MaKayla (Woods) Jones

I truly believe that everyone already has the ability to transform their lives. I do this work because I believe that you are the expert of your life and your experience. I’m just a vehicle to help you understand and interpret your experiences in a way that better helps you achieve the things you want. I find that empowering others through their own strengths is the most rewarding thing. You have it in you and you’ve always had it in you.

As a Black woman with personal experience navigating life in a society as a minority, I feel that it is imperative to incorporate your cultural values and beliefs into the therapeutic process at a level you feel comfortable with. I take a multicultural and intersectional approach to therapy which means that your culture and identity should not only be respected but should be explored as parts of what makes you, you. I may not understand everything about your life, but I do understand that everything you’ve gone through makes you who you are today. Your experiences are a part of you, but they also don’t define who you are. The resilience and the strengths you have shown in these times of hardship have proven that you have what it takes to break free from the habits and thoughts that keep you from being the best version of yourself.

Life has a tendency to throw curve balls at us, and hardships continue to happen. The stressors of life, pressures from society and even the state of the world can be overwhelming. Your feelings are valid no matter what, no matter how other people tell you to feel. It’s not about running away or not facing the problems – but having the tools and the ability to work through them when they do come.

I have played soccer since I was four years old and played Division 1 soccer in the most competitive conference. As a former athlete, I have first-hand experience when it comes to the stress, pressure, toxicity, and hardships that can come with sports as well as the physical, emotional, and mental struggles in the transition of life after sport.

I have a degree in sociology with a minor in diversity from the University of Washington I then obtained my master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California. My experience has mainly been with children, youth, and families.

I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and nature is my safe space. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate with the State of Washington (#SC61515435). I regularly seek consultation from colleagues as well as my licensed supervisor, Katherine Walter, MSW, LICSW, CSW-G (LICSW #LW 60136151).