It would be my pleasure to work with you! My name is Kim Sylla and I have been interested in the field of social services since childhood when I enthusiastically listened to the life stories of those around me including friends, neighbors and extended relatives. This interest grew with with my first therapist volunteer experience -- at the age of 20 -- with individuals who had substance use and mental health disorders. Since then I have had a wide array of additional volunteer and work experiences with adults and adolescents undergoing various life challenges at work, school, home and in the larger community. My varied experience, training and education prepared me to use an integrative therapeutic approach that draws on cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and ecological systems theory.
During our initial session together, I will confirm your demographic information, conduct a biopsychosocial assessment and begin to explore your presenting problems, strengths, treatment goals and preferences in regard to therapeutic style. I will genuinely do my best to ensure that you feel welcome, supported, accepted, understood and free to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences without judgment from me.
Over the years I have authentically used compassion, sense of humor and unconditional positive regard to meet clients where they are, build rapport and explore what coping skills are best suited to each individual.
In my practice I strive to tailor the therapy to the individual and their personal and environmental needs. I recognize that each person is part of a broad ecosystem; when entering therapy individuals present with issues that are unique to the person and the person's environment. Therefore, exploring the effects that the person has on their environment and in turn how the environment affects mental health and wellbeing are essential components of assessment, treatment planning and intervention. My integrative approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, mindfulness and ecological systems theory.