Meet Our Clinical Director and Learn About the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics

Kirk Ward, LCSW

Kirk is the Clinical Director for Community Counseling Services. He holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and History from the University of Colorado and received his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver.  Kirk also serves as an NMT Mentor for the Neurosequential Network (formally known as an NMT Fellow), since 2012.

As an expert in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeuticstm (NMT), Kirk is frequently asked to speak and consult.  He has developed numerous workshops on topics such as the impact of trauma on the developing brain, effective interventions for foster children, and reflective supervision.  He has presented at The International Neurosequential Model Symposium, The Wyoming Joint Symposium on Children and Youth, The Colorado Society of School Psychologists, The Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, Cherry Creek and Platte Canyon School Districts, Court Appointed Special Advocate Workers, and other conferences and agencies related to child welfare and education.

Previous to his work with Cornerstone, Kirk was the Executive Director of Mt. St. Vincent, when it was a Flagship Site for NMT, and a global leader in trauma-informed practices.  Kirk also served as Clinical Director for over 15 years while at Mt. St. Vincent, and was instrumental in bringing the NMT approach to the agency and crafting the organization’s trauma informed model of care. He has supervised numerous clinicians during his tenure and has over 35 years of experience working with children who have been traumatized, abused, and/or neglected.

Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics

The Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), developed by Dr. Bruce Perry, www.neurosequential.com is the trauma-informed approach utilized by our team, through training from our Clinical Director, Kirk Ward. NMT is a developmentally sensitive approach to trauma treatment, using relational practices that create positive impacts on brain development. NMT is not a specific therapeutic technique or intervention. It’s an approach that guides clinical thinking and is meant to complement, not replace, other therapeutic interventions.

We offer services focused on helping children and families begin to heal from the impacts of trauma, through specific recommendations for therapeutic, educational, and enrichment activities that match the needs and strengths of the individual child or youth. Our expertise in understanding trauma-informed care allows us to provide education and support to families and other important individuals in the child/youth’s life. This support network is referred to as a therapeutic web. We aim to inform and educate all of the important aspects of a child’s life, including family, teachers, coaches, communities of faith, and many others, necessary to begin the healing process for children.