Kaleigh McMillan Paine, M.A., PLPC

04/22/2026

NICU day 45 🤍

There has been so much change in our lives lately. Our girl has changed our world in the most beautiful ways. We’ve learned to be present, to grieve, and to be grateful all at the same time. We’ve learned to sit in the uncontrollable—the sadness, the anxiety, the unknown.

Becoming a mom has changed my life, and becoming a NICU mom has changed my perspective on the kind of pain that lives within these walls.

They say the NICU is full of ups and downs, and we’ve lived that reality. We’ve watched nurses become family, showing so much kindness and love to us and our girl. This has been one of the hardest experiences our family has ever faced.

I’ve gained a perspective I hope to carry into my career. I see parents differently now—the depth of their love, the weight they carry, and how hard this journey can be. And in all of this, I’ve also experienced trauma that I’m learning to process.

It’s human to go through hard things. It’s okay to feel sad, to grieve, and to be grateful at the same time. Life can feel heavy and, at times, powerless.

Just a reminder to every parent out there: you are stronger than you feel, even on the days you don’t think you can face what’s next. 🤍

03/18/2026

I want to share an important personal update with my clients and followers. After a high-risk pregnancy, my daughter was born prematurely and is currently receiving care in the NICU.

While I value and care deeply about each of you, this is a time when I need to step back and focus on supporting my daughter’s health and development. I appreciate your understanding as I balance this unexpected season.

Because of this, I will be out of the office and unavailable for appointments and services.

Thank you sincerely for the patience, kindness, and encouragement you have shown me throughout my pregnancy and during this transition. Your support means so much to me, and I look forward to reconnecting when I return.

02/09/2026

Counseling looks a little different the past few weeks 💻🤍
So thankful for my health, my amazing clients, and everyone being flexible and willing to meet online. Pregnancy + telehealth wasn’t the plan, but here we are—making it work and finding joy in the unexpected.
Bonus: my built-in comfort assistant (aka my Chopper) never misses a session 🐾

08/20/2025

✨Healing Through the Eyes of a Child✨

Kids are the best teachers—without even trying. They show us that healing isn’t complicated: it’s laughter, connection, and the courage to try again after a hard moment 💛🌈

08/19/2025

08/14/2025

So good!!!

08/13/2025

Good morning ☀️

08/11/2025

From TF-CBT to Play Therapy, Attachment Theory to TBRI — these are some of my most-used approaches in the therapy room. 💛 Each one offers kids and families tools to heal, connect, and grow!

08/05/2025

💛 The Invisible String 💛

One of my absolute favorite books to use in session — The Invisible String by Patrice Karst — is a powerful and comforting story for children dealing with separation anxiety, grief, or feeling far from someone they love.

It gently teaches that we’re always connected to the people we love, no matter the distance, no matter what.

Whether it’s a parent going to work, a move to a new place, or the loss of someone special… this book helps kids understand that love doesn’t go away—it stretches, it holds, and it remains.

📚 I use this story often in sessions to help children feel safe, seen, and supported.

If your child is struggling with big feelings around being apart, I highly recommend sharing this story with them. 💕

07/30/2025

It doesn’t always make life easier… but it does make it a little less heavy ✨

07/30/2025

there is no shame in being human.
making human decisions, human mistakes, feeling human emotions. you are as you should be 💖

07/30/2025