L A V E L D A
N A Y L O R
LMFT-S/COACH
She/Her/Hers
L A V E L D A
N A Y L O R
LMFT-S/COACH
She/Her/Hers
"No time like the present
to work sh!t out"
-Beastie Boys
ti
© Begin Anywhere LLC
TEXAS LICENSED SYSTEMIC THERAPIST
☆
GLOBAL LIFE COACH
SPECIALITIES
my superskills are...
Relationship Help
conflict
dating fatigue
boundaries
divorce/ breakup
codependency
trust issues
trauma bonding
polycule issues
attachment style
relationship trauma
abandonment fears
communication
poly affirming
LGTBQ+ Support
queer affirming
gender identity
transition plan
coming out
partner conflict
family rejection
stigmatization
queer identity
religious trauma
partner therapy
social trauma
political trauma
kink affirming
Adult Giftedness
chronic cynicism
perfectionism
under-achievement
low belongingness
chronic boredom
empathic overwhelm
high sensitivity (HSP)
over-excitability
moral outrage
imposter syndrome
existential despair
hyperfixations
neurodiversity
Mood Issues
depression
anxiety
phobias
bipolar 1
borderline pd
explosiveness
impulsivity
panic attacks
intrusive thoughts
mood swings
dysthymia
adjustment disorder
CPTSD/PTSD
Coaching
personal growth
relationship growth
work-life balance
decision making
coparenting plans
same-page parenting
family communication
work performance
accountibility partner
networking goals
nomad lifestyle
acculturation goals
making change
"When you don't know where to begin,
just begin anywhere."
-Lavelda Naylor LMFT-S
A P P R O A C H
I have an educational background in philosophy and psychology, have worked in neuroscience research and mental health, but now practice applied systems theory and empowerment coaching in private practice. Each of these lenses helps me identify similarities across clients, the MACRO stuff, but also see what is unique to each client, the MICRO stuff, and both of kinds of information are critical to understanding a person and their system in any kind of meaningful way.
Systems Theory
Systems theory aknowledges that your wellness is dependent on the larger context you exist in (family, work, culture, etc). These structures can be stressful so we form patterns of self protection and generally speaking, they work ...until they dont.
But we are not always aware of a pattern that is no longer working, mostly because we like to keep things the same (homeostasis). So we resist changing our patterns even if they are not serving us well anymore, then we get stuck and fall into chaos--which tells us we need to change, and this is when we will finally seek help. If this sounds familiar, reach out to get unstuck, try some new approaches, and regain your forward movement.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques increases internal resources, improves self awareness, and strengthens attentional control. From a cognitive perspective, mindfulness is quite simply slowing down our mind, directing our attention to the present moment, and observing our brain activity with a nonjudgmental perspective.
Sounds simple right? Give it a try right now. Sit quitely, breath deeply and ask yourself "what am I thinking? what is my body doing? what am I feeling right now? what was I experiencing before I started this activity? If you found it difficult to do this, therapy can help you reach your goals of having more control over your mind and body reactions. Raach out new to get support for slowing down your busy brain.
Experientialism
It is hard to effect change in our behaviors without practice, practice, practice, so as we explore the inner and outer workings of experience in conversation and contemplation, we also must spend our time together actually DOING things differently. Because I use tools and techniques in session meant to provoke an immediate change in your process, you will then be able to practice between sessions what you already did in session.
This is called 'consolidating knowledge', and it speeds up the learning curve a great deal. Consolidation is so helpful because your brain has established a new neural pathway in session that can be accessed more easily between sessions, so when you practice it is more like remembering than learning. This is called 'consolidating knowledge', and it speeds up the learning curve a great deal. I cant wait to show you what I mean!
Emotion Regulation
In general, humans struggle with emotions or feelings, which stems from 2 main issues: 1) an oversensitive defense system developed to mask vulnerability, which we often see as a weakness and 2) as we grow into adulthood, we develop ever more complex feelings that seem to frighten or overwhelm us , cutting off access to reasonable parts of the brain (i.e, the amygdala hyjack) we need to understand our feelings.
Due to increased need for a structured method, I have developed a 5-step tool that when practiced regularly, helps clients become much more emotionally intelligent and better regulated in mood (because unprocessed feelings can build up into poor mood). What's more, clients also report having more empathy for those around them because they have more 'bandwidth' for feelings. If you need better control over your mental space, this tool might be a good fit for you so reach out to me to give it a try.
"Tenderness is a form of existence"
Jean-Paul Sartre
Attachment Theory
When we feel safe and understood by loved ones, we have a secure attachment schema that helps us feel self-confident, trusting, and hopeful about connecting out in the world. Secure attachment also provides us with an ability to understand conflict, respond to intimacy opportunities, and navigate the ups and downs of relationships with relative ease.
Conversly, attachment insecurity can make it hard to regulate emotional experiences and create patterns of codependency that stalls our social and emotional development. This means we rely too much on the behaviors of others to process feelings, which will show up as insatiable emotional needs and dysfunctional relationship patterns in adulthood.
It turns out that attachment style is not fixed, so even if we manage to enter adulthood with that secure attachment style, traumatic and difficult experiences can make us insecure and codependent, or vice versa. But attachment plasticity also means we can repair our attachment schemas when they are of the insecure type! So if you struggle to regulate your emotions and/or have difficulty maintaining stable relationships in adulthood, attachment based therapy can help you repair and get your emotional needs met.
Developmental Model of Intimacy
Me, You, and We
Building on attachment theory, the Developmental Model of Intimacy or DMI sees partner struggles as a natural symptom of our need to grow psychologically through relationships, and "falling in love" entails finding partners we think will provoke continued growth in the self. But when the "shared psychosis state" or New Relationship Energy (NRE) abates, we often begin to struggle with the differences we once found so tantelizing. And we discover even more differences along the way as we are unable to keep hiding the parts of ourselves we don't like as a relationship matures. Sound familiar?
As we struggle to accept each other's differences, we fall into internal dilemmas that are often negatively projected onto the relationship. Partners can then get stuck in a cycle of defenses, trying to control, avoid, or blame each other for the stress in the relationship. Over time, there will be many attempts to reconnect but unless differentiation can emerge for each partner, and differences can be accepted, even applauded again, partners will fall into chaos and get stuck in a conflict cycle. What is needed is better self regulation, healthy boundaries, secure attachment, accepting differences, and exploring each other's internal lives with more empathy and less fixing. Partners need to create Me, You, and We ways of growing intimacy that allows for interdependence and independent functioning.
– Dr. Harry Aponte
Reach out and get the support your deserve!
R E G I S T E R
Ready to begin?
As a virtual private pay therapist, I am to make getting started as easy is possible. To onboard, simply enter the client portal and create a profile. You will fill out all forms online, which are designed to address most client questions and concerns.
Once registered in the client portal, you can create a journal, manage billing, schedule sessions, send chats, access your forms, and work towards your therapy goals all online.
Virtual sessions will be held in the portal or via Psychology Today's Sessions platform. If you prefer a different platform, you may provide a link to therapist prior to each session. No in person sessions available, VIRTUAL ONLY.
T H E R A P Y
Currently accepting new clients!
Therapy is best defined as clinically trained support by a licensed professional for chronic or acute mental health issues affecting the individual and their relationship system. I offer therapy services to individuals (over the age of 14), partners, and families via HIPPA compliant telehealth platforms (no in-person option currently available).
{See my list of specialities above, but please know that while I am trained to treat a wide array of psychological problems, I do not offer crisis intervention services at this time. Here is list of crisis hotlines you can reach out to for an emergency. }
My standard rate is $125 per hour, which will be applied for all therapy sessions unless otherwise arranged between parties in writing, and these sessions are available only to TEXAS residents (all sessions must occur at a Texas address, which will be confirmed at the onset of each session). Free cancellation 24 hours prior to session, late cancel/same day cancellation or no shows are full session fee. Fees for services are due at the time of service.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
NOW ACCEPTING INSURANCE for therapy sessions (but you MUST also register at Headway, as they manage the billing), in network provider with Aetna, Cigna, Oscar, Oxford, and UnitedHealthcare . Some HSA cards accepted (contact your insurance company prior to booking). NOT a MEdicare/MEdicaid provider. UNINSURED CLIENTS or those wanting to do so can pay out of pocket via Paypal, debit/credit cards.
LICENSING INFORMATION
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist's of all designations are licensed by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists. If at any time you wish to verify a license, or make a complaint please contact the governing board via the following information:
LICENSE INFORMATION
LMFT Supervisor #202002
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
333 Guadalupe St., Ste. 3-900
Austin, Texas 78701
Main Line (512) 305-7700
Complaints 24-hour,
(800) 821-3205
LEGAL FEES
Ocassionally clients require legal or medical documents signed by a therapist and/or need court appearances by a therapist. Fees for these services when requested by clients or subpeaned by law are $300/hour, rush documentation of less than one week are an additional 35% of total invoice. Emotional Support Animal letters are $300 flat fee, transition related letters are $200 flat fee and are available to existing clients.
COACHING
{ available internationally }
'Beyond Therapy' Coaching
$500.00
Therapy clients often arrive in a state of chaos, so when we meet for the first time, we must start with the most pressing reasons for starting therapy, organize these issues issues and collaborate on a treatment plan meant to restore mental health. As progress is made over the course of treatment, reduced chaos generally results in termination of treatment. For those clients who want continued support as they work towards achievement (rather than simply away from chaos), coaching services are a good fit. This package is to save you a bit of money by purchasing a package of 5 sessions at once that can be scheduled at any available time over the course of 12 months from purchase date.Quantity
Coaching for Expats and Nomads (by the Hour)
$125.00
Are you a digital nomad feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or isolated? Do you struggle to find work-life balance while constantly on the go? Is traveling stressing your relationships? If so, coaching services may be just what you need to get back on track.
I am a licensed therapist with over a decade experince helping people gain valuable insights and create change. Our coaching sessions will provide you with a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts and feelings, and develop practical solutions to improve your overall well-being as you travel around the world (Something I have personal experience with as well). Whether it's managing stress and anxiety, improving your productivity and focus, or enhancing your interpersonal relationships that needs support, we'll work together to identify your goals, and develop a personalized coaching plan to help you achieve them.
With our coaching services, you'll gain the tools and techniques to thrive as a digital nomad, both personally and professionally. So why wait? Contact us today to schedule your first coaching session and take the first step towards a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life as a digital nomad.QuantityS O C I A L S
A B O U T
I am a Queer, Neuro-divergent, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Supervisor. But I am also an empty nester Gen X parent of an adult child, a world traveller, and an artist. I love all things growth oriented and embrace life as fully as I can, in spite of my early childhood religious trauma.
My stance as a therapist is reflective of my life experiences and personal identity; authentic, eclectic, and empowering. Normalizing mental health struggles and making therapy accessible is foundational to my practice---I want you to feel welcome to explore and be yourself openly, without judgment, to find your wounds and heal your inner life, all from the comfort of your own environment.
I also have embraced life coaching as an alternative to therapy, and love connecting with those who are moving beyond struggle (it's a journey though) and finding ways to THRIVE in life. Since I love to travel, I have expanded my coaching services beyond the borders of the United States and love working with clients from ALL OVER THE GLOBE!
Even though I have over 50 years of living under my belt and am obsessed with all things vintage, I find technology so empowering in that I get to do more, meet more people, and learn more about you by visiting YOUR environment (I even get to meet your pets). And isn't it lovely to not waste a single moment on commuting or setting in waiting rooms? So don't hold yourself back from trying virtual meetings due to fears about technology, I aim to make virtual sessions feel as connected and warm as in-person meetings.
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R E C O M M E N D S
media I like...
P U B L I C A T I O N S
Naylor, Lavelda (2022) Gifted Adults: Can I get a refund? Presented at the Graduate School of the University of Birmingham, UK.
Naylor, Lavelda (2018) GT Adults Issues and Interventions. Presented at monthly meeting of Texas Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. (See presentation here)
Naylor, Lavelda (2015). Sexpectations: Communicating About Expectations for Sex Partners in Relationships. Presented at The Sexology Institute, San Antonio, TX.
Naylor, Lavelda, & Wilson, Amy (2013). Social Media Boundaries for Mental Health Professionals. Presented to Family Service Association, San Antonio, TX. http://laveldanaylor.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/social-media-use-as-a-mental-health-professional/
Naylor, Lavelda, & Wilson, Amy (2013). Modern Parenting Perspectives for Mental Health Professionals. Presented to Family Service Association, San Antonio, TX.
Pillow, D., Naylor, L., & Malone, G. (2012). Beliefs Regarding Stimulant Medication Effects Among College Students with a History of Past or Current Usage. Journal of Attention Disorder, DOI:10.1177/1087054712459755
Naylor, L., Stanley, E., & Wicha, N. (2012). Cognitive and neural correlates of the bilingual Stroop effect: Evidence from behavior and event-related potentials.Frontiers in Cognition,3, 81. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00081
David R. Pillow, Glenn P. Malone, Lavelda Bradley (Naylor), & Cristina Cadena (2010). Beliefs Regarding Stimulant Medication Effects Predict Patterns of Use in college Students. Presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Psychological Science, Boston, MA.
(Naylor) Bradley, L., Stanely, E., & Wicha, N. Y.Y. (2009). De Colores: An ERP study of cross-language interference using a bilingual color-Stroop task. Presented at the annual meeting of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, San Francisco, CA.
Bradley, L. & Pillow, D. (2009).
Pillow, D. & (Naylor) Bradley, L. (2008). Predicting Stimulant Medication Use in College Students with AD/HD. Presented at the annual meeting of the Southwestern Psychological Association, San Antonio, TX.
(Naylor) Bradley, L. & Pillow, D. (2008). Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior to ADHD Medication Endpoints. Poster presented at the Spring Research Conference of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts, the University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX. Awarded 3rd Place research prize.
(Naylor) Bradley, L. & Pillow, D. (2008). Investigating AD/HD Medication Endpoints. Slide presentation at the 22cd annual meeting of the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Salisbury, MA.
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