Mikayla Bavaro, LSW

I believe every person has value and purpose, and that no one is a mistake; everyone has a life worth living. My mission in life is to walk alongside people whose hearts are hurting, to hold space, and be a vessel of love and light. Whether working with a child, teen, or adult, I meet clients where they are on their journey and help them see that they are not an accident, but a person worthy of dignity, love, and respect.

Experience

I have been privileged with many diverse opportunities as a social worker: former experiences include work with at-risk youth in both mentoring and foster care settings, as well as internships where I have worked closely with survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. I have experience with community organizing and fundraising and have passionately served in my church’s high school ministry for years. Before entering private practice, I spent a year working in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, where I worked closely with a multidisciplinary team and with those experiencing acute mental illness, including bipolar disorder, personality disorders, trauma, and psychosis.

Specialties

Play Therapy: Child-Play-Therapy; Adlerian; Client centered and more…

I quickly developed a passion and skillset for working with children ages 5-10 experiencing depression, anxiety, and trauma using play therapy. Within the context of an inviting playroom and trusted “playmate,” children process their emotions, build self-esteem and autonomy, learn problem solving and emotional regulation skills. I see caregivers as an integral part of the play therapy process and highly value connecting and building relationships with the whole family as I walk alongside a child. I am training in child play therapy and an Adlerian theoretical framework for best outcomes for our children and families.

Specialties

Play Therapy: Child-Play-Therapy; Adlerian; Client centered and more…

I quickly developed a passion and skillset for working with children ages 5-10 experiencing depression, anxiety, and trauma using play therapy. Within the context of an inviting playroom and trusted “playmate,” children process their emotions, build self-esteem and autonomy, learn problem solving and emotional regulation skills. I see caregivers as an integral part of the play therapy process and highly value connecting and building relationships with the whole family as I walk alongside a child. I am training in child play therapy and an Adlerian theoretical framework for best outcomes for our children and families.

Kids and Teens:

I have a heart for children and teens and young adults. I understand teens who struggle and really love to connect at their level, right where they are, to provide a safe and understanding space where teens feel free to express their pain, hurts, emotions and experiences. I use creative ways to connect with teens and support not only the teens but the family; wholistic care is an key part of caring for teens; caring for the whole family cares for teens.

Trauma and Addiction: Motivational Interviewing, Client Centered; Trauma Informed Care; Unconditional Positive Regard; Family Systems, Faith-Based Therapy...

One area of special interest for me is individuals experiencing trauma and addiction, whether it is the individual themselves or a loved one of someone with an addiction. My graduate education was concentrated on addictions; I am currently working toward my Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification, to provide specialized care to this unique population. I am familiar with the pattern of addiction, understand it is a complex, difficult road to walk, and focus on seeing the “person behind the substance use,” as individuals pursue healing and recovery, one day at a time.

Trauma and Addiction: Motivational Interviewing, Client Centered; Trauma Informed Care; Unconditional Positive Regard; Family Systems, Faith-Based Therapy

One area of special interest for me is individuals experiencing trauma and addiction, whether it is the individual themselves or a loved one of someone with an addiction. My graduate education was concentrated on addictions; I am currently working toward my Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certification, to provide specialized care to this unique population. I am familiar with the pattern of addiction, understand it is a complex, difficult road to walk, and focus on seeing the “person behind the substance use,” as individuals pursue healing and recovery, one day at a time.

How I help

I would describe my approach as humanistic and experiential, focusing on exploring who my clients are, who they want to be, and how they want to get there. I balance a warm, nondirective style with compassionate directness and challenge clients to grow beyond their comfort zone. My therapeutic inspiration comes from Carl Rogers; I primarily use person-centered therapy, as well as weave in approaches that focus on how an individual’s values, emotions, relationships, and past experiences show up in the therapy space. For clients who desire a more structured and direct approach, I utilized cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and solution focused on brief therapy. As a Christian, I love working with other people of faith who wish to incorporate their religious or spiritual beliefs into their therapeutic work. I will weave faith into multiple therapy modalities based on the client’s wishes.

More About Me

As a “social introvert,” my favorite things involve a balance of spontaneous adventures with friends and family and retreats in my cozy studio with my two cats, Sprinkles and Bandit. I love exploring local coffee shops, binge watching or listening to true crime podcasts, documentaries, or reality TV; I enjoy painting by number or jigsaw puzzles, all the while drinking more coffee. I would consider myself to be a whimsical, free spirit and love walking outside, cooking, planning my next tattoo, shopping for the next “perfect” book, apartment decor, or item for play therapy. My favorite days are those where I have no plans and just delight in the Lord’s blessings over my life.