We recently had the chance to connect with Kira Harkins and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kira, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day involves waking up early, getting my daughter ready, and watering the plants. My husband and I like to walk our dog most mornings. I love eating a high-protein breakfast and heading to work for a 9 am session.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the owner of Harkins Counseling. I currently have a Private Practice office in Prairie Village, Kansas. I specialize in treating perinatal trauma and Complex PTSD with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. I am also a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and work with clients on building nervous system capacity in their bodies. In other words, I help you connect with your body, move, and process emotions and sensations. In addition to counseling, I also provide consultation for EMDR therapists seeking foundational hours with the Touchstone Institute, and I also offer consultation for perinatal EMDR therapists and therapists specializing in Complex PTSD. I am currently working towards becoming an EMDR trainer with plans to provide in-person training in Kansas City. I’ve been building my team of local EMDR facilitators for the past couple of years. I am deeply proud of the work I see in consultees and the clinical growth I’ve witnessed. This past year, I’ve been working on co-authoring a book chapter with Amy Brown, an expert in breastfeeding. This book chapter is for building EMDR clinicians on treating breastfeeding and feeding trauma. Supporting healing intergenerational trauma is my life’s work.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Hard work is in my blood. My family comes from generations of Midwest farmers. My family always emphasized the importance of working hard and finding a passion, so that work doesn’t feel like work. I am thrilled to be a business owner and get to do what I love in our community.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I left community mental health 6 years ago. At the time, this felt like giving up, in favor of less stress, and I pivoted to private practice. Ultimately, my daughter and I didn’t get much sleep, and I missed spending time with her. What I didn’t anticipate was the world shutting down in March of 2020 and trauma therapy shifting to telehealth. I’ve never felt like giving up, but somtimes I dream about being a flower farmer.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Closest friends would say that family, learning, love, and gardening are the most important things to me.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am in nature, checking on my plants, cuddling with my family or napping. I love heading to Palm Springs or the desert and lying in the sun during the wintertime.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.harkinscounselingkc.com
- Instagram: @harkinscounseling
- Facebook: Harkins Counseling
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Cassandra Joy Photography
