Tag: counseling

More About Me- Kayla Zackary

Posted on by Katie Nix

HI! I am Kayla Zackary, a licensed professional counselor associate at Bright Space Therapy. I originally began my work as a therapist with individuals serving time on probation and parole and have transitioned into the private practice setting where I love working with couples, young adults, and adolescents. I have special training in working with trauma and relational concerns and am passionate about helping each person find healing and reach their full potential. 

Therapy is near and dear to my heart as I have greatly benefited from it myself and believe in its power. Often times, it can feel that life is happening to us, rather than in us. What do we do with this?  How do we make meaning of our suffering? How do we live in the midst of hardship, or better yet, make our way back to a full and satisfying life? 

These are the questions I love to hold space for and to work with you to find meaningful and practical answers to. I too have grappled with these questions and know firsthand just how crucial it is to have a place where processing, healing, and growth can be cultivated. I like to utilize a variety of techniques, depending on the individual, and use tools such as EFIT Trauma therapy, EFT couples therapy, CBT, DBT, and Walk and Talk Sessions in nature. 

More about Me:

My favorite part of being a therapist:

I love being able to cultivate and hold a space where healing, transformation, and growth occurs. It is an absolute honor to walk alongside of people in the midst of their pain and to get to witness monumental moments of freedom, relief, and healing. To get to be apart of life change is a rare and beautiful experience that I greatly treasure. 

My current favorite self-care activities:

I love to be outdoors, so if it is a pretty day and I’m feeling good, I love to walk a trail with a friend, stopping for chips and queso along the way. If I am feeling tired, I may walk to a nearby park and read or journal. I don’t know if this counts as self-care or not, but one of my all time favorite activities is two-stepping! I love to go with a group of friends and learn new moves and just have fun with it. 

My current favorite therapy tool:

I really enjoy doing values work with my clients as I see it being a really helpful tool for decision making and reducing anxiety. I also really love using EFIT (Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy) to help clients find healing from traumatic and troubling experiences. I believe it is a delicate and transformative experience between the client and therapist.

Living with ADHD: How Therapy Can Help You Thrive

Posted on by Peace Burger

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While often associated with childhood, ADHD can persist into adulthood, impacting daily life and leading many to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and burnt out.

Therapy for ADHD isn’t about “fixing” you. Instead, it’s about understanding yourself better and equipping yourself with the skills to navigate the complexities of ADHD. No matter your age, therapy can be a transformative experience on your ADHD journey. 

What to expect from ADHD therapy:

1.) Understanding your ADHD: A therapist can help you gain a deeper understanding of your specific symptoms and how they impact different areas of your life. This knowledge empowers you to approach challenges with more self-compassion and acceptance.

2.) Building coping mechanisms: Therapy equips you with practical tools and strategies to manage common ADHD challenges, such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Techniques like time management, habit stacking, executive functioning skills training, and mindfulness exercises can significantly improve daily functioning.

3.) Addressing emotional challenges: Living with ADHD can often lead to secondary issues like low self-esteem, patterns of negative self talk, anxiety, and depression. Therapy provides a safe space to explore these emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build resilience.

4.) Improving relationships: ADHD can sometimes strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Therapists can help individuals with ADHD develop better communication skills and navigate interpersonal conflicts more effectively.

Remember, therapy is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way. With the right support and guidance, therapy can empower you to manage your ADHD effectively and live a fulfilling life.

Additional resources:

The National Resource Center on ADHD: https://chadd.org/

The American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/topics/adhd

Attention Deficit Disorder Association: https://www.additudemag.com/

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.