A young woman with long red hair, smiling, sitting in a beige chair in an office or study room with a bookshelf and framed pictures in the background.

Kira McLaughlin (she/her) is a resident in counseling currently pursuing her LPC in Virginia. Kira earned her Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Western Carolina University. She is a graduate from Clemson University with a Masters degree and Education Specialist degree in Counselor Education - Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

In her previous outpatient therapy practice, Kira provided counseling for individuals processing through sexual, relational, and childhood trauma. She has experience working with clients navigating through anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, and self-harm. Kira primarily utilizes person-centered approaches and places value on each client’s unique experiences. She also uses techniques from trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy. Kira is trained in and uses EMDR as well as ego state or Internal Family systems work for trauma processing.

Kira has extensive experience working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, including supporting transgender clients. Kira also has experience and knowledge working with individuals who are navigating, processing relationships, and exploring identity in consensual non-monogamy.

Kira prioritizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship and strives to create a safe and welcoming space where clients feel comfortable being their true selves. She approaches client experiences with curiosity and compassion, believing that the client is the expert in their own life. Kira hopes that therapy can be a validating and empowering space to promote healing and personal growth.

Kira McLaughlin, Resident in Counseling

  • Certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 

  • EMDR Trained Clinician via EMDR Step by Step Plus

  • During residency, Kira is under the supervision of Kim Small, LPC License # 0701005889

Trainings and Certifications:

The Things I Love:

  • My dog Chapel

  • Live music and going to concerts

  • Aquariums (my favorite ones so far are the Georgia aquarium and the Monterey Bay aquarium)

  • Watercolor painting

  • Getting coffee and spending hours in an antique store

The Books I Love:

Cover of the book 'All You Have to Do Is Call' by Kerri Maher, featuring an illustration of a woman with long dark hair speaking on the phone, with a background of abstract shapes and muted colors.
Book cover titled 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' by V. E. Schwab, featuring a black background with gold and white text and small star illustrations.
The book cover titled 'Funny Story' by Emily Henry features a woman with red hair in a yellow top and red pants, sitting on a green bench, talking to a man with brown hair in a blue shirt and yellow pants, holding a cup, against a blue background.