Kayla Cunningham
Hi, I’m Kayla Cunningham! I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 11 years of experience supporting teens and college students. I know school, friendships, family, and big life changes can get overwhelming. My style is laid-back, supportive, and judgment-free—a space to slow down, be honest, and sort through what you’re feeling.
I pull from multiple therapy approaches since I have learned working with teens that there is not a one size fits all solution.
Whether you’re stressed, anxious, in transition, or just trying to take better care of yourself, I’m here to meet you where you are.
First session
My hope is that you leave each session feeling a little more grounded and a little more at ease, with simple tools you can actually use in your day-to-day life. I want you to walk out feeling lighter, more balanced, and genuinely supported as you figure out what you need and what helps you feel your best. This is your space to grow, learn, and take care of your mental health in a way that fits you.
Strengths
I tend to pull from multiple therapy approaches since I have learned working with teens that there is not a one size fits all solution. I work with the client to determine what concerns are important to them and then that becomes our focus. I also like to prioritize a client's self-care since I believe this is something that we all can improve on.
Ideal clients
A majority of my experience has been working with teenagers and young adults as they transition through life and explore who they are as people. This time of exploration can be a challenge however and many clients struggle with their mental health, peer relationships, family connections, drug and alcohol use, academics, and general stress. We would look at these stressors and create goals to address what is most important.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I used CBT to explore how our thoughts impact our feelings and behaviors as well as how to challenge thoughts that are unhelpful and reframe them.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is helpful for identifying coping skills and distractions, mindfulness and breathing exercises, and healthy communication skills.
Motivational Interviewing
I used motivational interviewing frequently when people are feeling stuck or needing to make choices. This appropriate meets people where they are at and identifies what changes they are able to make at this time as well as what barriers are in the way.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
A person-centered approach is really the heart of what I do. For many people, having a safe and judgement free space to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences is the most helpful thing I can provide. I learned that skills and techniques make up 10% of progress where as the relationship between the client and therapist accounts for the other 90%.
Location
Virtual sessions