Kayla Cummings

Hi there! I’m Kayla Cummings, and I hold a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on trauma from Grand Canyon University. My journey started at Arizona State University, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a secondary discipline in Human Development. From there, I dove into teaching special education and behavioral education for grades K-8. This experience gave me deep insights into working with children who face trauma, mental health challenges, and behavioral issues.

As a trauma survivor myself, including the profound loss of a partner, I’m deeply passionate about helping both children and adults heal from their pasts and thrive in their lives. I’ve had the privilege of completing an internship at The Serin Neurohealth Center, where I trained in innovative therapeutic methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and neurofeedback.

Under the mentorship of skilled neuropsychologists and psychologists, I refined my ability to conduct therapy sessions tailored to the unique needs of children and adolescents with trauma. My approach is integrative, combining EMDR and play therapy with evidence-based techniques like CBT and DBT. I’ve not only led therapy sessions but also have experience administering psychological assessments, facilitating neurofeedback sessions, and developing personalized treatment plans using precise data to encourage client growth and healing. 

I’m also dedicated to my own ongoing growth, actively participating in professional associations like the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the Arizona Counseling Association (AzCa). These memberships help me stay current with the latest advancements and connect with others in the field to bring the best options to my clients so that they can be the best version of themselves. 

In my personal life, I have channeled my love of writing and literature into creating a children’s therapy book titled “Felix the Feelings Ferret’s EMDR Adventure: A Journey to Happy Memories” which I hope to publish soon. I am also a ferret enthusiast, having a strong affinity for these curious and playful creatures, I often dedicate time and effort to ensure their well-being and happiness. Beyond my passion for ferrets, I love immersing myself in nature. I particularly enjoy spelunking—exploring caves and hiking. I am also quite fond of reading, mostly fantasy and classic literature, as well as watching foreign animation. Currently, I am undertaking the task of learning to play the harp, so I can add that to my repertoire of hobbies.