Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and I believe that feeling comfortable, understood, and respected is an important part of that process. My approach to therapy is rooted in creating a person-centered, judgment-free environment where clients can feel safe being themselves while also receiving the support and direct guidance they need to move forward.

My therapeutic practice is person-centered, meaning I believe each client brings their own unique experiences, strengths, challenges, and perspectives into the therapy room. At the same time, I take a direct and collaborative approach when appropriate. I don’t believe therapy needs to look the same for everyone, which is why I utilize an eclectic approach and draw from different therapeutic modalities based on the individual needs and goals of each client. Some of the approaches I tend to incorporate include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic approaches, and person-centered therapy. Together, we can explore patterns of thinking and behavior, develop coping skills, better understand emotions and relationships, and work toward meaningful change.

I particularly enjoy working with individuals who have experienced trauma, including sexual trauma, as well as people navigating grief, difficult life transitions, anxiety, depression, and other significant changes in their lives. I also enjoy working with clients who may be experiencing something they have never faced before and aren’t quite sure where to begin. Sometimes taking that first step into therapy can feel intimidating, and my goal is to make that process feel a little less overwhelming. You don’t have to have everything figured out before coming to therapy.

My interest in becoming a therapist began long before I officially entered the profession. I was first exposed to the world of mental health through my mother, who is also a therapist. Growing up with that perspective gave me an early understanding of the importance of having someone who can listen, support you, and help you navigate difficult experiences. My own experiences with anxiety and panic attacks also played an important role in shaping my path. Experiencing anxiety personally helped me understand how overwhelming and isolating those feelings can be and strengthened my desire to help others feel less alone in their own experiences. Those experiences, combined with my education and professional training, ultimately led me to pursue social work and a career as a therapist.

I believe that therapy is not about changing who you are. Instead, it can be an opportunity to better understand yourself, recognize patterns that may no longer be serving you, develop tools to cope with difficult emotions, and build confidence in navigating life’s challenges. My role is to meet clients where they are while helping them identify where they would like to go next. Sometimes that means sitting with difficult emotions and processing the past. Other times, it may mean learning practical coping skills, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, or simply having a space where you can finally say out loud what you’ve been carrying.

Outside of therapy, I am someone who enjoys staying active and spending time with the people I care about. I love sports, spending time with friends, going for walks, and going to the movies. I also enjoy watching documentaries, particularly ones that give me something interesting to think about or introduce me to a different perspective or story. I think these interests are a small reflection of who I am outside of the therapy room, and I value having a balance between my professional life and the things that bring me joy.

By: Makalia Ley, MSW
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