Hi! I’m Kayla and I am a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). I earned a Masters in Psychology from Montclair State University and a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Child & Adolescent Counseling from Monmouth University. I have experience in school, inpatient psychiatric care, and outpatient settings. My experience includes traveling alongside clients as young as 3, teens, adults, and their families as they navigate their journeys involving anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, identity exploration, life transitions, trauma, self-esteem issues, family conflict, and many more. I am committed to meeting clients “where they are” in the wellness process. This could look like honoring clients’ self exploration, empowering them, and promoting the opportunity to live as their most authentic selves.

My clinical approach is eclectic and multicultural. I utilize creativity and integrate various approaches to implement the best treatment to meet each client’s individualized needs. I also focus on being aware and accepting of who you are as a whole person and the various parts which influence your holistic wellbeing. My practice is informed by modalities such as art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, person-centered therapy, internal family systems (IFS), and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). I prioritize therapy being a collaborative journey with my clients and also with their loved ones. I believe that working with the family plays a crucial role in the therapeutic process, especially when working with youth. This collaborative approach helps enhance my understanding, improve the client’s support network, effectiveness of therapy, and improve family dynamics. I aim to provide young people with empathy, genuineness, and a safe, inclusive space to express themselves fully without fear of any judgement to help support them in growing through whatever they may have gone through.

My self care includes taking dance classes, traveling, spending time with my dog, experimenting with new recipes, and quality time with my family and friends.

Supervised by Lisa Lagala, MS, NCC, LPC, ACS, LCADC-i