About Kirk Hinman, PhD

Experience

I have been in my private practice since 1993.  Prior to this I had seven years of psychotherapy experience in a variety of settings.  Within my practice I have served children, adolescents, and adults in outpatient, educational, day treatment, and inpatient settings. 

My clinical experience has included crisis counseling, couple and family counseling, brief, strategic and insight-oriented psychotherapy, behavior management consultation, and group therapy.  My professional experience includes the treatment of substance abuse and the range of issues associated with HIV/AIDS.

Therapy Style and Guiding Principle of Practice

My approach is one of openness, honesty and compassion.  I strive to understand and accept persons as they face and move though life challenges and transitions.  My style is both interactive and collaborative so as to build the trust that enables us to explore personal issues and private matters.  I create a nurturing environment, and have arranged my office to be comfortable, warm and inviting.

My guiding principle is to support clients in their personal growth and to explore each person’s potential, thereby allowing them to enjoy a more full and satisfying life.  I encourage clients to see and use opportunities and to discover the courage that will bring about desired change in one’s life.

Background

My early graduate study and training in psychology was done in Ohio.  It was here that I completed my undergraduate degree at Miami University in 1979 and a master’s degree at Cleveland State University in 1984.  My first employment as a psychotherapist was as a school-based child therapist in 1986 in a school district outside Cincinnati.

I emigrated from Ohio to San Francisco in 1988.  It was here that I earned my doctorate in psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP-Alameda) in 1994 and went on to be licensed as a psychologist in California two years later.

I was immensely fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Don Clark, PhD (www.donclarkphd.com), the renowned gay psychologist and author.  My association with Don, initially as a supervisor and later as an associate and colleague, greatly influenced the development of my professional identity and significantly informed my work with clients.

I have been associated with New Leaf: Services for our Community (previously known as “Operation Concern”) since coming to San Francisco.  My first position at the clinic was as an intern.  I have also served as a volunteer therapist, clinical supervisor and adjunct faculty.  It was at New Leaf that I formed the gay men’s coming out group and served as its facilitator for many years.  I continue to be associated with this ongoing group as consulting supervisor. 

Education

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Alameda, California

M.A. in Professional Psychology, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio

B.A. in Psychology, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

Publications

Hinman, K.  (1994).  Existential perspectives of psychotherapists in the age of AIDS.  (Doctoral dissertation, California School of Professional Psychology, 1994)  Dissertation Abstracts International.