Hey, I'm Kayla (she/her).

  • Queer, Denver-based licensed therapist

  • Chicken, dog, & cat mom

  • Mountain biker

  • Perpetual book reader

I'm soft-spoken, direct and warm, but willing to gently nudge you when it matters. I use EMDR, parts work, and attachment-informed therapy because you deserve more than just talking about it. You deserve real change.

So let me tell you a little about how I work…

A spade is a spade with me. 

I have been told that as clients work with me, they find me calm and compassionate. I am soft spoken and thoughtful while at the same time I will challenge you, and be honest and real with you. I’m practical, sincere, and value the therapeutic relationship.

I will bring in the silly, the weird, and have a dry sense of humor that gets infused into our session.

I am also 100% ready to get to work with you and create the change you want. I'm not a great therapist for those who just need to "vent". I'm more like let's feel the feels, do some deeper work, and move through it!  


You have the innate wisdom and inner resources to heal, change, and be happy. I’m here to help you discover the best parts of yourself.

I blend EMDR, ACT, attachment theory, and parts work into our sessions. If you've done therapy before, this will probably feel a little different.

  • Stuck patterns are often a result of childhood experiences and how our brains got wired. Therapy helps us rewire our brains to heal.

  • I take an experiential approach and want you to know some things to do outside of our session.

  • Understanding your early relationships helps you understand your current relationships. We are wired for connection.

  • Depression, anxiety, and ptsd are not terminal, but things you can relate to in a different way.

  • Happiness means living a value driven, meaningful, connected, and present life.

  • Playfulness and authenticity are important in the therapeutic relationship.

More fun facts…

  • Queer as in married to a woman

  • I love everything Colorado, snowboarding, hiking, camping, biking, paddleboarding, mushroom hunting, all of it. 

  • Mountain biking is life in the summer.

  • I love to read at least a book a week. Mostly nonfiction.

  • I garden, have chickens, dogs, and cats. 

  • Power tools are my jam.

  • I grew up in Iowa in a rural area and have the midwest work ethic and politeness. 

What makes me qualified:

  • Licensed Professional Counselor since 2013

  • M.A.  in Community Counseling from Adams State University, 2010

  • EMDR certified 2022

  • EMDR trained, 2018, Maiberger Institute

  • Extensive training in complex trauma, internal family systems, ACT, and EMDR advanced trainings

  • Work experience with people experiencing homelessness, in a crisis center for adolescents and families, a large health organization, and private practices

Think we might vibe?

Let's Get Started

Kayla Nelson Therapy

I provide EMDR and holistic trauma therapy to adults, lgbtqia+ people, high achievers, perfectionists, and people pleasers. Together, we work to make sense of the past, learn to set boundaries, and practice self love so you can love yourself and love the life you’re living.