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LMHC

Kayla "Kai" Coca, LMHC

  • Experience4 years
  • LocationNew York
  • Focus areasLGBT, Trauma and abuse, and Coaching
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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About Kayla

Kayla "Kai" Coca is a New York licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with four years of clinical experience following an extended period doing crisis work.

Background and approach

Kai brings a trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming frame to sessions and draws on an eclectic mix of evidence-informed methods to meet each client's distinct goals and circumstances. They emphasize client expertise in personal narratives and build on individual strengths to address challenges like trauma, identity concerns, mood differences, and attention-related difficulties.

Therapy with Kai centers on collaboration and respect for how people understand themselves. Sessions are shaped around practical skills and reflective exploration, adapting techniques to fit sensory needs, communication styles, and cultural context.

Topics often addressed include LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, ADHD, attachment and family of origin matters, body image, chronic illness, and a range of multicultural and identity experiences. Kai communicates in English and practices in New York as a licensed provider committed to meeting people where they are.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Access

Internal Family Systems helps people explore different internal parts with curiosity and compassion, supporting work with identity, self-leadership, and parts that hold trauma or protective roles. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and building psychological flexibility through acceptance and committed action, which can aid with mood challenges and life direction. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship where the therapist follows the client's lead to support growth and self-understanding.

Kai approaches choosing and combining these methods collaboratively, recognizing that finding the right fit is part of therapy. The therapist will work with clients to identify goals, preferences, and practical needs, then tailor techniques from these approaches to suit what feels most useful for the individual.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which provide flexibility for scheduling and allow people to connect from home or other comfortable settings. These formats make it easier to access ongoing support around work, caregiving, mobility, or geographic barriers while maintaining consistent contact with a licensed professional who adapts interventions for remote sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist address?
Kai works with a variety of concerns including LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, coaching needs, and ADHD, as well as related topics like attachment, body image, chronic illness, dissociation, and multicultural concerns.
What is the therapeutic style and approach?
The approach is trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming, using an eclectic mix of methods tailored to client goals, needs, and situations.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
The clinician holds four years of formal therapy experience following many years working in crisis settings prior to that clinical practice.
What credentials and location are listed?
The therapist is licensed as an LMHC in New York with license number NY LMHC 016296 and practices in New York.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and the therapist is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are offered?
Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and availability.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Pricing varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

LGBTTrauma and abuseCoachingADHD

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsDissociationEating and food-related issuesFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsGender dysphoriaHearing impairedLife purposeMood disordersMulticultural concernsPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-harmSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Psychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

4+ years

Licensed

New York

Languages

English