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Kayleigh Watters, PhD

Clinical Psychologist

(Pronouns: she/her)

Interests: PTSD, Complex Trauma, Perinatal and Reproductive Mental Health

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About

Kayleigh Watters is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California (PSY 34749) and an Assistant Professor at Palo Alto University. I provide individual psychotherapy via telehealth.
The foundation of my treatment is evidence-informed, ensuring that the methods we use are backed by research and clinical expertise. I am dedicated to making this 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. 

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Collaboration is at the heart of my approach. I try to create a safe space away where you feel comfortable with me and not judged for your experiences. My focus is on equipping you with the skills and processing techniques. Additionally, my approach often includes out-of-session exercises designed to have a real impact on your day-to-day life. 

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

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I specialize in treating adults and college students with complex trauma, including experiences such as sexual assault, pregnancy loss, childhood trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I am 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. 

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In addition to my work at Summit Psychotherapy Center, I am an Assistant Professor at Palo Alto University. At Palo Alto University, I am the director of the Trauma, Diversity, and Systemic Change Lab where we focus our research on outcomes of sexual assault, experiences of discrimination, and complex trauma. 

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Outside of work, I enjoy 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.

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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

Areas of Expertise

Concerns Related To:
  • Traumatic life events

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

  • PTSD and Complex Trauma

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • OCD

  • Perinatal and Reproductive Mental Health

  • Grief and Loss

  • LGBTQIA+ identity 

  • Women's Mental Health

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Evidenced-Based Psychotherapies:​
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

  • Prolonged Exposure

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (Certified Provider)

  • Written Exposure Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy - Prolonged Exposure

Certifications

Certified Provider

Cognitive Processing Therapy

Contact

Currently accepting patient via Telehealth.

650-529-6299

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