Ayla Terrusa

I’m a Mental Health Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida and a certification in Marriage and Family Therapy. I bring a warm, compassionate, and playful approach to therapy, and I especially enjoy using Animal-Assisted Therapy and play-based interventions when working with children. I work with children, individuals, families, and couples, and I’m especially passionate about supporting people in the LGBT+ community.

My approach to therapy is grounded in transparency, balance, kindness, and genuine connection. I believe therapy should feel like a safe place to be yourself, explore what’s going on, and work toward meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you.

Animals have always been an important part of my life and work. Before becoming a therapist, I was a high-level competitive equestrian and later found my passion for dog training. I have nearly a decade of experience in behavior modification, police K9s, service dogs, and pet dog training. I’ve had four service dogs of my own and have trained hundreds of dogs across the United States. These experiences have shaped the way I connect with people and animals and allow me to bring a unique perspective to my work as a therapist.

Outside of therapy, I actively compete in AKC Obedience with my service dog, Otter, and in Rally with my field Labrador, Alaska. I also enjoy hiking, traveling with my wife, training my dogs, and spending time at the beach.

I take a warm, compassionate, and playful approach to therapy. I believe the therapeutic relationship should be built on trust, transparency, kindness, and genuine connection. I tailor therapy to each person’s needs and may incorporate Animal-Assisted Therapy and play-based interventions, especially when working with children.

I work with children, individuals, families, and couples, and I’m especially passionate about supporting clients in the LGBT+ community. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, accepted, and comfortable being yourself while we work together toward the changes you want to make.

During our first session, I’ll focus on getting to know you and creating a comfortable, welcoming environment where you can be yourself without judgment. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, what you hope to work on, and what you need from the therapeutic relationship.

I want you to feel heard, understood, and respected from the beginning. Together, we’ll start identifying your goals and finding an approach that feels comfortable and meaningful for you.