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You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.

​

Wild Geese, Mary Oliver

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About Me.

Hi, I’m Caila (sounds like “Kayla”), a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Associate in Washington State with a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families navigate life's joys, and complexities that come with being a living breathing being. ​I grew up in Massachusetts and moved to Seattle in 2009. I live in South Seattle with my wife, kiddo, and dog.

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My Approach:

 

My approach is rooted in providing culturally and experientially relevant services, with a focus on the whole picture- from family of origin and chosen family, food and nutrition, medication adherence strategies, creating rituals, and on. I bring empathy, authenticity, warmth, and a good side of humor to every session. My practice is grounded in psychodrama and Internal Family Systems (IFS).

 

Who I Work With:


I work with adults 18+ navigating life’s transitions, challenges, and opportunities. This includes individuals experiencing:

  • Anxiety, stress, and burnout.

  • Life transitions, such as career changes, relationship shifts, or caregiving responsibilities.

  • Trauma and past traumas and hurts seeking resolution.

  • Chronic medical conditions or new diagnoses.

  • Caregivers- adult children caregiving aging parents, etc. 

  • Relationship challenges, including family dynamics and chosen families.

  • LGBTQ+ identities and experiences.

Education

2008-2009

Master's in Social Work
University of Pennsylvania

I studied social work at UPenn and interned at the LGBT Center at UPenn and volunteered at the Alzheimer's Association. Here I deepened my passion for working with the queer community, with caregivers, and with people facing life changes and transitions. I also developed a love for Philly during this time.

2003-2008

Bachelors in Social Work

Psychology/Spanish
Syracuse University

I studied social work, psychology, and Spanish at Syracuse. My social work internship was with the Alzheimer's Association. 

Services

I offer weekly therapy to people living in WA State. We can meet in person, virtually, or a little bit of both as our schedules allow.

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