about kayla lewis, lcmhc

my anxiety story

I'll never forget this. I was in the middle of a biology exam in high school and came across a particularly difficult question. My hands felt numb, my breathing sped up, and my vision got blurry. “What’s happening?” I thought. “I’m losing control.” I couldn't see the test anymore, let alone finish it.

I turned in my exam half blank, and I failed the test. I didn't have the language to tell anyone I was having a panic attack. I left the classroom feeling like a failure, and like something was wrong with me. It wasn't until I started learning about psychology that I realized that was false.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helped me manage my anxiety, and I was able to complete my education.

I developed a passion for counseling because I want to empower people to manage their anxiety with self-compassion and confidence. I've made it my mission to make sure as many people as possible develop the skills and self worthiness to live the lives they want, and understand that they are worthy of respect and consideration.

training

I received a comprehensive education at UNC Greensboro, where I studied subjects including cognition, neuropsychology, personality disorders, and anxiety. During graduate school at North Carolina A&T University, I completed my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.

experience

I have over 9 years of experience in the mental health industry and have worked with children 12+, adolescents and adults. I’ve managed a multi-disciplinary assertive community treatment team (ACT Team), and served populations experiencing severe diagnoses such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder with delusions.

I’ve worked in community health settings, served as an emergency crisis counselor, and have been in private practice since 2021.