Hi there! My name is Kayla, and I am a therapist here at Dóchas. My greatest passion in life is supporting mental health and wellbeing from a holistic perspective. I believe we should take care of our mental health just as much as we are taught to take care of our physical health. From my own experiences of mental health challenges as a teenager and seeing the positive impact that therapy had on my life, I knew that I wanted to become a therapist and provide a safe space for others to feel safe and heard in a world that can feel so heavy and dark at times. My curiosity about the human mind and my love of learning inspired me to start reading about psychological theories and different philosophies, which led me to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology.

My experiences in the mental health field include working as a Crisis Responder with a crisis line and working with women in a group setting who have experienced trauma and Intimate Partner Violence. I enjoy working with adults, seniors, and adolescents aged 13+ experiencing a range of issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, stress, self-esteem issues, career exploration, perfectionism, trauma, relationship concerns, life transitions, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Outside of work, you can find me out in nature, reading, playing guitar, watching trashy reality TV, playing board games, and spending time with my partner and my orange cat named Rika (pronounced like the end of paprika). Music and performing have been a huge part of my life since I was young, and I enjoy working with individuals who are managing the highs and lows, and everything in between that may come along with arts performance and creative pursuits.

Life is not a walk in the park, and sometimes you just need someone to sit with you, listen to your story and maybe help you see things from a different perspective or help you rediscover the strengths you already have. As a therapist, I create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to feel comfortable sharing what’s on your mind and working through whatever comes up in session.

My therapeutic approach is collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based. I draw from various therapeutic modalities tailored to your unique needs, including Person-Centred Therapy (PCT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My goal as a therapist is to meet you where you are, support you through life challenges, gently challenge you when appropriate, and help you get back on track to engaging in meaningful activities that align with your life values.

Starting therapy can feel scary at first, but the right therapist can help you feel comfortable exploring your inner world. If you think we are a great fit, I would be honoured to hear your story and begin to work together towards your goals and greater well-being.