Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kayla Nettleton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kayla, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was shifting from a full caseload of insurance-based therapy clients to building a completely private pay practice—and later expanding into couples intensives, group therapy, and business coaching for other therapists. It was terrifying to move away from the “guaranteed” flow of clients that insurance panels bring. But I was burning out fast and realized I wasn’t showing up as my best self—for my clients or my family.

The decision to step into private pay meant I had to fully own my value and get really clear on who I serve and how I help. I had to learn how to market myself in a way that felt aligned and authentic—without sounding salesy. That risk ended up being one of the most liberating and empowering moves I’ve made. It gave me the freedom to work more intentionally, show up fully for my clients, and design a business that supports my life instead of running it.

Kayla, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Absolutely! I’m Kayla Nettleton, a licensed therapist, couples intensive facilitator, and marketing coach for fellow therapists. My work is all about helping women and couples reconnect—with themselves, with each other, and with what truly matters to them.

In my therapy practice, I specialize in working with high-achieving women who are struggling with anxiety, people-pleasing, and perfectionism. I also work with couples—especially parents—who feel like they’ve become roommates instead of romantic partners. I love helping them break out of old patterns and find real, lasting connection again.

Outside of therapy, I also coach other therapists on how to master their messaging and attract the right clients—without burning out or trying to fit themselves into a marketing mold that doesn’t match who they are. I host a podcast called The Modern Mom’s Roadmap to Balance, where I talk openly about the messy middle of motherhood, marriage, and mental health.

And on a more personal note—I’m a mom, a wife, and someone who knows firsthand how easy it is to lose yourself while trying to hold everything together. That’s what drives so much of the work I do today.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective thing I’ve done to grow my practice is getting super clear on my niche and speaking directly to my ideal client’s inner thoughts—not just their demographics. I stopped
trying to sound like a therapist and started using the actual language my clients use when they
describe their struggles.

Instead of saying “anxious perfectionism,” I say “you hate letting people down and feel like you always have to get it right on the first try.” That kind of clarity and connection builds trust and makes people feel seen—before we’ve even met.

Also, consistency matters. I don’t post on social media every single day, but I do show up consistently in a way that feels aligned with my energy and message. I’ve found that when I speak from the heart, share real-life stories, and provide value, clients come. Not because I’m pitching—but because they feel connected.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I first started private practice, I had two small kids, was still accepting insurance, and was trying to do all the things—run a business, be a present mom, and hold space for clients. I hit a wall. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and started questioning whether I was cut out for this.

What pulled me through was allowing myself to ask for help, invest in support, and stop pretending I had to have it all figured out. I started leaning into community, refining my message, and building my practice around what felt sustainable—not just successful.

Resilience, for me, hasn’t looked like “pushing through.” It’s looked like learning to pause, pivot, and give myself permission to do things differently. That’s the same mindset I try to pass along to the women and couples I work with—because growth doesn’t come from being perfect. It comes from being honest, open, and willing to try again.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kaylanettleton.com
• Instagram: @kaylanettleton_lcsw @therapy.with.kayla
• Other: (830)734-4303
  Podcast: The Modern Moms Roadmap to Balance Podcast