Karah Kirkland
Registered Social Worker
Hi, my name is Karah Kirkland and I have been working as a registered social worker (HBSW., (1994-Western University, London and MSW-1995, University of Toronto) and mental health therapist in the Bruce Grey area for the last 30 yrs. I am the eldest of 7 children and I grew up in Bruce County and can not imagine living anywhere else but in this beautiful county of ours. I am an avid walker and photographer, love to train dogs (German Shepherds/Husky), love to sing, bake and scrapbook. I have two sons who are 23 and 25 and are currently trying to figure out their path in life.
As a social worker in the Bruce Grey area since 1995, I have been fortunate enough to experience a variety of work settings including the Children’s Aid Society of the County of Bruce (now Bruce Grey Child and Family Services), Keystone (Child and Adolescent Mental Health), Child and Parent Resource Institute (Intake worker for the Bruce Grey area), and the Hanover Family Health team.
Since 2011 I have been providing individual, family and couple’s therapy. In addition to my formal social work education, I have studied Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which is an excellent, user-friendly therapy that has been proven quite effective in the symptom management of anxiety and depression. I have also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) which has shown to be successful in treating and managing trauma. Furthermore, I completed an externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy which can be transformative for couples who want toimprove their relationship.In addition,I employ various relaxation and mindfulness techniques in my counselling to help individuals de-escalateand calm their minds and bodies.
My 30 years of experience providing social work support and counselling has afforded me the opportunity to work with a variety of client populations including but not limited to First Responders, LGBTQIA2S+, the sandwich generation, individuals and families who have experienced trauma as a result of physical, sexual, emotional abuse, domestic violence, infertility, difficult births, car accidents and the loss of loved ones. I have a special interest in helping parents be the best that they can be, especially during the stressful process of separation and divorce. If you choose to meet with me you will find someone who is flexible, empathic and versatile with a great sense of humour. I am an outgoing person who loves to learn from the clients I meet.My goal is to create a supportive space where you can overcome obstacles, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and build the skills to thrive. Meeting new clients is a joy, and I look forward to working alongside you on your transformative journey.
