Meet Your Therapist
I believe that change is possible
Anxiety has a way of convincing us that we're fragile, incapable, or stuck.
Over the past decade, I've learned something very different.
Lasting change doesn't happen simply because we think differently—it happens when we begin having new experiences that challenge what anxiety has been telling us all along.
Those experiences build confidence, create new learning, and remind us that we're often far more capable than anxiety would have us believe.
That's why I love what I do. Every day, I have the privilege of watching people discover they're capable of far more than anxiety ever led them to believe.
Ayla Bridges, MS, LMFT
Hi, I'm Ayla (like Kayla, but without the "K").
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the founder of Bridges CBT. I provide in-person therapy in Pflugerville, North Austin, and surrounding areas, as well as virtual therapy throughout Texas and California, specializing in evidence-based treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders in children, adolescents, and adults using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
My journey into this work didn't begin with anxiety—it began with families. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in settings that showed me just how powerful parents can be as agents of change in their children's lives. That passion led me to pursue specialized training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which eventually led me to advanced training in CBT and ERP.
One of the things I love most about CBT is that it gives people practical tools they can continue using long after therapy ends. My goal isn't simply to help you feel better while we're working together. It's to help you understand how anxiety works, develop confidence in your ability to respond differently, and leave therapy knowing how to navigate future challenges on your own.
My Approach
If we work together, you can expect therapy to be collaborative, practical, and transparent. I'll take the time to understand your story, explain why we're using specific strategies, answer your questions, and tailor treatment to your goals. I believe understanding why we're doing something often makes the work feel less intimidating and more meaningful. You'll probably find me sketching ideas on a whiteboard, using analogies, answering lots of questions, and occasionally making a joke along the way.
I also believe therapy should feel human. While we'll do meaningful work together, there's always room for curiosity, encouragement, and a little humor along the way. Clients often tell me they appreciate feeling both supported and challenged—knowing I'll meet them where they are while helping them take meaningful steps toward where they want to be.
Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, my hope is that you'll leave therapy with far more than symptom relief. I hope you'll leave with a better understanding of yourself, practical tools you'll continue using for years to come, and the confidence to navigate whatever life brings next.
A Little More about Me
Outside the therapy office, life is wonderfully full. My husband and I are raising three energetic young boys—a five-year-old and three-year-old twins—who keep us laughing, humble, and constantly on our toes.
When I'm able to slow down, you'll usually find me reading, baking, spending time with family, exploring nature, or finding just about any excuse to enjoy a good piece of cheese. I'm also outnumbered at home by one very small dog who is absolutely convinced she's much bigger than she is.
Those moments remind me of something I encourage my clients to practice, too: making room for the people, places, and experiences that matter—even when life feels busy or anxiety wants to get in the way.
I want every client to leave therapy knowing one thing:
You are more capable than anxiety tells you that you are.
Let’s Build Your Bridge To Freedom
Healing doesn't happen overnight, but every journey begins with a single step. If you're ready to move beyond anxiety and reclaim your life, I'd be honored to help. Schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation now.
Prefer to reach out by e-mail first? Complete the form below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.