About Makayla
Makayla Martin is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LISW-CP) who helps people manage stress, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, and depression. She works with people facing big life changes and supports those trying to find more balance and purpose. Makayla is based in Virginia and brings five years of clinical experience to her work.
She offers a warm and compassionate approach. Sessions focus on practical skills and clear steps people can try between meetings.
Background and approach
Makayla uses techniques that help process difficult memories, reduce negative thinking, and build steady coping habits. Her practice pays attention to patterns in relationships and how they affect daily life. She helps people untangle attachment concerns, improve communication, and manage feelings like guilt or shame.
She also addresses isolation, workplace stress, money worries, and issues common to young adults and veterans. Makayla blends evidence-based methods with an emphasis on kindness and self-compassion. The work is collaborative - goals are set together and adjusted as progress is made.
Clients can expect straightforward conversations about challenges and practical tools to try at home. Sessions are offered in English and delivered through video calls, phone, live chat, or text messaging. Makayla holds the SC LISW-CP 17440 credential and VA LCSW 0904017791 and maintains practice rooted in respectful care and real-world problem solving.
Approaches that guide online sessions
Makayla uses several evidence-based techniques to help people address distress and rebuild coping. Cognitive processing approaches focus on how thoughts and beliefs about events affect feelings and behavior; they help reduce stuck or negative thinking after difficult experiences. Acceptance and commitment methods teach ways to notice painful thoughts or feelings without getting overwhelmed, and to act on values-based goals even when emotions are strong. Compassion-focused practices build self-kindness and reduce harsh self-criticism by encouraging a gentler inner tone.Choosing the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped in the past. Together they try methods and adjust as needed so the work fits the person’s life and intentions.
Online sessions use video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy more flexible. Video is useful for deeper conversations and learning new skills with visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat or messaging lets people check in between meetings, share quick updates, or work through shorter exercises without scheduling a full video call.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Makayla often address?
How would you describe the therapeutic style?
What is her clinical background?
Where is she licensed and based?
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Are international clients supported?
What session formats are available?
How do I begin therapy with her?
Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Anger management
- Self esteem
Also works with
- Experience
- 5 years
- Licensed
- Virginia, South Carolina
- Languages
- English