We recently connected with Kayla Mainja and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, thanks for joining us today. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

A heartwarming story from my career that I often look back on is when I worked with a young woman who had struggled with severe anxiety and depression for years. She felt hopeless and unsure if therapy would even help her. But over time, through our sessions, I witnessed a transformation in her mindset and her life. She became empowered, developed healthy coping mechanisms, and even began advocating for others who were struggling with their mental health. Seeing her regain confidence and find joy in life again reminded me of why I do what I do—it’s these moments of healing and growth that fuel my passion for helping others.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Kayla Mainja, the CEO of Helen’s Project and a dedicated mental health therapist. My journey into this field was deeply personal. After facing my own challenges with mental health, I realized how critical it was to have access to compassionate and effective care. That’s what led me to pursue a career in therapy, and eventually to establish Helen’s Project—a mental health non-profit focused on providing support, healing, and advocacy for those in need.

At Helen’s Project, we offer a range of services, including individual and group therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and medication management. We specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and navigating life transitions. Our mission is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can work through their struggles, whether it’s related to mental health, relationships, or life challenges.

What sets us apart is our holistic and client-centered approach. We believe that every individual’s path to healing is unique, so we tailor our services to meet each person’s specific needs. Our team is diverse, compassionate, and deeply committed to making mental health care accessible to everyone. We also place a strong emphasis on building community partnerships, working with local organizations to expand our reach and provide a broader range of resources for our clients.

One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing the impact our services have had on people’s lives. Whether it’s helping someone overcome trauma or supporting them through a tough season of life, being able to make a positive difference is what keeps me and our team motivated. I want potential clients and partners to know that at Helen’s Project, they will find a team that is not only highly qualified but deeply empathetic and passionate about helping others thrive.

Ultimately, Helen’s Project is more than just a therapy center—it’s a space for healing, growth, and empowerment. We’re here to walk with our clients on their mental health journeys, providing them with the tools and support they need to reclaim their lives and find hope again.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

As a leader, I believe that open communication and empathy are key to managing a team and maintaining high morale. I encourage my team to share their thoughts and concerns openly, so we can address any challenges together. Recognizing their hard work, offering growth opportunities, and fostering a supportive environment are essential to keeping them motivated. I also emphasize the importance of work-life balance to prevent burnout and ensure that we’re taking care of our own mental health while caring for others. By leading with compassion and creating a sense of community, we stay strong and united in our mission at Helen’s Project.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back, I would absolutely choose the same profession. Being a mental health therapist has given me the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, and that’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but the moments of breakthrough, healing, and growth that I witness in my clients make every challenge worth it. Helping others discover their strength and overcome obstacles is incredibly rewarding, and I feel grateful every day to be in this field.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.helensproject.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helensproject/
• Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/home/4jaW-escW12mGwNEQMFiJQ/?

Image Credits

https://www.instagram.com/blkandlightstudio/