Hi, I'm Kayla!
I'm a sex-positive, kink-friendly therapist experienced in working with neurodiverse, queer, poly and
non-monogamous relationships. I'm also a Health At Every Size practitioner who supports disability justice. I believe all bodies are good bodies and they can provide useful insights into our emotional healing.
As a neurodivergent person and a member of the queer community, I’m proud to be a resource to other individuals and couples seeking a therapist who share these identities. In my work, I aim to show up as my authentic, imperfect self and I welcome you to do the same.
Before moving into private practice, I worked in youth development with queer & trans kids, as a mental health educator for NAMI Chicago, and as a therapist and yoga instructor in substance use treatment in Chicago. I've also worked as a career coach for neurodivergent folks seeking remote careers. When approaching issues of substance use or other challenging behaviors, I take a harm reduction approach.
I have completed Level 1 training in Gottman Institute Training and in Relational Life Therapy, an evidence-based approach to couples' and relationship therapy. I have also pursued additional education and training in working with Neurodiverse Relationships to improve communication and conflict resolution.
If you think we may be a good fit, please reach out for a free consultation. I look forward to meeting you!
My Training & Certifications
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Master's of Social Work, Clinical Mental Health focus - Loyola University Chicago
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BA American Studies & BS Radio-TV-Film - University of Texas at Austin
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Relational Life Therapy with Terry Real - Level 1 Training
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Working with Neurodiverse Couples Training from The Couples' Institute
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Narrative Therapy & Community Work Training with Dulwich Centre
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Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) Phase 1 Certification
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Mindful Self-Compassion 12-Hour Core Skills Training with Dr. Kristin Neff
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2-Day Hakomi Method Introductory Training with Dr. Halko Weiss
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Certificate of Advanced Brief Interventions for Substance Abuse among Multiple Communities
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HRSA Opioid Workforce Expansion Training Program (OWETP) Graduate
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Registered Yoga Teacher, 200 Hours (RYT-200) Yoga Alliance
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20-Hour Trauma-Informed Yoga Training with Jenn Turner RYT, LMHC, TCTSY-F
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Certified Meditation Teacher, 100 Hours (CMT-100) Meditation Alliance International