At Wildflower, we are committed to fostering a world that celebrates the uniqueness of every individual, where human worth is inherent and unquestioned. As part of our dedication to trauma-informed care, antiracism, social justice advocacy, and sex positivity, we proudly support and welcome all who identify under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. This Pride Month, we highlight…
As a queer and polyamorous therapist, I am passionate about working with queer and trans people, polyamorous individuals and relationships, kink and BDSM communities, and folks living life outside the religious traditions they were raised in. I particularly enjoy working with couples who are exploring opening their relationship or otherwise restructuring their relationship. I also work with triads, polycules, metamours, and other non-monogamous relationship configurations around communication and conflict, jealousy and insecurity, dating and breakups, and rethinking relationships. My background includes working with clients who have experienced relational and religious traumas, and I firmly believe that healing from these traumas can occur through the therapeutic relationship we co-create together. I also enjoy working with people who are experiencing shame around stigmatizing topics, exploring gender and sexuality, struggling with sexual concerns such as low desire and sexual dissatisfaction, and healing from diet culture and disordered eating. I also work with individuals and couples who are forming a family (in all the many ways that can occur), and who are navigating perinatal and reproductive mental health challenges, including queer family planning and (in)fertility, postpartum depression and anxiety, and abortion experiences. My goal is to create a space where you can bring your full self without judgment, especially the parts of yourself that you might be ashamed of or embarrassed about. Together, we can make meaning out of your experiences, fight shame with curiosity and self-compassion, and support you in living your authentic, values-based life. My approach to working together is compassionate and warm while also challenging you to grow and make peace with uncomfortable emotions. I draw from principles of Psychodynamic Therapy, Relational Cultural Theory, Internal Family Systems, Attachment-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Health at Every Size, and Somatic therapies, and practice from a trauma-informed perspective and feminist and anti-racist lens. I earned my bachelor of science from Johnson & Wales University and my master of social work from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. Prior to my graduate studies, I worked for several years in nonprofit administration, fundraising, and in adult sex education. The latter taught me so much about the significance of our relationships with our own bodies and sexualities and about the power of healing from shame in order to live authentically as our truest selves. LSW License Number: 150110927 Supervised by: Kate Ernstrom, LCSW, PMH-C, CST Type 1 NPI Number: 1194402859 Accepts: BCBS PPO and Blue Choice plans, self-pay clients
Pronouns
she/her/hersSelected training and affiliation
Trauma Informed Care training LGBTQ+ affirming services Polyamory and kink affirming services Psychodrama training Psychodynamic therapy training Family therapy training Health at Every Size training Gottman Method Level 1 and Level 2 Couples Therapy Training Member of Postpartum Support InternationalKey beliefs
“All that you touch, you change. All that you change, changes you. The only lasting truth is change.” - Octavia Butler, Parable of the SowerMore about me
I am a bit of a hobby hopper! I love diving deeply into new hobbies (embroidery, gardening, puzzles) for several months at a time and then hopping onto something new – or back to something old – to keep my curious brain satisfied.
Therapist Spotlight: Kayla Wingert, MA, LSW
Kayla is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. Among others, Kayla is passionate about working with queer and trans people, polyamorous individuals and relationships, kink and BDSM communities, and folks living life outside the religious traditions they were raised in. Kayla’s approach is warm, compassionate, and direct. Prior to her graduate studies, Kayla worked for several years…
Celebrating Pride Month: A Comprehensive Resource Guide
At Wildflower, we’re celebrating Pride Month by offering a wealth of resources to support the LGBTQIA+ community. We are committed to creating a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are. As part of our unwavering dedication to trauma-informed care, antiracism, and social justice advocacy, we proudly stand as allies to…
Cultivating Polysecurity in a Monogamist Culture
You’re on the road less traveled–navigating consensual non-monogamy in a monogamist culture. You value this way of being in relationship with others and you also struggle with insecurity, jealousy, anger, and fear of abandonment. Your monogamous friends say things like, “I don’t know how you do it. I couldn’t. I’m just too jealous.” And while…
How to Cope with Election Anxiety
How to Cope with Election Anxiety The 2022 Midterm Elections are right around the corner. Do you have a voting plan? How about a “coping with election anxiety” plan? Election season can stir up anxiety for many of us because electing new public leaders can offer us hope for a better future or leave us…
