Meet Kayla

What began as a career in investigative journalism transformed into the psychotherapist’s chair.

My journey into the mental health space began as a student at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in journalism. I decided my senior year at UT to become the college newspaper’s first investigative reporter on all topics related to student mental health, covering narrative vignettes on college counseling policies, and the unique lived experiences of college students struggling with their mental health. From articles on topics such as bipolar disorder, grief after suicide, and borderline personality disorder, my work brought me the forefront of what would one day transform into my experience with clients — a safe healing space fostered on listening, trust, and the belief my presence will help you understand your own story.

My journalism days eventually led me to pursue my Master of Social Work at The University of Houston, where I engaged in field practicum facilitating intensive outpatient, substance use aftercare, and trauma-informed care with a primary focus on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) curriculum for individuals facing an array of conditions that I specialize in today.

My training brought me to find a passion for treating conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar I and II disorders, life transitions, relational issues, post-traumatic stress, addiction, and borderline personality disorder.

Since I began my pursuit of clinical social work, I’ve followed one mantra – no one IS their symptoms. Symptoms of any mental health condition exist to tell us a story, your story, and the integration of insight-oriented work with tailoring mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skill-building into my clients’ lives has brought not only freedom from symptoms, but a self that can no longer be defined by diagnostic criteria.

I currently reside in the Houston area with an independent license to practice clinical social work in the state of Texas. Outside of my therapy hours, I enjoy oil painting as a professional artist, reading and writing fiction, and engaging as a recovery advocate in the community.