personal profiles — Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and so on. It's about protecting your confidentiality and keeping our relationship clean. That said, I do have public pages you're welcome to follow if you want to keep up with my writing and other work.

Practicalities

The logistics.

Do you take insurance?

Self-pay is my preferred option — it gives us more freedom in how we work together. That said, I do accept some insurance payors. If I'm not in-network with yours, I can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. FSA and HSA cards are accepted, as are Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Discounts may be available for self-paying clients. Reach out and ask.

What's the difference between telehealth and in-person?

Both work well — it really comes down to your preference and schedule. Telehealth is convenient and fully secure; you'll get a link before your session. In-person sessions are held at 8118 Corporate Way, Suite 175 in Mason, Ohio. I see clients there a couple of days each week. Either way, the work is the same.

How do I get started?

Use the intake form linked below. Tell me a little about what you're hoping to work on, why you think this might be a good fit, and your general availability. Kirk reviews every message personally and will follow up to schedule a consultation.

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

Under the No Surprises Act, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of what services may cost before we begin. There will never be any billing surprises while working with Story and Soul LLC. Ask any time and I'll provide one.

About me

The person behind the practice.

I Googled you. I have a lot of questions.

Fair enough — and I'd rather you know upfront. Yes, I've spent 20 years as a professional wrestling personality and backstage official. I'm a playwright, theatre critic, photographer, and occasional standup comedian. My second novel, Rope Burn, comes out June 2026. I came out at 46. I turned 50 recently and I'm still figuring out what that means. All of it informs who I am in the room — but counseling stays focused on you, not me. I'm happy to answer questions about any of it. I just won't be Googling you back.

I see you went to a Christian college. Are you a Christian?

I'm happy to talk about how my faith, worldview, and life experiences shape my work as a counselor. What I can promise is this: I will be respectful of your viewpoint, identity, faith, and philosophy — whatever it is, and whether or not we share the same beliefs. My job is to help you navigate your own stuff, not mine.

But if you really want to know more, feel free to check out my faith deconstruction memoir, Jesus & Me.

Transparent pricing

Session fees

There will never be any billing surprises. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate before we begin.

First session
Assessment
$165

Required for all new clients. One hour to formally assess your needs and build a plan together.

Ongoing
Full Session
$150

Standard counseling session via telehealth or in person at the Mason office.

Established clients
Short Session
$85

For established clients looking for occasional maintenance and lighter check-ins.

Self-pay preferred. Some insurance accepted — superbills available for out-of-network reimbursement. FSA/HSA cards accepted. Discounts may be available for self-paying clients.

Still have questions?

Just ask.

Kirk reviews every inquiry personally. If something isn't answered here, reach out — there's no obligation, just a conversation.