In compliance with “social distancing” guidelines, the Center for Calm Living is providing privacy-compliant videoconferencing sessions. If interested in talking with one of our therapists, please contact us: 1-251-928-5363.
Meet Our Licensed Therapists
At the Center for CALM Living, you have the space to discover how to slow down, make skillful choices and live your most fulfilled life.
- Family owned and operated
- Over 65 years of combined experience across our licensed therapists
- Serving the Eastern Shore for over 25 years
- Private and confidential
Dr. David Kantra, PsyD
I am a clinical psychologist specializing in individual, couples and family psychotherapy, psychological testing and business consultation. A graduate of the University of Denver and the University of Notre Dame, I maintain a private practice in Fairhope, AL, with my wife of over 20 years, Augusta Kantra, MS, LPC.
Click to Read MoreI am also a registered yoga trainer at the 500-hour certification level (E-RYT 500). Prior to opening the doors of my private practice in 1985, I served as a court psychologist as well as a consultant for a shelter for abused women and children. I also served on an advisory board for a school specializing in the education of children with special educational needs. I was recognized by the Alabama State Senate and the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services for my part in the development of a training video for professionals who work with special needs students.
I have presented at national and regional conferences as well as to general audiences on topics such as parenting strategies, ADD, marital enrichment, stress management, professional burnout and business relations. I also write articles on a variety of self-help topics (visit PsychDigest.com to learn more).
I am a practical, interactive, solution-focused therapist. My treatment approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing, maladaptive patterns. I incorporate a blend of conventional and alternatives approaches, drawing upon a variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most helpful for each client. With sensitivity and compassion, I work with each client to help them build on their strengths to identify and achieve life goals.
Augusta Kantra, Counselor, MS, LPC
My name is Augusta Kantra, and I love working with motivated people who are ready to take a bold and compassionate look at their patterns – behavioral and emotional. I feel that people need help uncovering their resources and that personal empowerment is the key to living more fully. Being out of “balance,” whether that’s behaviorally, emotionally or spiritually, causes tremendous distress.
Click to Read MoreMy main goal in treatment is to help my client restore balance, thereby creating the opportunity to develop healthy, mindful choices in all areas of life.
Creating balance in one’s life requires honest, yet compassionate self-inquiry. It is my philosophy that every person is capable of achieving this balance, and it is my job to help uncover this ability.
To look deeply requires trust and rapport. I foster both of these traits in the therapeutic relationship.
I am a wife, mother of two daughters, yoga instructor and cancer survivor.
Dr. Lacy Kantra, PhD
I specialize in individual, couples and family therapy, comprehensive psychological assessment, and consultation. I recently joined my parents’ private practice, a childhood dream. (The only things missing are an office cat and an office pool.)
I am a graduate of the University of South Alabama. I recently moved from San Antonio, Texas, where I worked at the Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department with at-risk teenagers. I have worked in diverse settings, including:
Click to Read More- Residential correctional facility for sex offenders and general offenders ages 16-25
- University community psychological clinic/
- Detention centers
- Residential treatment home for children and teenagers who were abused and neglected
- Three different private practices serving adults and children
I am also a registered yoga teacher at the 200-hour certification level (RYT 200).
I enjoy business consultation and have had the opportunity to collaborate with court personnel, administration, community members and other health and mental health professionals regarding training and treatment planning. I have presented at national and regional conferences as well as to general audiences on topics such as crisis management, vicarious trauma and burnout, stress management, suicide prevention, healthy masculinity, trauma-informed care, mental health training for law enforcement officers and the utilization of psychological assessment.
I have a down-to-earth and straightforward but compassionate approach to therapy. I provide encouragement, support and honest reflections regarding negative patterns. I believe many problems arise in our lives from interpersonal conflicts, resistance to vulnerability, and feeling incongruent with our true selves. Utilizing concepts like self-compassion and forgiveness, trauma-focused approaches, and meaning-making, I love assisting people in moving towards the most whole, congruent, genuine version of themselves.
McKenzie K. Sutton, Counselor, M.Ed., Ed.S., LPC
My name is McKenzie Kantra Sutton, and my passion for helping others has always been my primary motivation — both personally and professionally. I work with my clients to discover their own strengths, identify areas in need of improvement and ultimately help them feel whole, safe and valued.
Click to Read MoreI believe that fostering self-acceptance, mindfulness and an awareness of our own thought patterns are the main components to living a fulfilled and healthy life. Although at times things may feel overwhelming, the beauty of therapy is that, over time and with some work, things will no longer feel so insurmountable. Whatever your goals are (or if you have no idea where to begin!) we will work together to set achievable goals and map out the routes to accomplish them.
I have had the opportunity to work with children, adolescents and young adults as well as their families in both the school setting and in private practice. My experience includes:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-esteem problems
- Adjustment disorders
- Mood disorders
- ADHD
- Learning disorders
- Family conflict
- PTSD
- Etc.
Providing a safe, genuine and accepting environment is first and foremost in my book. No problem is too small to work on together!
I am a wife, an avid baker and a graduate of both Auburn University and Clemson University (War Eagle and Go Tigers!)