Licensed to practice in California. Specializes in Anxiety, Coping Skills, Life Transitions and 5 more.
(she/her)
I’m here to support you on your journey toward greater self-awareness and emotional well-being. In our individual sessions, we’ll explore how your past experiences shape your present feelings and behaviors, including any underlying self-doubt or anxiety. Together, we’ll examine the personal, relational, and cultural influences that have shaped your experiences, helping you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your unique story. Using techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing, we’ll address the feelings associated with anxiety and self-doubt. I believe that healing involves both understanding our experiences and reconnecting with the wisdom of the body. Through exploring the stories you hold about yourself, increasing awareness of physical and emotional responses, and developing practical tools for coping, we can create new pathways toward growth and resilience. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can express yourself freely, explore new perspectives, reconnect with your values, celebrate your strengths, and begin to feel more grounded, connected, and open to life’s possibilities.
In our first session together, we'll begin with introductions and spend time exploring what brings you to therapy, the challenges you're currently facing, and what you hope to gain from our work together. This conversation will help us identify your goals and create a personalized treatment plan that reflects your unique needs and strengths. We'll also discuss your personal history, relationships, and any cultural or life experiences that may be important to understanding your concerns. Most importantly, our first session is an opportunity for you to ask questions, get a sense of my approach, and determine whether working together feels like a good fit.
As a bilingual therapist with a background in cultural anthropology, I approach mental health through a lens that considers not only individual experiences, but also the cultural, social, historical, and systemic contexts that shape them. My strengths as a therapist are grounded in more than 15 years of working alongside migrant and refugee communities, as well as extensive experience supporting young adults through life transitions, identity development, trauma, and mental health challenges. This perspective helps me understand clients within the broader environments and relationships that influence their wellbeing and allows me to provide care that is culturally responsive and deeply attuned to each person’s unique story. I help clients identify the underlying patterns contributing to their challenges, develop personalized strategies that support meaningful and measurable progress, and build greater psychological flexibility. Drawing from narrative and strengths-based approaches, I believe that the stories we tell about ourselves can be powerful tools for healing and growth. I often integrate storytelling, creative expression, and reflective exploration into the therapeutic process, helping clients make meaning of their experiences, reconnect with their values, and envision new possibilities for their lives. My goal is to create a collaborative space where clients feel understood, empowered, and supported in creating lasting change.
I love working with young adults who are navigating the complexities of their past and present, particularly how childhood dynamics may influence their current relationships. My ideal clients are motivated to understand these patterns and eager to build the life they envision for themselves. They often feel stuck, overwhelmed, or anxious but are ready to develop the tools and strategies needed to move forward and create meaningful change. By incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) activites, we’ll focus on fostering psychological flexibility and aligning their actions with their core values. Together, we’ll harness their strengths as we explore their experiences and work toward their goals.
Other specialties
I identify as
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
In my practice, I utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients cultivate psychological flexibility and resilience. ACT encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fight against them, promoting a mindful approach to difficult emotions. By clarifying personal values, clients learn to commit to actions that align with those values, leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Together, we work on building skills to face challenges with compassion and purpose.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
In my practice, I incorporate mindfulness-based therapy to help clients develop greater awareness of their thoughts and feelings in the present moment. This approach encourages non-judgmental observation, allowing individuals to respond to stressors with clarity rather than react impulsively. By practicing mindfulness techniques, clients can cultivate self-compassion and reduce anxiety, ultimately leading to improved emotional well-being and resilience in their daily lives. Together, we work on integrating these skills into everyday situations for lasting change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to their emotional distress. Through structured sessions, we explore the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, enabling clients to develop healthier perspectives. By implementing practical strategies and coping skills, clients learn to reframe negative thoughts and engage in more positive actions, ultimately fostering greater emotional well-being and resilience.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I utilize Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients identify and build on their strengths and resources to achieve their goals. This approach emphasizes finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems, encouraging clients to envision their desired future and explore practical steps to get there. By focusing on past successes and positive experiences, we cultivate a sense of hope and empowerment, enabling clients to make meaningful changes in their lives.
2 ratings with written reviews
March 31, 2026
Kayla listened carefully to everything I brought up, and her reactions and suggestions demonstrated that she understood exactly what I meant and she was able to bring helpful suggestions and perspective in response.
February 13, 2025
Kayla was very thorough, compassionate and kind during our appointment.