How Kayla Works
Kayla uses an individualized, evidence-based approach that draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and other therapeutic approaches based on each client’s needs and goals.
Therapy with Kayla often focuses on:
- Understanding and managing anxiety and chronic stress
- Recognizing unhelpful thought patterns and learning how to challenge them
- Building confidence and self-trust
- Developing healthier routines and coping strategies
- Improving time management, organization, and follow-through
- Navigating friendships, relationships, school, work, and increasing independence
- Creating healthier boundaries with phones, social media, gaming, and other technology
- Preparing for and adjusting to major life transitions
Kayla believes meaningful progress often comes from understanding what’s happening beneath the surface while also having practical tools for what to do next.
The goal is not simply to feel better during a therapy appointment. Kayla wants clients to leave with skills they can use when real life happens.
Technology & Digital Health
Technology is an important part of everyday life, particularly for teens and young adults. But sometimes phones, social media, gaming, streaming, or other technology begin interfering with sleep, productivity, relationships, school, or emotional well-being.
Kayla has specialized training and certification in Tech Addiction and Digital Health. Rather than assuming technology itself is the problem, Kayla helps clients understand the role it is playing in their lives and develop healthier, more intentional habits.
This may include addressing:
- Excessive phone or social media use
- Gaming habits
- Staying up too late because of technology
- Difficulty concentrating or completing responsibilities
- Comparing yourself to others online
- Using technology to avoid uncomfortable feelings or situations
- Finding a healthier balance between online and offline life
The goal isn’t necessarily to eliminate technology. It’s to help clients feel more in control of how they use it.
Background and Experience
Kayla brings a diverse background in behavioral health, neuropsychology, school-based counseling, and foster care services.
Her experience includes:
- ABA Implementer at NOVA Center of the Ozarks, supporting children and adolescents with autism
- School-Based Therapist with Burrell Behavioral Health, providing counseling to students Pre-K through 12th grade
- Neuropsychology Intern at Mercy Hospital, assisting with psychological evaluations and neuropsychological assessment
- Care Manager with Missouri Alliance for Children and Families, supporting children and adolescents in foster care
- Outpatient Therapist at Psych Associates, providing individualized therapy for adolescents, young adults, and adults
Across these roles, Kayla has worked with clients in clinical, school, hospital, and community settings, giving her a broad understanding of how anxiety, behavior, and life stressors show up across different environments.
Kayla joined Psych Associates in 2022 to focus on outpatient therapy and continue developing her work with adolescents and young adults navigating anxiety, stress, and life transitions.
Education and Specialized Training
Kayla earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of New Mexico in 2013.
After moving to Springfield, Missouri, Kayla earned a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Missouri State University.
In addition to graduate training and clinical experience, Kayla has pursued advanced training and certification in:
- Tech Addiction and Digital Health
- Integrative Mental Health
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-informed treatment approaches
Kayla’s integrative training also supports looking beyond symptoms alone and considering factors such as sleep, stress, routines, nutrition, relationships, technology use, and other aspects of daily life that can affect emotional well-being.
What It’s Like to Work With Kayla
-
Clients can expect Kayla to be approachable, encouraging, and actively engaged in the therapy process.
-
Kayla understands that teens and young adults don’t always want to sit in an office and simply talk about their feelings. Therapy can also involve learning practical strategies, identifying patterns, setting goals, problem-solving, building confidence, and figuring out what actually works in everyday life.
-
Kayla works collaboratively with each client to create a space where they can be honest about what’s difficult while also recognizing their strengths and building toward meaningful change.
-
Outside of the office, Kayla enjoys being in the gym, serving through church, and taking advantage of everything the Ozarks has to offer.
