Do you feel overwhelmed with day-to-day tasks? Feel anxious or nervous about the world around you? Worried about relationships, work, or finances? These are all common thoughts and feelings that each of us experience daily. With the ever changing world around us it can be difficult to feel like you are holding onto something tangible at times. I understand everyone's paths are different but one aspect we have in common is the human experience. Being in counseling helps form a tangible relationship with a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings about the world around you. My name is Kayla Toole and I am a licensed counselor in Connecticut. I have 10 years of experience in the field and four of those years providing clinical services. Starting counseling can be scary and make you feel vulnerable. I empathize with these feelings and strive to create a comfortable and safe environment for every client I meet while offering unique services to their needs. I have experience in anxiety, depression, trauma, major life changes and dealing with overall stress of every day life. I take an eclectic and integrative approach meaning I pull from different theoretical orientations to tailor to the individual to achieve their goals. Creativity and humor are a staple in my therapeutic approach. Therapy is not a one sized fits all remedy and I take the time to understand my client's and their individual needs or goals in life. I am here to support, validate, and empower you. I meet my clients where they are at and push them when needed. After a few sessions with me I strive to leave my clients with a familiar feeling of meeting with an old friend while walking away with a better understanding of who they are and the life they want to lead as their authentic selves. I am looking forward to starting the journey together!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
After a few sessions with me you can expect sessions to be less structured and free flowing. I allow clients to open up with anything that is on their mind at that time. I incorporate humor, creativity, and hands on mindfulness techniques in the moment. I allow space for you to explore your thoughts however will challenge when the time is right to go further and deeper into the feelings. I view the therapeutic relationship as a partnership. I strive to create an open dialogue with my clients that allows for honesty and growth on both ends.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I utilize an eclectic and integrative approach in therapy. I pull from theoretical orientations that are scientific based including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Person Centered, and Gestalt theories. I take different components from each theory and apply them to the client as an individual. I use informal techniques as well including art, music, guided meditations, grounding techniques and of course humor!
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have experience working with anxiety, depression, and trauma. I have experience working with sexual trauma specifically as well. I have worked with clients of all ages, backgrounds, religions, and genders. I believe that my wide variety of experience has allowed me to better understand the importance of the individual's needs.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am particularly focused on adults ages 20 to 45 of all backgrounds and genders.