Authentic Therapy for Adolescents and Adults
Specializing in remote, online Telehealth from the comfort of your own space.
About Me
Hello! I’m Makayla (she/they)
Licensed Therapist, Licensed Addiction Specialist, former RN
The therapeutic relationship can account for up to 30% of client outcomes in therapy. It is okay to want to feel connected to your counselor and to feel like they are utilizing modalities that are approachable to you. Many of us don’t want to simply be listened to, to be told “that must be hard”. We want real conversation, to feel like we are teaming up with someone in pursuit of our journey.
Things To Know
I’m straightforward. I strive to be authentic and honest with my clients. Many of the people I work with express that past experiences in therapy felt difficult because their counselor often only mirrored back what they were saying and failed to give feedback beyond this. I will not stare at you and nod, nor will I only repeat back what you are saying. We will have a real conversation, where there will be challenge, humor, laughing, crying, and calling out our BS. You are here because you are seeking help!
I won’t tell you it’s all okay. Being told that “everything is fine” may be part of what got you here. In an attempt to feel less uncomfortable themselves, people often push us out of our uncomfortable spaces. In this way, we stuff down the difficult emotions until the pressure bursts us from the inside. Your life may be very hard, and it’s good to recognize that. We will be in that hard place together, whatever it is, for as long as we need to be there.
I use a humanistic, person-centered approach, that is highly validating while using gentle challenging and lots of humor. Being a human can be really hard. We are all doing the best we can.
It won’t always be serious. It’s okay for therapy to be funny or laid back. Bringing humor into difficult conversations can increase the safety of the space.
My Approach & Values
Framework: I am an eclectic counselor, and I may utilize a variety of techniques in our work together depending on your unique needs. Techniques we may use are rooted in attachment theory, generational trauma and patterns, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and polyvagal theory. Above all, I see all of my clients through a humanistic, person-centered lens. There is no one size fits all framework. Therapy will shape and move to fit you, not the other way around.
I work to dismantle systems of oppression and ableism and lift up marginalized communities and individuals. I provide sexuality and gender-affirming counseling.
My Background
I received my bachelor’s degree in Nursing in 2015, after working in healthcare for many years. I have worked in a variety of units, including oncology, trauma, neuro ICU, medsurg, and neuro/ortho surgical. I worked in both hospital and outpatient settings.
In 2022 I received my Masters’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Carolina University. During the years I worked on this degree I was simultaneously working in the addiction field as a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. I have years of experience providing space for young adults moving through recovery.
Many of the areas I counsel in are areas that I have been personally invested myself. My belief is that life is meant to be lived, but we are easily overwhelmed by the realities of how hard life can be. None of us chose to be the victims of trauma, addiction, illness, or burnout. We can however make the choice to live in spite of those things.
Substance Use and Ongoing Recovery
I work with people in active use, early recovery, or long term maintenance. I utilize a harm reduction approach, that finds the grey area in a society that wants to view substance use as black and white. Recovery sucks sometimes, we'll accept that and move into a better place together.
Chronic Illness & Health Conditions
There is no one way to live with a new diagnosis or chronic illness, but one unifying factor is often the lack of validation and understanding from others. I am here as your advocate.
Healthcare and Emergency Responders
Mental health in the healthcare world is often under represented. Burnout, trauma, and lack of resources often leads to coping mechanisms that help us survive, but ultimately dont serve us.
Adolescent Focused Counseling
I offer support for adolescents age 15-17, who need a space outside of the school or family system to move through stress, life events, mental health difficulties, and the myriad of other circumstances that come with this stage of life.
Contact Me
Ask a question or book an appointment below. You can also contact me at Hello@MakaylaMarieCounseling.com
For emergencies call 911 or contact Asheville mobile crisis at 888-573-1006