- Gestalt influences
- Motivational interviewing
- Solution focused work
About Zaya
Zaya Kuykendall is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with 16 years in the helping field. She practices in California and focuses on common life stresses such as anxiety, relationship strain, addiction concerns, grief, anger, parenting strain, and career challenges. Zaya presents herself as a practical clinician who helps people reconnect with themselves and regain emotional balance.
She describes her work as collaborative. Sessions begin with identifying goals and priorities. She helps clients recognize feelings, sort through unfinished issues, and make clear next steps. Conversations are direct and meant to produce concrete shifts in daily life.
Zaya uses an eclectic approach with strong influences from Gestalt therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy. That mix guides her to notice what is happening in the moment, draw out motivation for change, and focus on workable solutions. She offers support and feedback aimed at building personal strengths.
Her background includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling earned in 2004. Over the years she has gained experience with domestic violence, child development and parenting, familial conflict, women’s issues, and substance use. She has practiced in individual, group, family, couples, and e-therapy settings.
Zaya frames therapy as treatment for mental wounds - identifying problematic thinking, addressing past trauma, and developing a plan of care. She invites openness and honest dialogue to help people move forward and find steadier emotional ground.
Approaches that translate to online sessions
Gestalt-influenced work focuses on what is happening in the moment during a session. It helps people notice bodily and emotional signals and connect them to thoughts and behavior, useful for anger, relationship strain, and emotional regulation.Motivational interviewing is a conversational method that helps people find their own reasons to change. It’s short-term and practical, and it can help with addictions, ambivalence about change, and building motivation for new habits.
Solution-focused techniques concentrate on small, practical steps that move someone toward their goals. This approach highlights strengths and past successes and works well for stress, coping with life changes, and specific behavior shifts.
Finding the right mix of these approaches is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each client to choose methods that fit their goals and preferences. That means trying things, checking what helps, and adjusting as work proceeds.
Practical benefits of online work include easier fitting of sessions into a busy week and shorter check-ins when needed. Some clients prefer not being on camera and opt for phone-style sessions to reduce visual fatigue. Confirm current session options before booking so you know which formats are available and how they can fit into your routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Experience
16+ years
Listed in
New York, Virginia, New Jersey, California, Utah
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma, grief, depression, anger, parenting challenges, sleep and eating concerns, career transitions, bipolar, ADHD, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is collaborative and practical. She combines moment-to-moment noticing with motivational techniques and solution-focused work to help clients make concrete changes.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 16 years working in the helping field, including ten years practicing as a psychotherapist.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She holds LMHC and LPCC credentials and practices in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can I work with her from outside the United States?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography mentions work in e-therapy platforms. Confirm current session options before booking to know which formats are offered now.
How does cost and scheduling work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. To begin, complete the short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.