Kayla Hughes, MSW, LGSW

Licensed Graduate Social Worker

kaylah@irismentalhealthmn.com | (651) 689-3372

You can expect your work with me to be grounded in safety, non-judgment, anti-oppression, authenticity, and empathy as we collaborate through the healing process.
— Kayla Hughes
Experience

Kayla (she/her/hers) is a strengths-based social worker who believes who we are and how we are is shaped by our upbringing, identities, and the cultures we exist within. She believes these influences can impact how we cope with stressors, interact with the world, behave in relationships, and approach therapy. Kayla takes a person-centered approach, meaning the work is done together and is tailored to your experiences, needs, and goals.

Her training is grounded in trauma-informed, gender-affirming, LGBTQ+ affirming, and anti-oppressive frameworks. She is working towards her LICSW (under the supervision of Rachel Barr, LICSW, LADC), and she is also an Experienced Registered Yoga Instructor.

Kayla provides individual therapy for people ages 13+. She sees clients via teletherapy.

Education: BA in Psychology and Religion from Hamline University; MSW (Social Work) from the University of Minnesota.

Advanced Training/Certification:

  • PSI Perinatal Mental Health 2-Day Certificate Course

  • PSI Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Course

License: MN- LGSW#31141

Therapy Approach

Specialties:

  • Perinatal mental health

  • Transition to Parenthood

  • Challenges in Parenthood

  • Trauma

  • Relationships

  • Life Transitions

  • ADHD in adulthood

Modalities:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Relational Therapy

  • Mindfulness-Based Therapies

  • Attachment Theories

  • Mind/Body Integration

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Personal

What are your interests outside of work? Spending time outdoors, playing with my kids, running, fishing, time with loved ones, any kind of exercise, and enjoying all Minneapolis has to offer.

Do you have any pets? Penny the rescue pup!

What are your favorite books and podcasts? The Four Agreements, anything by Thich Nhat Hanh or Pema Chodron. Podcasts I love are: Unruffled, Good Inside, Happy as a Mother, Code Switch, Parenting for the Culture, Doin' The Work.

Favorite quote: “Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” -Mary Oliver