IFS + EMDR therapy in Dallas, Texas and virtually throughout Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida
Let’s be human together
Your committed to unlearning your cycles of stuckness.
I’m committed to helping you thrive.
Hi I’m Kelly Ayala M.S., LPC-S and welcome to The Branch Counseling
This is a space for you
As an eldest daughter of a multicultural family I can relate to the unspoken expectations some of us carried into our adulthoods. My lived experiences and desire to (re)discover my sense of self have inspired me to work with people who have learned similar limiting beliefs and are ready to go deeper into their healing path.
I believe that we are all born with the resources to care for our self, just like the sun will always shine so will your inner spirit. You are your best healing tool but it’s probably been covered up by fear, judgement, shame, perfectionism and pleasing. I really want to help you understand the responsibilities these parts carry so they can begin to loosen their grip and offer you the space to live openhearted.
Diagnosis are important but they aren’t my top priority. 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. 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 invest in reconnecting to themself with the help of trauma informed experiential models.
How I work
My job is to meet you where you are and tune in to what you want to get out of therapy. If you’ve been to therapy in the past you may have found it to be structured with worksheets, lots of advise or digging for traumas. Therapy with me is more relational, fluid and we let the sources of your needs come to us naturally. Most sessions will start off with a moment to be human and share what’s going on in your world then we’ll attend to what we didn’t finish from the prior session or attend to what feels important in the present moment. I work intuitively and lead with an open heart. I’m motivated by helping you build inner confidence and not so much on pressuring change. I will most often support you by asking you to tune into your inner world (it’s a practice so no pressure if this seems new to you) but if you have a direct questions or wish for my opinion just ask. We’ll use IFS experiential practice, EMDR, writing, drawing and somatic strategies to offer support and insight.
As your therapist, I will be honest and an advocate.
Why choose The Branch
Counseling is about learning to be a human in relationship with others. With me, you’ll find encouragement to be imperfect. We’ll make mistakes and offer space to deepen understanding and repair. I offer a setting that supports judgement free, open & honest communication so you can feel into the experience of secure connection with someone who cares about your wellbeing.
My goal is that you leave every session with a greater understanding of yourself and an openness to be more self accepting. It’s ok if it doesn’t always feel good but I hope it feels good to know you are always loved here.
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
16 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
