Leyla Kiknadze
BA, Counseling Practicum Student
Hello there!
I’m Leyla, and I’m really glad you’re here. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and I know that meeting someone new and sharing your story with them can feel a little intimidating. So, I’d love to tell you a little about me and why I chose this path.
I’m a second-year M.Ed. student in the Counseling Psychology program at the University of Missouri, where I am completing my practicum here at IMF under the supervision of Christy Hutton, PhD. I graduated from Mizzou in 2025 with a double major in Psychology and Philosophy. During my undergraduate experience, I had the opportunity to be involved in research, which deepened my curiosity about people and the many experiences, relationships, and circumstances that shape who we are. I have always been drawn to helping others for as long as I can remember, and both my academic experiences and my own experiences with mental health have continued to guide me toward being a helper.
I believe that therapy is, first and foremost, a relationship. I want to create a space where you feel comfortable being fully yourself and where you can feel seen, heard, and understood. I approach counseling with curiosity, compassion, and the belief that you are the expert on your own life.
There is no perfect way to begin, and you don’t have to have it all figured out. Wherever you may be in your journey, I will meet you where you are and walk alongside you toward the changes that feel meaningful to you.