- Skill-based therapy
- Focus on chronic pain
- Values-centered work
About Kathleen
Dr. Kathleen Ayers is a California-based psychologist who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. She also supports those coping with chronic pain, chronic medical conditions, sleep problems, ADHD, and the emotional strain of life changes. Her style is straightforward and compassionate, with short-term goals and practical steps people can try between sessions.
She trained as a psychologist and has worked in the field for over 32 years. Kathleen blends cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and elements of dialectical behavior therapy. In sessions she often uses clear tasks and homework to build skills for managing symptoms and daily challenges.
She has particular experience supporting people who face long-term health problems. Those clients often report feeling dismissed about their physical symptoms; she focuses on validating those experiences while addressing coping and function. Kathleen also pays attention to sleep issues and has experience with behavioral approaches to improve sleep routines.
Her approach is practical and down-to-earth. She asks about what matters most to each person and helps set realistic steps toward those goals. Sessions can include symptom management, skills training, values-based planning, and problem-solving tailored to everyday life.
Dr. Ayers works in California as CA Psychologist 18954 and conducts work in English. People who want to begin will be asked to complete a short questionnaire to match with her and then schedule sessions based on availability.
How ACT, CBT, and DBT translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with long-term health problems.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and then tests practical changes. It is often used for anxiety, sleep difficulties, panic, and mood concerns and commonly includes at-home exercises.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills in short, practical steps. These skills can help with intense emotions, anger, and relationship stress.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to pick methods that fit their goals and preferences. That might mean mixing elements from ACT, CBT, or DBT depending on the issue and what feels most useful.
Confirm the available session formats before booking so you know how sessions will be delivered. Online therapy can make scheduling easier and helps fit sessions into busy lives, whether you need a shorter check-in, a regular weekly hour, or time that works around medical appointments. It also supports working on homework between meetings and practicing new skills in everyday settings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
32+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, sleep problems, anger, and self-esteem. She also supports coping with chronic pain, chronic illness, and disaster-related stress.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is practical and compassionate, with clear tasks and homework. Sessions focus on skills you can use between meetings.
What experience does she bring?
She has 32 years of experience working as a psychologist and has long experience with chronic medical conditions and pain.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She practices in California and is listed as CA Psychologist 18954.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the U.S. work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are costs and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.