Shylayna Southard

Certified Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Associate

Shylayna (“Shy”) Southard is a Supervised Clinical Associate at Mandala House who practices through a trauma-informed lens. She uses an integrated Emotionally Focused and Narrative framework shaped by systemic and attachment-based principles that honor the relational processes that influence emotional well-being. She holds master’s degrees in Couple & Family Therapy and Social Work from the University of Louisville and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Kentucky University. Shy is committed to creating a therapeutic space where clients feel safe, understood, and supported as they navigate the complexities of their lives.

During her graduate training, Shy provided trauma-informed therapy to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, work that continues to shape her commitment to safety, empowerment, and honoring each person’s resilience. She also trained in outpatient individual, couple, and family therapy, supporting individuals, partners, and families navigating relational distress, trauma responses, identity development, anxiety, depression, and patterns rooted in family-of-origin experiences.

Across settings, Shy works collaboratively with clients to explore their stories, understand emotional processes, and strengthen secure and meaningful connections. She is especially passionate about supporting clients navigating trauma, relational patterns, identity development, and the process of becoming more grounded and connected to themselves and others.

Outside the therapy room, Shy enjoys crafting, tending to her plants, and spending time with her family, especially her son.

*Shylayna will practice under the supervision of Lucie Erlebachova, LMFT-S and Colgan Tyler, LCSW