Kayla Ernst, LPC

Kayla Ernst, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), works with people who struggle with persistent self-criticism, intrusive memories, and repetitive thoughts that feel controlling or isolating. Her approach acknowledges how those internal messages and past experiences can make individuals feel stuck and powerless, and she focuses on helping clients reclaim a sense of agency over their lives.

Her therapeutic aim is to support clients in taking the lead in their own healing rather than allowing inner critics, past wounds, or fear-driven patterns to dictate actions. She relies on Internal Family Systems (IFS) to help clients identify and care for wounded parts in a safe, guided way. For processing traumatic memories, she uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help people revisit and reorganize painful experiences. She also integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to clarify values and encourage actions that align with a more meaningful life.

Treatment is collaborative and tailored to each person’s goals and needs. Sessions blend exploration, skills practice, and targeted interventions so clients build practical tools and new perspectives. Many clients leave feeling more empowered and better equipped to face challenges, often reporting a noticeable shift in how they relate to themselves and their circumstances.

Throughout the work, Kayla emphasizes compassion for internal parts, concrete strategies for managing symptoms, and purposeful steps toward values-based living, all aimed at creating lasting, practical change.