Kalila Griffin
I am a solution-oriented therapist who primarily works with couples and individuals seeking to improve how they feel about their lives, decisions, and relationships. I work well with motivated, open-minded, and collaborative clients. I work with clients who are 18+, couples, ENM relationships, BIPOC, and LGBTQ individuals. I specialize in working with conflict in relationships, and I am also a certified sex educator and sex therapist.
First session
For couples work, we will first meet all together, then have two separate individual sessions. After those sessions, the couple will complete three assessments that will provide more information about their relationship. In the fourth session, the couple will return together, and we will collaborate to create a plan based on their assessments and individual sessions. This will determine the ongoing homework for the rest of the treatment.
Strengths
I am not a smile/nod and therapist, I am collaborative, directive, and supportive therapist who can help you find new ways of thinking about life problems in a supportive and safe environment. My goal is to build trust and collaborate with you if you are dealing with problems related to anxiety, depression, relational issues, and other life challenges and transitions. I work systemically and holistically which allows me to conceptualize your problems within the context of your environment and family history.
Ideal clients
I work with couples navigating challenges in their lives such as pre-marital counseling, co-parenting, separation/divorce, infidelity, sexual intimacy, navigating ethical non-monogamy, and communication challenges. I work with individuals navigating work stress, issues with family of origin, self-esteem/body image, dating, relational issues, sexuality, and gender challenges. I work best with clients that are open to setting goals and taking small steps towards them.
Treatment methods
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Therapy helps clients focus on solutions, strengths, and desired future outcomes rather than spending extensive time analyzing the origins of problems. I help clients identify what is already working, explore times when the problem is less severe, and recognize personal strengths and resources they can build upon. The approach emphasizes that even small improvements can create momentum toward meaningful, lasting change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps clients identify and change unhelpful patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that contribute to distress. I work collaboratively with clients to recognize negative or distorted thinking, challenge unrealistic beliefs, develop more balanced perspectives, and practice healthier coping behaviors. CBT also emphasizes practical skills and strategies that clients can use between sessions to manage symptoms, improve problem-solving, and increase functioning.
Gottman method
I have level two Gottman Method training. The Gottman Method helps couples improve relationship functioning by identifying unhealthy interaction patterns and strengthening friendship, emotional connection, communication, and conflict-management skills. I help partners develop skills such as active listening, expressing needs and emotions, responding to bids for connection, managing conflict, repairing after disagreements, and increasing appreciation and fondness. Couples also explore their shared values, goals, and relationship dynamics while learning practical strategies to reduce criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and withdrawal and build a stronger sense of partnership.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy helps clients understand their emotional experiences and relationship patterns through an attachment lens. I help clients identify underlying emotions, attachment needs, and fears that may drive behaviors such as pursuing, withdrawing, becoming defensive, or shutting down. EFT supports clients in expressing vulnerable emotions and needs in ways that promote safety and connection, while helping partners recognize and respond to one another's attachment needs. The goal is to interrupt negative interaction cycles and develop more secure, supportive patterns of connection.
Location
Virtual sessions