Audrey Mischa Kirk, AMFT

*Accepting In-Person & Telehealth Clients

What are your specialities and areas of interest?

I enjoy working with all walks of life. As recent postpartum mom herself, I can resonate deeply with the struggles new parents face and enjoy holding space for those who are dealing with life’s changes and transitions.

My background is a combination of holistic approaches. I am an EMDR trauma informed therapist who specializes in anxiety and depression. I have worked many years with professional athletes and corporate business owners who were struggling with mental health issues. This sparked an interest in working with those who are ambitious and ready to dive deep and do the work needed to get the results they desire. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to create a positive shift in your life, but you do have to want the change, and you do have to be willing to hold yourself accountable.

What sparks the most joy for you as the therapist?

The thing that sparks the most joy for me as a therapist is being the catalyst for positive change. A guide to help individuals find peace within themselves.

I love being able to shed light on shadows that might have been overlooked, helping individuals make permanent changes in order for them to reach their full potential.

I believe that through our own introspection and deep work we can unlock a world of opportunities.

How would you describe your therapy style?

I have a unique orientation that borrows from the traditions of the East, as well as the psycho-therapeutic clinical approaches of the West. In our sessions together I will help in reprogramming your intrusive thoughts and patterns that are no longer serving you through conscious-inducing body, brain, heart exercises. In accepting the shadow self, we can start to see how our thoughts and emotions influence our behavior. When we become aware of this, we can take control and become empowered to live life more deliberately, congruently, and consciously. And ultimately start to show up as our authentic self.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“The only way out is through” is a quote by poet Robert Frost. It means that to overcome a difficult situation or challenge, we must face it head-on and work our way through it rather than avoiding or trying to escape it. The quote emphasizes the importance of perseverance and confronting challenges directly to achieve resolution or growth.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice ever received was from my own therapist, “Prioritize self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a close friend. It’s crucial to acknowledge your feelings, set boundaries, and seek support when needed. Lastly remembering that it's okay to not be okay, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your free time?

I’m a bit of a nerd. I enjoy attending live seminars on mental health topics and reading research books on the mind that allows for more empathy, grace and understanding towards human behaviors and habits. Paradoxically I’m also a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I love the great outdoors (Lake Tahoe has my heart) and find nature to be my happy place. I love traveling, scuba diving and spending time with my family. A few times a year I help facilitate international wellness retreats and find deep joy in the immersion process to help those who needed a space away from it all to heal and gain awareness clarity and perspective.