It's Complicated

Kayla Nickells

Counsellor & Somatic Coach

Verified by It's Complicated
Available for new clients
My therapy work supports english-speakers all over the world to understand themselves more deeply, so that they can live a more joy-filled, truthful, & authentic life through somatic, attachment, and psychodynamic work.

I specialise in:

At a glance
Lisbon, PortugalAvailable in-person and online
Last active
Offers free 30 minute introductory callThis provider offers a free introductory call
Illustration of a smiling sun peeking over a cloud, symbolizing warmth and positivity for connecting with the therapist.
Usually responds within 12 hours

About me

I hold a masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and am certified in trauma and attachment informed Somatic Experiencing, as well as Gottman Method couples work certified. I have been founding Forest Schools in the US for a decade and made the shift to counseling after realizing that the times that I felt most fulfilled were those in which I got to explore empathetic attunement, nature-based mindfulness practices, and somatics with my students and their families. I have also lived in several countries and understand the specific challenges that come along with being an expat. I have been through my own attachment and relational struggles, parenting journeys, and trauma healing--so I Iead with a great deal of experience. To understand another's story and be a mirror for growth is a great honor! I work with individuals, couples, and parents interested in conscious connection and education. Book a free consultation call here--https://calendly.com/nickells/consultation.

I speak:

English

Location:

Lisbon, Portugal

Approach

Treatment Approaches
IFS: Internal Family SystemsRecommended for those who want to explore and heal the different parts of themselves that might feel conflicted or overwhelmed.
Psychodynamic therapyRecommended for those looking to explore their emotions deeply and understand how past experiences shape their present life.
Somatic ExperiencingRecommended for those who want to use the mind-body connection to address the effects of trauma and restore natural regulation of the nervous system.
I blend psychodynamic, IFS, and mindfulness-based approaches with my Somatic Experiencing practice. There is no one-size-fits-all in therapy and we are all on unique journeys. My belief in tying in somatic experiencing to all that I do, stems from the belief that we cannot be attuned to others before we are attuned to self. Somatic experiencing is a beautiful modality that enables us to get more in tune with and connect to our whole being--cognitive, physical and spiritual. Society values the mind, but the body is full of wisdom that can often remain shut down until we re-learn how to connect the mind, body, and intuition. My focus on attachment comes from the belief that identifying patterns and attachment styles are pivotal in helping us understand the parts of our past that are showing up in our present, and keeping us from being the person or living the life that we truly desire. We cannot forget that we are relational beings. How are we showing up in relationship and how do we desire for others to be in relationship with us? Let's begin your journey of attuning to self and other!

Experience

2014-2023 Founder of 3 Forest Schools in the US 2014-2023 Socio-emotional, somatic, and nature-based educator for children and parents 2023-Present Private Practice Therapeutic Coaching for individuals, couples, and parents

Education

MA; Clinical Mental Health Counseling Somatic Experiencing Certification Gottman Method Couples Certification

Services

Intro Call

Free 30 min Online & In-person

Individual Session

€90 1 hr Online & In-person

couples or family session

€125 1 hr Online & In-person

Insurances

Private Pay
At a glance
Lisbon, PortugalAvailable in-person and online
Last active
Offers free 30 minute introductory callThis provider offers a free introductory call
Illustration of a smiling sun peeking over a cloud, symbolizing warmth and positivity for connecting with the therapist.
Usually responds within 12 hours
Next available: Jun 15