Who I Am
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I'm Kaila Laxa, PhD, LMHC, LPC.
I’m a trauma informed, holistic therapist who believes healing is about more than learning how to cope or simply getting through the day. It’s about understanding yourself on a deeper level, healing the parts of you that have been carrying too much for too long, and learning how to trust yourself again.
I work with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, burnout, self doubt, and patterns that leave them feeling stuck or disconnected from themselves. My approach brings together traditional therapy with mind, body and spiritual perspectives, allowing us to look at the whole person; not just a diagnosis or a list of symptoms.
My doctoral training is in spiritual counseling, and I’m licensed to provide therapy in Hawaiʻi, Washington, and Virginia. But beyond the credentials, I want therapy to feel like a space where you can actually be yourself. You don’t have to have the right words, have everything figured out, or show up as the most “put together“ version of yourself.
As a military spouse, Filipino-American therapist, and LGBTQ+ affirming clinician, I value creating a space where you feel genuinely seen, respected, and understood while doing the deeper work of healing, rebuilding self trust, and creating a life that feels more like your own.
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I believe therapy works best when it feels like a real partnership. I’m not here to just sit back and listen, and I’m definitely not here to tell you how to live your life. My role is to help you understand yourself on a deeper level, recognize the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and figure out what meaningful change actually looks like for you.
Together, we’ll look at the bigger picture, such as: your thoughts, emotions, relationships, past experiences, lifestyle, and nervous system. Then we will look at how all of those pieces connect. We’ll also work on practical tools you can use outside of our sessions, because the goal isn’t to stay in therapy forever. It’s to help you build the self awareness, confidence, and trust in yourself to navigate life differently.
There’s no “one size fits all” way to heal, so our work will be shaped around who you are, what you’ve experienced, and where you want to go.
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Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and you don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong, what you need, or even where to start. You can show up exactly as you are, and we’ll figure it out together.
You can expect a space where you can be honest without feeling judged, supported without feeling coddled, and challenged when it can help you grow. Our work will be collaborative and intentional, but it will also leave room for whatever you need that day. Some sessions may involve digging deeper into patterns or past experiences, while others may focus on what’s happening in your life right now.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, burnout, trauma, relationship challenges, or a major life transition, we’ll work at a pace that feels right for you while helping you better understand yourself, build resilience, and develop a stronger sense of trust in yourself and the choices you make.
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Outside of the therapy room, I’m a wife, mom, and cat mom, so life is usually a mix of family time, everyday chaos, and trying to make time for the things I genuinely enjoy. You’ll usually find me reading a good book, planning my next trip, roller skating, going to a concert or festival, or spending time with my family.
I believe there’s so much more to life than constantly working on yourself. Healing matters, but so does actually enjoying the life you’re creating..finding joy, having new experiences, feeling connected to the people you love, and making space for the things that make you feel like you.
That perspective is a big part of how I approach therapy, too. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s building a life that feels meaningful, fulfilling, and genuinely yours.
