Kayla Carmichael, CT

“I refuse to allow pain to dictate my position.”
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About Me

Hi, I’m Kayla, a Counselor Trainee.

 I believe that pain is real, but it does not get to determine where we are going. My approach is rooted in compassion, hope, and the belief that people were created to walk in freedom. We have to be honest about our wounds, but we do not have to remain stuck in them.

I strive to create a warm, calm, and nonjudgmental space where you can be honest about what you are experiencing—even the things you may worry are “weird” or difficult to say out loud. My goal is to meet you where you are, listen to what you are truly communicating, and walk alongside you through your healing process.

Whether you are navigating a painful season, struggling to understand your emotions, or wondering how you can possibly move forward, you do not have to have everything figured out before beginning counseling. I want you to leave our time together with a seed of hope and the growing realization that your current circumstances do not have to define your future.

What I tend to focus on

  • I am drawn to trauma and healing work because I believe people need someone willing to walk alongside them through difficult seasons while also encouraging them toward healing and restoration. I believe there is a difference between acknowledging our wounds and allowing those wounds to become our identity.

    When working with someone who has experienced pain or trauma, I first want to understand the person in front of me. I listen carefully, pay attention to what may be underneath the words being spoken, and meet each person where they are. One of the most meaningful things for me is witnessing someone begin to heal and realize that their pain does not get to define them.

  • I understand how difficult it can be to experience anxiety or long to become emotionally healthier while wondering if you will ever actually feel better. I want to help you better understand your emotions, explore the coping skills you are currently using, and consider why certain responses may have become ways of coping.

    My hope is that you begin to recognize that struggling with something today does not mean you are destined to struggle with it forever. Growth is possible. Healing is possible. You are not stuck.

  • My faith is an important part of how I understand healing. I believe God created us, knows us deeply, and knows the places in our hearts where healing is needed. For me, God is the foundation, while counseling and other resources are tools we have been given to help us along the way.

    I want to meet you where you are spiritually rather than assume where you should be. Whether your faith feels strong, uncertain, complicated, or somewhere in between, I want to create space for honest conversations. One of the most meaningful things I can witness is someone beginning to grow spiritually for themselves and discovering a renewed sense of hope.

How I Help

My therapeutic style is gentle, reflective, and flexible. I believe counseling should have room for both structure and spontaneity depending on what you need. Sometimes we may slow things down and give you space to process; other times, we may keep things moving and work toward the next step.

I focus on understanding not only what you are experiencing, but also why you may feel or respond the way you do. I use a balance of reflection, understanding, and practical tools while remaining willing to gently challenge you when appropriate.

Most importantly, I want counseling to feel collaborative. I am not here to tell you who you should be or dictate your journey. I am here to walk alongside you, help you understand yourself more deeply, and encourage you toward healing and growth.

What Clients Often Experience

  • A safe and nonjudgmental space to talk about difficult things

  • Greater understanding of their emotions and patterns

  • Increased confidence and self-worth

  • Healthier coping skills

  • Greater ability to establish healthy boundaries

  • Freedom to talk openly about questions, struggles, and faith

  • A growing belief that change and healing are possible

  • Greater hope for the future

  • The ability to recognize that pain does not have to define them

  • Greater confidence in moving forward rather than remaining stuck

  • Space to grow spiritually in an authentic and personal way

More About Me

Outside of counseling, I enjoy being involved in my church community, writing, and developing sermons as I feel led. My faith and ministry are meaningful parts of my life, and I value opportunities to encourage and serve others.

I also love a good coffee date and traveling whenever I am able. And, in the interest of full transparency, I am a terrible cook—so if you are looking for someone to share a recipe with, I may not be your person!

At the heart of who I am is a desire to see people experience hope in places where they may have once felt hopeless. I believe that while we cannot always change what has happened to us, we can begin taking steps toward healing and discovering that our pain does not have to dictate our position.

Education & Professional Affiliations

Education:

  • MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Liberty University (2026)

  • BA in Psychology, University of Phoenix (2021)

Professional Associations:

  • American Counseling Association

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