The Branch Counseling About Page Kelly Ayala LPC-S
 

Kelly Ayala M.S., LPC-S, EMDR Certified, IFS trained, RYT 500

Discover a path to inner peace with IFS + EMDR

WELCOME TO THE BRANCH COUNSELING

Let your authenticity shine

Over the years and through my own lived experience I’ve noticed that most anxiety issues started from an overwhelming life experience or circumstance. When clients come to therapy they begin to understand that anxiety isn’t necessarily who they are, but their anxiety helped them adapt to some very tricky people, environments and situations.

I invite clients to slow down, tune in and get to know themselves more clearly. I approach all clients from a trauma informed framework and utilize evidence based interventions. Offering parts work (IFS), EMDR and IFS Yoga sessions, clients develop insight and work through their bolocks leading to inner confidence and self trust. I take the time to get to know my clients, really hear their concerns, and make sure I have an understanding of what they hope to achieve. I serve as a guide on their therapy journey offering reflections and thought provoking questions that support curiosity and deep self understanding. In the end, success is measured by how clients uncover their inner confidence to face each life moment.

Diagnosis are important but they aren’t my top priority. Based on my years of experience and working with trauma informed models, I find it’s most beneficial to support improved mental health by understanding my clients unique life story from a place of compassion and collaboration. Most of the clients I work with have tried implementing traditional talk strategies and just seem to hit a wall or find themselves stuck again. Clients who work with me are interested in understanding how the environment, experiences and relationships they have impact the beliefs about themself. But most importantly clients are open and willing to recognize dissociative patterns and invest in reconnecting to themself with the help of IFS, EMDR and Yoga for Mental Health. 

Empowering you.

one step at a time

  • Step 1. Land in the session with me and let’s pause to check in

  • Step 2. Let’s get to know each other and prioritize your wants and needs

  • Step 3. Learn about your unique system of parts that activates anxiety and trauma patterns with IFS + EMDR

  • Step 4. Reflect on shifts in belief systems and progress

My core values

My belief is that in order for therapy to be healing, it has to acknowledge and honor the lived human experience, built on a foundation of compassion, inclusion & empowered action.

Compassion

Compassion is the active expression of support. Sustainable healing practices are not built with rigid achievements but the allowance to embrace what we are feeling in any given moment. Compassion is the practice of honoring your story openly without judgement.

Inclusion

Inclusion means all parts of you are embraced and accepted with me. Healing is not judgmental or exclusionary, it is a practice of love. Regardless of race, ethnicity, color, culture, sexuality, sexual identity, sexual preferences, religion, political party, size, shape, lifestyle choices or ability you are welcome to heal here.

Empowered Action

You have the right to choose, make decisions and care for you the best way you feel is right for you in any given moment. In our time it is encouraged to share how you feel and ask for what you need without the fear of making me feel bad. Our work is dedicated to recover this inherent resource so you can start to live with the confidence to care for you in any environment.

 

Education & Training

  • Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

  • Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor

  • 15 Years of clinical experience

  • Adjunct Instructor and Clinical Supervisor at Southern Methodist University 2019-2024

  • IFS Level 1 trained

  • EMDR Certified

  • Member of the IFS Online Circle & IFS Informed

  • EMDR + IFS Parts Protocol Trained level 1 & 2

  • Neuropsychotherapy training with the International Association of Applied Neuroscience

  • Registered Yoga teacher 200hr Psychotherapeutic Yoga

  • Registered Yoga teacher 300hr Path of Awakening

  • Certificate in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Teens

  • Accomplished retreat leader and facilitator

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Ready to grow.