- CBT techniques
- ACT strategies
- DBT skills
About Kathleen
Dr. Kathleen Ayers is a California clinical psychologist with more than 32 years of practice. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, anger, relationship and intimacy-related issues, sleep problems, and challenges such as ADHD and bipolar disorder. She also supports people dealing with chronic pain, caregiver stress, grief, and the aftereffects of natural or human-caused disasters.
Her approach mixes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She uses clear, practical conversations and assigns straightforward homework to help people try new skills between sessions. Sessions balance addressing present-day problems and looking at past events when that helps move things forward.
Dr. Ayers has a California psychologist credential (CA Psychologist 18954) and long experience with chronic medical conditions and pain. She notes that many people with ongoing health problems feel disbelieved about their symptoms, and she focuses on listening to those concerns while working on coping strategies and symptom management.
She also has training in CBT for insomnia and additional certifications related to nutrition and diet, though she is not a dietitian or nutritionist. Her work includes both individual and group formats in clinical settings.
In practice she uses proven therapeutic techniques to build skills for managing strong emotions, reduce disruptive patterns, and improve daily functioning. People who come because anger or resentment gets in the way of relationships will find direct, skill-based work aimed at clearer responses and better coping.
How ACT, CBT, and DBT inform online sessions
ACT, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, helps people clarify their values and take small steps toward those values even when emotions feel strong. It is useful for anxiety, chronic pain, and situations where avoidance has become a habit.CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, looks at thinking patterns and behaviors that keep problems going. It breaks issues into concrete steps and often includes homework to test new ways of thinking and acting, which can help with anger, depression, and sleep problems.
DBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, teaches specific skills for managing intense emotions, improving interpersonal effectiveness, and tolerating distress. It is practical when strong reactions or relationship conflicts are recurring.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, try techniques, and adjust plans together based on what helps most. That collaborative process makes it easier to pick methods people can use in day-to-day life.
This profile does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, shorten travel time, and allow for different check-in styles such as shorter phone or video meetings when that suits the person. Licensed professionals can adapt homework and skills practice to the online setting so work continues between appointments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
32+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, anger, sleep issues, relationship and intimacy concerns, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and related conditions such as chronic pain and caregiver stress.
What is her therapy style like?
She uses practical, skills-based methods and gives homework assignments to practice between sessions. Conversations are direct and focused on both current problems and past events when that helps.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 32 years of professional experience working with adults, including long-term work with people who have chronic medical conditions and pain.
What credential and location does she hold?
She is a California psychologist with the credential CA Psychologist 18954 and practices in California.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she accept clients from other countries?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.