- Trauma-informed
- Neurodivergent-affirming
- Goal-focused
About Kayla
Kayla "Kai" Coca is a licensed mental health counselor practicing in New York. Kai has four years of direct therapy experience and previously did crisis work. They describe their approach as trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming, and they center each session on the client’s goals and strengths.
Kai meets people where they are and focuses on practical steps. Sessions often start by identifying what matters most to the client. From there Kai works alongside the person to try small changes and build skills that fit daily life.
Their work covers a wide range of concerns including LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, ADHD, and coaching for life direction. Kai also takes on topics such as attachment concerns, autism and Asperger syndrome, body image, chronic illness and disability, and communication problems.
Kai uses a range of approaches, including Client-Centered Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic methods. These tools are chosen to match each person’s needs rather than used in the same way for everyone.
People who prefer an accepting, collaborative style tend to fit well with Kai. They emphasize listening first, then offering ideas and practices a person can try between sessions. The aim is to help clients feel more able to manage symptoms and make decisions that reflect their priorities.
Starting therapy is framed as a step forward. Kai encourages straightforward conversations about goals, pacing, and what will feel doable from week to week.
How Kai’s approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting what a person says. The therapist follows the client’s lead and helps them name goals and strengths. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, encourages noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck and choosing actions that match values. ACT can help with anxiety, mood concerns, and life direction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and practices concrete skills to change them. CBT is often used for mood and anxiety issues and for building coping strategies.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Kai will talk with each person about which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they try ideas and adjust the plan based on what actually helps in day-to-day life.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, shorten commute time, and allow for quicker check-ins when needed. They can also let people work on skills in the context of everyday routines, which may help with practicing new habits between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Kai commonly address?
Kai works with issues such as LGBT concerns, trauma and abuse, ADHD, and life coaching. They also address attachment, autism, body image, chronic illness, communication, and related topics.
How would you describe their therapy style?
Sessions are collaborative and client-centered, with a trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming lens. Kai listens first, then suggests practical steps and skills to try between sessions.
What background does Kai bring to therapy?
Kai has four years of therapy experience and prior crisis work. That background informs a calm, practical approach when responding to urgent concerns and everyday struggles.
Where is Kai licensed and based?
Kai is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC, licensed in New York and practices there.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does Kai work with international clients?
Kai does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved in getting started?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.