Credential Type:	License
Type:	LCSW, LICSW
License State:	VA, DC, TX, PA, OH, FL
Therapy I Offer	Testing Services CBT, DBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, TTRPG Therapy, Mindful-Based, Solution Focused
My Languages	English
Schedule Today	Call For Testing Services

ABOUT ME

Kayla Balensiefer, LCSW, is a passionate therapist who specializes in working with teens and adults navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, and depression. With over a decade of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families, she has spent the past three years focusing on neurodivergent individuals—helping them build confidence, emotional insight, and stronger relationships.

Kayla earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from Purdue University and her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, where she concentrated on children and families with a subconcentration in military social work. As a former Army Family Readiness Group leader, she understands the unique challenges faced by military families and brings that insight into her work.

Creative and client-centered, Kayla meets people where they are in their journey. She is a Certified Geek Therapist and trained Therapeutic Game Master, integrating tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons into group therapy to make emotional growth and social skill-building more accessible and fun.

Whether she’s helping someone manage executive functioning challenges, process grief, or feel more empowered in their identity, Kayla leads with curiosity, compassion, and deep respect for her clients’ lived experiences. Outside of therapy, she’s an avid gamer, LEGO builder, and Star Wars fan who believes that geek culture can be a powerful tool for healing, connection, and growth.

My Therapy Approach

My therapy style is collaborative, warm, and grounded in respect for each client’s unique lived experience. I work from a neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based perspective, with a focus on building self-awareness, emotional resilience, and authentic connection. I often integrate elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and narrative therapy, while also drawing from creative and geek-culture-based interventions when they align with client interests.

I specialize in working with neurodivergent teens and adults—particularly those navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, executive functioning challenges, and identity development. I enjoy helping clients better understand how their brains work, build effective coping tools, and feel more confident in who they are.

I believe therapy should be a space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered. I strive to build strong relationships by being genuine, nonjudgmental, and curious. I often work best with individuals who may have felt out of place in traditional spaces and are looking for a therapist who “gets” their world—whether that includes fandom, gaming, or simply thinking differently.

Ultimately, I aim to create a space where people can explore, grow, and reconnect with their own sense of self and purpose.

“Hope is like the sun. If you only believe in it when you see it, you’ll never make it through the night” – Leia Organa