The Therapist Behind the Work
Where my story, training, and approach come together.
Hey, I’m Kayla :)
My Story
I’ve always been someone who pays attention. I notice when a room shifts. I feel tension before it’s named. For a long time, I believed that if I could just handle things well enough — achieve more, stay composed, not be the one who messed up — everything would feel more secure.
In relationships especially, I didn’t want to be the source of conflict. It felt safer to be hard on myself than to risk being seen as the problem. And yet, I also pushed back. I didn’t always want to carry the pressure of getting it right. Still, underneath both responses, I wanted closeness.
That’s the complicated part. You can be hyper-aware and still long for connection. You can hold yourself to high standards and still feel unsettled underneath.
Over time, I came to understand that overfunctioning, self-criticism, and reactivity aren’t flaws — they’re adaptations. They develop for a reason, but they don’t always update on their own.
What began to shift was my relationship to those patterns. That shift shapes the way I practice therapy.
I don’t see people as broken. I see people who learned how to survive relational complexity. In our work together, we slow down the moments where you feel pressure to get it right or protect yourself from being the one who messes up, and we create space for connection without self-abandonment.
If you felt a quiet “that’s me” reading this, you’re exactly who I work with.
Areas of Focus
Trauma and unresolved emotional experiences
Relationship challenges and recurring patterns
Attachment and connection concerns
Anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm
Perfectionism, over-responsibility, and burnout
Communication difficulties in couples and families
Life transitions and identity changes
Family dynamics and generational patterns
Self-criticism and low self-worth
Emotional disconnection or difficulty accessing feelings
Therapeutic Approach
My approach is experiential and attachment-informed, grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens in relationship. I am engaged and present in sessions, and I view the therapeutic relationship as an essential part of the work.
In addition to developing insight, I pay close attention to emotional and relational patterns as they emerge in real time. By slowing these moments down, we can understand the protective strategies that developed over time and begin building more flexible, intentional ways of responding.
I integrate parts-work, informed from internal family systems (IFS) and use Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) when appropriate, offering therapy that is relational, structured, and responsive to your individual needs.
I approach each person and relationship within the context of their cultural background, personal history, and the larger systems they’re part of. I am mindful of how systemic issues like racism, generational trauma, and societal expectations shape your experiences and relationships, and I create space to explore their impact with thoughtfulness and empathy.
At the core of my work is the belief that you are not broken. The patterns you developed once served a purpose. Therapy becomes a space to understand those patterns and develop ways of relating that support deeper connection and growth.
Education &
Clinical Background
I earned my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University in 2025. My graduate training focused on systemic, relational, and experiential approaches to therapy, preparing me to work with individuals, couples, and families across a range of concerns.
I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton in 2023. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of human behavior, family systems, and the broader social structures that influence mental health.
I am an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of California (AMFT #159090) and practice under the supervision of a licensed clinician.
My clinical experience includes providing therapy to individuals, couples, children, and families in both community mental health and private practice settings. I work from systemic, experiential, and trauma-informed frameworks, supporting clients navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relational challenges, and more.
As I work on my hours towards licensure, I continue to pursue advanced training and consultation to ensure the care I provide is thoughtful, ethical, and grounded in current research.
I have completed advanced training in:
• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
• Symbolic Experiential Family Therapy
• Trauma-Focused CBT
• Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
• Somatic-based approaches
• Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR)
I continue to pursue ongoing consultation and training to ensure the care I provide is thoughtful, ethical, and effective.
Outside of the Therapy Room
Outside of the therapy room, I value time with the people I love, being outdoors, cooking, and spaces that allow for reflection and creativity. I believe growth happens both in intentional work and in everyday moments of connection.
At home, I’m kept busy by my dogs, Cash and Chevy. If you’re joining sessions virtually, there’s a good chance you’ll meet my cat, Bell — my self-appointed co-therapist who takes her supervisory role very seriously.
