Kirstin Lalkin

Insurance

Kirstin accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna.

Certifications and Specialties

I am working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist and completed a master's level certificate in play therapy. I have been trained in child centered play therapy and completed many trainings in play therapy covering topics in partnering with parents, working with neurodivergent children, incorporating expressive arts (including virtual means), and using sand tray techniques. 

About 

I am from West Michigan and moved to Florida in 2019. I pursued a Master's of Divinity in chaplaincy from 2019-2023. During my time in this program, I realized the counseling aspects resonated with me the most and wanted to have a longer term impact in people's lives instead of the short term meetings that come with chaplaincy. I decided to change my focus to clinical mental health. Through my clinical experience, I discovered a passion for using play therapy across the lifespan and advocating for neurodivergent children. I use child centered play therapy and sand tray to help children process and communicate their inner experience and develop their sense of self. I am particularly passionate about working with preteens and middle school students who are neurodivergent by utilizing a mix of play and talk therapy to help clients recognize strengths and develop identity. I place a strong emphasis on working with families alongside their child to address relationship dynamics and create a supportive environment for children and their families to thrive. 

Outside the counseling room, I enjoy attending Solar Bears games with my family, singing show tunes, and spending time with my cats. I dream of running a cat café after I retire from the mental health field.

Education

Bachelors of Science in Business Management from Cornerstone University

Master's of Science in Clinical Mental Health from Palm Beach Atlantic University

I also completed over forty hours of Master's of Divinity in Chaplaincy from Denver Seminary before deciding to focus on clinical mental health 

Approach

My therapeutic approach is warm and centers the client's experience. I strongly believe in trusting the ability to direct their therapeutic journey when given a safe, predictable, and nonjudgmental space. Client's of all ages have a great ability to direct change, and I believe my role as a therapist is to help facilitate the changes client's see fit to make in their lives.