Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Kirk.
Hi Kayla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have lived in Texas a majority of my life, and after graduating from Texas State University with my master’s degree in social work, I sought new experiences and spending more time outdoors, which led me to accepting a position in California as a clinician for a nonprofit organization that provided in-home therapy services for high-risk adolescents. Many of my clients were in the foster care system, which led me to learn more about eating disorders, food insecurity, and their intersection with trauma. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I made the decision to return to Texas to be closer to family after a year in California. In the spring of 2021, I accepted a position at Connections Wellness Group as the lead therapist for an adolescent PHP/IOP eating disorder program. I created the group therapy curriculum, helped develop the adult PHP/IOP Eating Disorder program, trained clinicians and interns in working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, and led adolescent group therapy until the program closed in December 2023. While I have loved working in higher levels of care, I took the knowledge I had learned in my first few years as a therapist to transition to outpatient treatment and focus additional time on becoming certified in eating disorders. I joined my supervisor, Whitney Russell’s practice, Brave Haven Counseling, LLC in January 2024 and have been meeting with my clients here in Richardson, TX since.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges was definitely being a brand new therapist and trying to teach and encourage hope during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was such a challenging time, with so much uncertainty, but I am forever grateful for the amazing mentors I had supporting me along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize and love working with adolescents. I love that I get to be part of the chapter of my teen clients’ lives as they begin making significant life changes such as starting new hobbies, trying out for a team at school, deciding where to go to college, etc. It is exciting and humbling as they allow me to share a space where they get to dream about their future. I like to think that what sets me apart from others in my field, is that I cultivate a space where my clients can truly feel comfortable and themselves. I like to take moments to focus on things outside of therapy goals, because I care mostly that clients are growing as people too. I try to prioritize and encourage my clients to try new things, harness new skills, talk to people in their communities, and learn something meaningful. I specialize in eating disorders, which is typically accompanied with guilt and shame, and the disorder often becomes a sort of identity; my hope for all my clients is that they are able to be unapologetically themselves for at least an hour when we meet.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue working with individuals (both adolescents and adults) that struggle with eating disorders, but I hope to continue growing my practice to work with individuals that struggle with other mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and OCD. I hope to soon become a supervisor for LMSW’s seeking LCSW licensure, and potentially begin my own private practice.
Pricing:
- $165/ 55 minute session
Contact Info:
