Relationship Therapy w/Kayla

Who are my Clients

I work with adolescents and adults who are ready to break the cycle of unhealthy relationships within their families; or replace unhelpful communication patterns that are negatively impacting their love life and friendships. My aim is to help those I work with feel more confident, so that they can implement the boundaries that make them happy and their relationships improve as a result.

My clients often present with concerns pertaining to:

  • Setting boundaries without feeling guilty or like the “bad guy”

  • Self esteem, self doubt and confidence

  • Interpersonal conflict within their friendships

  • Working through communication issues within their romantic relationships

  • Difficulties managing change during life transitions

  • Maintaining motivation and energy

  • Making impulsive decisions

  • Making sense of how issues within their family of origin are impacting their current relationships

  • Feelings of sadness and/or anxiety

Areas of Focus

Therapy for Teens & Pre-Teens

To The Adolescents I Serve:

Embarking on a journey to boost your self-esteem, confidence, assertiveness, and social skills can feel like stepping into uncharted territory, but rest assured, you're not alone. In therapy, we'll create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Together, we'll identify the root causes of any insecurities or doubts you may be facing and work on building a strong foundation of self-worth and belief in your abilities. Through tailored exercises, role-playing, and open dialogue, you'll learn practical strategies to navigate social situations with ease, express yourself assertively, and cultivate a positive self-image. Therapy isn't about fixing what's "wrong" with you; it's about empowering you to recognize your strengths and embrace your uniqueness as you journey towards becoming the confident, self-assured individual you're meant to be.

A Note to Their Parents:

As parents, it's natural to want the best for your adolescent as they navigate the complexities of growing up. Seeking therapy specialized in enhancing self-esteem, confidence, assertiveness, and social skills for your child is a proactive step towards supporting their emotional well-being. In therapy sessions, your adolescent will work collaboratively with a trained therapist in a confidential and non-judgmental environment. Through evidence-based techniques and personalized guidance, they'll develop the tools to navigate social challenges, communicate assertively, and build a strong sense of self-esteem. You can expect regular updates on your child's progress and guidance on how you can reinforce therapeutic strategies at home. Together, we'll empower your adolescent to flourish and thrive, equipping them with the skills they need to navigate adolescence and beyond with confidence and resilience.

More about Kayla

My Approach

I believe in taking a holistic approach to mental health, starting with the basics.

I begin our journey together by assessing your fundamental needs, such as ensuring you have adequate sleep, a nourishing diet, and a safe environment. These foundational elements provide the stability necessary for effective therapy to take place.

Once we've established a strong foundation, we delve into understanding the symptoms you're experiencing. Through psycho-education, I'll help you gain insight into how intergenerational trauma may be manifesting in your life. Together, we'll explore the patterns of behavior and thought that contribute to your presenting problems.

In therapy, I draw from modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to delve deeper into your core beliefs and thought patterns. By examining the underlying beliefs that drive your behaviors, we can work towards creating lasting change and healing.

My approach is collaborative and compassionate, providing you with the support and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of trauma. Together, we'll uncover the roots of your pain and work towards building resilience and fostering growth.

If you're ready to embark on a journey towards healing intergenerational trauma, I'm here to support you every step of the way.

Why I Chose This Field

I found my way into this field fueled by a profound curiosity about the impact of human experiences on our minds and actions. Originally set on pursuing a PhD in psychology to become a psychologist and aid individuals in navigating life's challenges, a licensed social worker at Dekalb CASA where I interned enlightened me on a more efficient path to providing therapeutic support through a clinical MSW program. This revelation prompted me to opt for this route to better assist others in coping with their struggles. This transition not only broadened my perspective but also deepened my commitment to helping individuals heal their relationships, starting with themselves.

Why I Love My Work as a Therapist

I find great satisfaction in making a positive impact on individuals' lives by offering my assistance and guidance as they navigate through their personal journeys. Through my support, I help them uncover insights from their past experiences, identify recurring patterns in their behavior and relationships, and empower them to embrace their full potential. Witnessing my clients transform into the most authentic and empowered versions of themselves, leading lives filled with happiness, inner peace, and liberation, is truly fulfilling for me.

My Background

With a profound dedication to serving individuals and families affected by intergenerational trauma, I am a psychotherapist and Masters-level social worker on the path to obtaining my LCSW. My journey into the realm of mental health and social work was ignited by a fervent curiosity about the intricacies of the human psyche and condition.

Having earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Georgia State University (GSU), I embarked on a quest for knowledge and service that led me to pursue a Masters of Social Work at Rutgers University of New Jersey. This educational background serves as the foundation for my compassionate and empowering approach to therapy.

Throughout my clinical practice, I have honed my skills in assisting individuals and families grappling with a spectrum of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidal ideation, ADHD, anger management, and interpersonal conflicts. My therapeutic style is characterized by empathy, empowerment, and support, as I strive to foster a safe and trusting environment for clients to confront life's obstacles.

I am committed to integrating evidence-based practices, philosophical insights, and real-life experiences into therapy sessions, with the aim of facilitating profound personal growth and transformation. By collaboratively exploring the intricacies of the mind and behavior patterns, I empower clients to enhance their self-awareness and embark on a journey towards healing and fulfillment.

My Rates

Therapy Consultations: Free/15 Minutes

Therapy (Georgia & Florida Residents Only)

Intake Sessions - $175/60 minutes

Individual Therapy - $150/50 minutes

Group Therapy - $75/90 minutes

How Therapy at PORT Works

  • Relationship counseling in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina

    Inquire

    Use our online contact form and let us know which of our Therapists you would like to work with. We will promptly connect you to your preferred provider for your brief free phone consultation. We want to go the extra mile to make sure you feel comfortable from the start.

  • How therapy works at PORT Counseling Group

    Get to the Root

    Your therapy will likely start out with having sessions either weekly or biweekly. With your Therapist, you will get a better understanding of your presenting concerns and how they came about. Your therapist will also help you assess your level of coping and teach you additional strategies.

  • Do the Work

    The bulk of your experience will be in doing the work, both in & out of sessions. You will work through implementing techniques to improve your mood and engagement in relationships in session, while completing tasks assigned by your therapist to further your progress.

  • Have Better Relationships

    This is the point where you get to be #RelationshipGoals. You are having fewer therapy sessions and experiencing emotional healing from past relationship trauma. You are in a place where you are feeling more competent to handle whatever comes next.