Kelly Bailey, PhD

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Pronouns

she/her/hers

Education

BA in Psychology, Ithaca College 

MA in Psychology, San Diego State University 

PhD in Counseling Psychology, West Virginia University 

Licensure Status

Licensed Psychologist 

Therapeutic Orientation

I provide strengths-based, humanistic therapy and integrate components from cognitive-behavioral therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I work collaboratively with clients and develop their potential through congruence, empathic understanding, reflective listening, and unconditional positive regard. Additionally, I provide clients with evidenced-based processes of change, e.g., mindfulness, cognitive reappraisal, problem-solving, exposure strategies, interpersonal skills, acceptance, self-compassion, values clarification, and behavioral commitment to values, which empower clients and/or help them to remove barriers that get in the way of their personal growth. As someone who mostly lives in the present and who is filled with awe by beauty in the world, including the beauty of human vulnerability, I communicate sincerely and make others feel safe and increasingly confident. I believe clients walk away with increased awareness of their unique strengths and how to feel and live in relatively empowering ways. 

Bio

After growing up in New Hampshire, I attended Ithaca College in Upstate NY, and graduated with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Gerontology. An initial heartfelt experience on a college research team that investigated empathy and wisdom influenced my pursuit of more education and research experiences to inform my future clinical practice. I obtained my master’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University, where I taught Developmental Psychology and worked in several research labs at SDSU and UCSD, on topics including depression and anxiety. I then moved to Morgantown, WV, where I pursued my PhD at West Virginia University. In the Appalachian area, I gained more college teaching experiences and practice experiences within a variety of settings, including three college counseling centers; it was at the Carruth Center back in 2008 when I first realized how much I love working with college students and I am thrilled to be back at WVU. I love spending time with my husband and our three children, especially in the outdoors. After having had the experience of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail back in the 90s, I especially appreciate the impact of therapeutic experiences that include adventure, nature, exercise, self-reflection, and community.