Kayla Garcia, M.E.d., RP (Qualifying)

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Kayla Garcia is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of Ottawa. She works with individuals aged 15 and older and is supervised by Ellis Makadi at Levity Counselling.

Most people don’t end up in therapy because everything is going perfectly. You might feel anxious, stuck, or overwhelmed, even if from the outside it looks like you have it together. Maybe you are carrying more than you can handle, overthinking every decision, or going through the motions while quietly wondering, “Is this really it?” Sometimes this shows up individually, and sometimes it shows up in your relationship. Kayla understands how hard it can be to reach out, especially when you are used to pushing through and telling yourself you should be fine.

When you meet with Kayla, you get a pause from all the things pulling at you and a chance to be seen. Whether you come on your own or with your partner, therapy is a space where you can slow down, exhale, and stop pretending you have all the answers. You do not need the right words, a clear goal, or a perfectly organized story. Showing up as you are is enough.

Together, you will look at the patterns that keep showing up in your life or your relationship, reconnect with what actually matters to you, and figure out what feels worth changing and what can be met with a little more kindness. Kayla values curiosity, self-compassion, and humour when it fits, because sometimes the work is heavy and sometimes it helps to laugh at how human all of this is.

Therapy is not about fixing you or fixing your relationship. It is about understanding yourself and each other more deeply and making space for change that feels real and doable. Kayla hopes therapy becomes a place where the gap between where you are and where you want to be feels less overwhelming and a little more possible to cross.

Human First, Therapist Second

As a proud mom of twin toddlers, most days I’m juggling more than I thought possible and wondering how anyone manages it all. Some days are a nonstop blur of snacks, little emergencies, chasing tiny humans from room to room, and trying to survive until bedtime. Other days are slower, filled with laughter over silly games, building forts out of blankets, or snuggling while watching Frozen for the hundredth time. Honey, our dog, usually insists on sitting in the middle of it all like she’s in charge, which somehow makes it both chaotic and funny.

 

When I get a quiet moment, I read, work on puzzles, or indulge in a sweet treat while watching a classic TV show. I’ve never met a ‘Friends’ quote I didn’t love—could I be any more of a fan? Other moments are just a few deep breaths, letting the world wait for a second, and reminding myself it’s okay to just exist for a minute. I’m still figuring out how to make that pause stick, but I’m working on it.

Client Focus

Teens (15+), Adults, Couples

Types of Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Compassion Focused Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT)

Issues

Anxiety, stress and overwhelm, self-esteem, relationship challenges, identity shifts, life transitions, parenting, overthinking, burnout

Rate

$160 for individuals and $180 for couples