Kayla Pedraza, LCPC, NBCC, CCTP
Associate Director of Admission & Clinical Supervisor
I earned my Clinical Counseling Psychology degree from Rosalind Franklin University and I have experience working in community mental health, public and private schools, & private practice. My professional background includes working with clients of various backgrounds and all ages.
I believe healing happens through connection and in relationships where we feel genuinely seen, heard, and accepted. I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, understood, supported, and empowered to show up as their full selves, while also feeling gently challenged when it supports their growth. My approach is relational, compassionate, and culturally responsive, and I work alongside clients to explore their experiences within the context of their relationships, identities, communities, and the systems that shape their lives. Together, we can explore not only what is happening within you, but also the experiences and circumstances around that may have contributed to the need for therapeutic support.
Areas of Focus / Specialties
I work with individuals who are navigating:
- Emotional challenges: anxiety, depression, grief & loss, life transitions, OCD, & burnout
- Identity: LGBTQIA+ identity affirming & cultural exploration
- Trauma: intergenerational trauma & PTSD
- Relationships: divorce situations, caregiving, & family conflict
- Academic stressors: school avoidance, self-esteem, & social skills
- Women’s well-being: supporting women across the lifespan
- Integrative health: mindfulness, mind-body connections, & holistic care
- Marginalized Communities: impacts by discrimination and systemic oppression
My work is informed by relational therapy, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive. I draw from not only my clinical education but from the people I have shared vulnerable spaces with. Modalities utilized in sessions include: CBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, Strengthen-Based, Part-Work, Psychodynamic, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) trained I tailor sessions to each client’s needs, incorporating mindfulness,insight, and coping strategies. My role is not to tell you who you should be, but rather walk alongside you with compassion to reclaim your voice and move toward the life you want to build.
Clients often describe me as warm, collaborative, compassionate, and nonjudgmental. In sessions, you can expect thoughtful conversation, skill-building, gentle challenge, and humor when appropriate. Children and teens can expect to engage in creative expression, education, and play while collaborating with caregivers and honoring their voice and growing autonomy.
Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy spending time with family, live music, traveling, connecting with my culture and community, reading, and art. I believe that therapy can be a space where you do not have to minimize who you are or carry everything alone.
Como terapeuta latina nacida en Chicago, mi misión ha sido crear conciencia sobre la importancia de la salud mental y ayudar a eliminar el estigma en nuestras comunidades. Ir a terapia no es fácil, y mi papel como terapeuta es crear un espacio seguro y culturalmente sensible donde podamos explorar desafíos, identificar patrones y también celebrar logros. Creo que todos tenemos el potencial de alcanzar nuestras metas y comenzar nuestro proceso de sanación con apoyo y colaboración. Para lograrlo, trabajo con cada persona desde el punto en el que se encuentra y, a partir de ahí, avanzamos juntos hacia sus objetivos. Trabajemos en equipo para generar un cambio.
Kayla Pedraza, LCPC, es Consejera Clínica Profesional Licenciada y está certificada por la National Board for Certified Counselors. Obtuvo su Maestría en Ciencias en Psicología de Consejería Clínica en 2018 en Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine. Además, es Profesional Certificada en Trauma Infantil y Adolescente por Evergreen Certifications. La experiencia clínica de Kayla incluye trabajo en escuelas terapéuticas alternativas, escuelas públicas, práctica privada y clínicas comunitarias de salud mental.
Kayla tiene experiencia trabajando con personas que enfrentan diversas dificultades de salud mental como ansiedad, depresión, baja autoestima, exploración de identidad, trauma y problemas en relaciones. Gran parte de su trabajo ha sido directamente con niños y adolescentes en entornos escolares, apoyando en retos como ansiedad, depresión, ausentismo escolar, trauma, duelo, manejo de relaciones, tolerancia a la frustración y regulación emocional, entre otros.
Kayla adapta sus intervenciones terapéuticas según las necesidades y preferencias de cada cliente. Utiliza Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual (TCC), estrategias de autocompasión, mindfulness, técnicas de relajación, entrenamiento en habilidades de afrontamiento y un enfoque cognitivo-conductual y centrado en soluciones para ayudar a sus clientes a alcanzar sus metas.
