Aaron Kirkwood

My work with clients is informed by the narrative model of therapy which emphasizes collaboration and mutual respect. This model is born out of a worldview that begins from a belief inequality and social justice and these are important ideas that drive my work. I believe that people possess the knowledge and internal resources to overcome problems. My job, as a consultant in their journey, is to help in making room for possibilities and preferred ways of thinking that are blocked by problems.

While the foundation of my work is in narrative therapy I am also familiar with and make use of ideas from solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), Gottman theory, and emotionally focused therapy. I work with individuals, couples, and families of all backgrounds including LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families. It is always a privilege for me to meet with clients whose life experiences differ from my own and to be allowed to get to know the world through their eyes.

I believe that therapy is ultimately about hope, and no matter how big the problems are the smallest of hopes can be built up and used to overcome them. I love the analogy of our lives as a story and the chapter entitled “Tomorrow” hasn’t been written yet. As I see it, therapy can help clients realize that they are the authors of their own story and therefore they get to decide how the next chapter turns out.