Kaela Perez
Kaela Perez
(she/her)
Hi, I’m Kaela Perez, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Florida with over 7 years of experience in the mental health field. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, and life transitions. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique needs—drawing from evidence-based methods like CBT, person-centered therapy, and trauma-informed care to support your healing and growth. I am dedicated to creating a warm, supportive space where you feel truly seen and heard.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other and create a comfortable, safe space for you to share what’s been going on. I’ll ask about your background, current challenges, and what brought you to therapy, but at a pace that feels right for you. Together, we’ll start exploring your goals and what you hope to get out of therapy. This session is a chance for you to ask questions, learn about my approach, and decide if we’re a good fit. My priority is making sure you feel supported and understood from the very beginning.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest clinical strengths is building genuine, trusting relationships through empathy, active listening, and a nonjudgmental presence. I create a space where clients feel truly seen and understood, which helps them open up and engage more deeply in therapy. With extensive experience supporting clients facing anxiety, depression, and trauma, I use a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, person-centered, and trauma-informed approaches tailored to each person’s unique needs. I’ve helped individuals gain deeper self-understanding and work through difficult thoughts and emotions. What sets me apart is my ability to balance clinical insight with warmth and authenticity—meeting clients where they are while gently guiding them toward meaningful growth. Working with diverse populations in community-based settings has also strengthened my cultural responsiveness and adaptability, allowing me to show up fully for every client.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I specialize in supporting children, teens, and young adults who are managing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and self-esteem issues. I’m best suited to help those seeking a caring, nonjudgmental space to understand what they’re going through and find practical ways to feel better. Whether you’re ready to make changes, work through difficult emotions, or simply want someone to listen and support you, I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey.
About Kaela Perez
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support clients in understanding how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. This approach is especially helpful for challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, and low self-esteem. Together, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns and work to reframe them in ways that feel more supportive and empowering. I incorporate practical tools—like coping strategies, thought journaling, and behavior planning—that can be used both in and outside of sessions. While CBT provides a strong foundation, I always tailor it to your unique experiences, goals, and preferences so that our work feels collaborative, flexible, and centered on what matters most to you.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I draw from a person-centered approach, which means I prioritize creating a warm, nonjudgmental space where you feel genuinely seen and heard. I believe that you are the expert of your own experience, and my role is to support you with empathy, authenticity, and deep respect. This approach allows us to build a strong, trusting relationship where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace, and where healing and growth can naturally unfold.
Trauma Informed Care
I approach therapy through a trauma-informed lens, which means I prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment in every session. I recognize the impact that trauma can have on the mind, body, and sense of self, and I strive to create a space that feels grounded, supportive, and free of judgment. This approach honors your autonomy and respects the ways you’ve learned to cope. Together, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you, working gently to build resilience, restore a sense of control, and support healing in a way that feels safe and empowering.
Strength-Based
I integrate a strengths-based approach by focusing on your existing abilities, values, and inner resilience. Rather than only looking at what’s not working, we also explore what is—the coping skills you’ve already developed, the strengths you may not fully recognize, and the qualities that have helped you navigate challenges. This perspective helps build confidence and fosters a greater sense of self-trust. Together, we’ll work to reconnect you with your strengths and use them as a foundation for growth and healing.