Kayla "Kai" Coca, LMHC

Kayla "Kai" Coca is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in New York with four years of direct therapy experience following many years of crisis work. Kayla brings a trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming, eclectic approach that adapts to each person’s goals, needs, and circumstances. She centers the lived experience of the individual, recognizing that people are the experts on their own stories and that existing strengths are powerful tools for navigating challenges.

Kayla’s practice emphasizes collaboration and respect, offering practical strategies alongside empathetic support. She helps clients identify priorities, build skills, and explore deeper patterns that affect day-to-day functioning and relationships. Beginning therapy can require a great deal of courage, and Kayla affirms that first step while guiding clients toward the progress they hope to make.

With a focus on LGBT care, trauma and abuse, coaching, and ADHD, Kayla also addresses a wide range of related concerns including attachment issues, family dynamics, body image, and mood disorders. Her LMHC credential indicates professional training and licensing to provide mental health counseling in New York.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Kayla "Kai" Coca

Kayla integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into her work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and developing willingness to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while taking meaningful action - it can be useful for anxiety, low mood, and motivation challenges. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy and nonjudgmental listening, creating space for clients to lead sessions and explore their own solutions - this approach supports self-exploration and building self-awareness. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical tools to identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts and patterns, which is helpful for mood disorders, stress, and behavioral change.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Kayla works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Sessions may blend elements from different approaches to match the person in front of her and the challenges they bring.

Online therapy with Kayla is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for scheduling and accessibility for people with busy lives or mobility concerns. These options allow clients to engage in ongoing work from locations that are convenient, enabling consistent progress and easier coordination around daily responsibilities.