Erla Grace Agutaya

I am Erla—a registered psychologist, psychometrician, and educator. I believe that change is the only constant in life, and that living well means learning to embrace the present one day at a time. My helping journey began back in high school—first with peers, then with students, and now I’m honored to extend that care to the wider community through counseling and psychotherapy. At the core of my approach is the belief that you are not the problem; the problem is the problem. I trust that we all have a natural desire to grow and the inner resources to navigate life’s challenges. I believe that people are the experts of their own lives—they know what matters to them and what changes they want to see. My role is to walk alongside you, listening empathically and supporting you in discovering your own strengths, solutions, and goals in a space that feels safe, collaborative, and respectful. My therapeutic orientation is grounded in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). This approach emphasizes “solution talk” over “problem talk”, and encourages clients to recognize what’s already working and how to do more of it. Together, we’ll explore new ways of viewing your situation, identify useful behaviors, and co-create realistic action plans that support meaningful change. I value what you can do, what’s working, and the steps—no matter how small—that move you closer to your preferred future. I believe that growth happens through action, reflection, and recognition of your own agency. As a culturally aware practitioner, I deeply respect the diversity of each individual’s background. I commit to practicing cultural humility, acknowledging my own biases, and continually learning to create an inclusive, affirming environment where you feel seen and heard. I also see myself as a lifelong learner—engaging in ongoing supervision, training, and self-reflection to ensure I provide ethical, compassionate, and effective care. Above all, I believe that each person has a unique purpose and direction. Sometimes we simply need help reconnecting with it. Healing begins with the willingness to change, and I am honored to be part of that journey with every client I serve.