Kayleigh Watters

PhD, Clinical Psychologist

Pronouns

she/her

Interests

PTSD, Complex Trauma, Perinatal and Reproductive Mental Health

About Kayleigh

The foundation of Dr.Kayleigh Watters treatment is evidence-informed, ensuring that the methods she uses are backed by research and clinical expertise. She is dedicated to making therapy a goal-focused and client-specific journey, with the length of treatment varying from person to person based on the complexity of their symptoms and their progress.

Collaboration is at the heart of her approach. Dr. Watters tries to create a safe space away where clients feel comfortable with her and not judged for their experiences. Her focus is on equipping clients with skills and processing techniques. Additionally, her approach often includes out-of-session exercises designed to have a real impact on clients’ day-to-day lives.

Ultimately, the collaborative goal of therapy is to reduce the interference of symptoms, enabling you to redirect their energy towards what truly matters to you. Dr. Watters will be by your side, ensuring that your unique journey towards healing is marked by progress, growth, and recovery.

Dr. Watters specializes in treating adults and college students with complex trauma, including experiences such as sexual assault, pregnancy loss, childhood trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. She is a certified provider in Cognitive Processing Therapy and specialize in other evidence-based psychotherapies including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, Written Exposure Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

In addition to her work at Summit Psychotherapy Center, Dr. Watters is an Assistant Professor at Palo Alto University. She is the Director of the Trauma, Diversity, and Systemic Change Lab where she focuses her research on outcomes of sexual assault, experiences of discrimination, and complex trauma.

Outside of work, Dr. Watters enjoys hiking and eating delicious food.

Education



2023

Stanford University School of Medicine

Postdoctoral Fellowship

Specialization in Comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy and evidence-based treatments for PTSD and Complex Trauma.

2022

Oregon State University

Doctoral Internship in Clinical Psychology

University counseling with emphasis on treating PTSD and mood disorders.​

2022

Palo Alto University

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Extensive training in treating complex trauma via clinical work within community mental health, university counseling, and academic medical settings.

2017

Pepperdine University

Masters of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology

Member of Psi Chi Honors Society

Certifications

Certified Provider – Cognitive Processing Therapy

Areas of Expertise



Concerns Related To:

Traumatic life events

(including sexual abuse, domestic violence, combat, first responders, MVAs etc)

PTSD & Complex Trauma
Depression
Anxiety
OCD
Perinatal and Reproductive Mental Health
Grief and Loss
LGBTQIA+ identity
Women’s Mental Health

Evidence-Based Psychotherapies:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Prolonged Exposure
Cognitive Processing Therapy (Certified Provider)
Written Exposure Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Contact

Currently accepting patients via
Telehealth and in person.
kayleigh@summitpsychotherapy.com
650-529-6299