(she/her)
Kayla Renaud (she/her or they/them) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida with an office for private practice in the heart of Downtown Lakeland. Kayla is also happy to see clients throughout Florida, via TeleHealth. Her therapeutic specialty is providing gender affirming and supportive care to those who identify as trans or outside of the gender binary. Her practice serves members of the LGBTQIAPK+ community (adolescents and adults), those practicing consensual non-monogamy (18+), and those who practice BDSM/kink (18+). Her primary areas of interest include gender-affirming care, trauma, shame, anxiety, change-of-life issues and additional experience and expertise in perinatal and postnatal parental mental health for all genders. Kayla has a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida, for which she received an additional certification in Marriage and Family Therapy. Kayla is licensed in Mental Health in the State of Florida and is a member of WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) and SAIGE (Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities). Additionally, Kayla is also an avid board gamer, annual passholder at Walt Disney World, and a certified scuba diver whose life goal is to travel to as many countries as possible sampling all their spiciest vegetarian dishes.
In the first session, clients can expect to discuss their goals, challenges, and the reasons they sought therapy. We'll explore their unique experiences related to identity, emotions, and relationships. Together, we'll create a collaborative plan for therapy, ensuring a safe and supportive space to begin the healing process.
My strengths involve a heavy network of additional supportive care providers as needed; experience in in-patient and outpatient therapy, and flexibility and creativity of care.
My focus area centers on supporting transgender and neurodivergent individuals through therapy methods like ACT, CBT, and EFT. I help clients navigate identity, emotional regulation, and relationship dynamics, fostering self-acceptance, resilience, and meaningful life changes within a compassionate and inclusive therapeutic environment.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I integrate ACT principles with this treatment method to support transgender and neurodivergent clients. By fostering acceptance, mindfulness, and commitment to values, I help clients navigate identity challenges and develop meaningful change in their lives, enhancing self-awareness and emotional resilience in a supportive, non-judgmental space.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I apply CBT with transgender and neurodivergent clients to challenge negative thought patterns and build coping skills. By focusing on cognitive restructuring and behavioral change, I help clients manage stress, improve self-esteem, and navigate identity-related challenges, fostering resilience and promoting healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
I use EFT with transgender and neurodivergent clients to explore emotional experiences and enhance relationship dynamics. By fostering emotional awareness and secure attachment, I help clients build deeper connections, process identity-related emotions, and create a foundation for self-acceptance and relational healing in a safe, supportive environment.