Kayla Gibson, Doctoral Trainee

I am a doctoral student supervised under Dr. R. Isabel K'Burg, Psy #34649. I've earned her Master of Arts degree in Sport Psychology from National University in May 2024 and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Integrative Health.

I take a culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and client-centered approach to my clinical work. I emphasize empathy and empowers clients to live a values-enriched life. Prior to graduate school, I provided Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children on the autism spectrum. Since beginning my doctoral studies, I have delivered Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to college students experiencing depression, anxiety, life transitions, and stressors such as immigration, financial and housing instability, and relationship challenges.

I have also worked as a mental performance consultant for elite youth athletes, helping them develop mental skills to reach their athletic goals and thrive in daily life. Additionally, I've provided therapy to adolescents in school settings, utilizing evidence-based approaches to play therapy. My clinical training includes delivering evidence-based treatments such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), to clients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and related disorders.

On a personal note, I'm a proud dog mom to a Chihuahua-Dachshund mix named Coco. I am passionate about sports and enjoy infusing my Southern roots into my home cooking, especially through Creole and Cajun recipes. My favorite pastimes include exploring new restaurants, visiting Sunday farmers’ markets, sipping iced oat milk matcha lattes, and traveling with friends and family.