Qualifications & Background

Dr. Kathy Allard’s qualifications include: Licenses as a Psychologist and Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified EMDR Practitioner. She has a PhD in Clinical Psychology, and Master’s degrees in Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology.

I hold two licenses in mental health — as a Psychologist & Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). I hold a Doctorate (Ph.D) in Clinical Psychology, in addition to two Master's Degrees (M.S. Clinical Psychology, M.A. Counseling Psychology). I am also an EMDR Certified Practitioner & recently was awarded an Advanced Certificate in Complex Trauma & Dissociation.

Since 1988, I have had the privilege of successfully helping adults and adolescents in the San Francisco Bay Area address a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and relationship problems. I am currently providing services in Sonoma, north of San Francisco.

“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”

— Carl Jung

I approach my patients with integrity, authenticity and respect while I help them explore new ways to grow and make positive changes. I work from an integrative perspective and rely on a broad range of techniques, including EMDR (Eye Movement & Desensitization Reprocessing), psychodynamic methods, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-informed methods, hypnotherapy and family systems interventions, including utilizing the Gottman Couples Therapy method.

I have a variety of qualifications that add to my experience, knowledge and treatment methods in many areas of mental health, including traumatic stress and addiction disorders.

Degrees, Licenses & Certifications

CERTIFIcation received IN COMPLEX TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION, ADVANCED LEVEL

Int’l Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation (ISSTD), 2023

Certified EMDR Therapist

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA), 2015

Licensed Psychologist

California License, PSY#16184, 1999

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

California License, MFT#24279, 1988

GOTTMAN COUPLES METHOD TRAINED, LEVEL 3

The Gottman Institute

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PhD)

Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (now Palo Alto University), APA-Approved Program in Professional Psychology

Master’s degree in Counseling (MA)

Santa Clara University

Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (MS)

Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (now Palo Alto University)

 

Memberships and Associations

Member, American Psychological Association (APA)

Member, California Psychological Association (CPA)

Member, RedWood Psychological Association (RPA)

Member, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

Member, redwood empire california Assn. marriage and family therapists (RECAMFT)

Member, International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation (ISSTD)

Member, EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)

Member, Psychiatric Staff at Mills Peninsula Health Services (Burlingame, CA)

2000- 2018

Executive Board & General Member, San Mateo County Psychological Association

1995-2019

Political Action Committee Trustee, California Psychological Association, (CPA-PAC)

2005-2007

 

Other Psychology experience

CERTIFIED in EYE MOVEMENT, DESENSITIZATION & REPROCESSING (EMDR)

EMDRIA

TRAINED IN HYPNOTHERAPY

Santa Clara University

Testified as an expert witness on trauma-related disorders for the San Mateo County court system

& provided expert testimony for legal practices in Sonoma & San Mateo Counties

Clinical Consultation Group Member with Dr. Stephanie Brown

The Addictions Institute( 2000–2010)

Authored an original DISSERTATION study on the prevalence rates and effects of childhood sexual abuse in San Mateo County (1992)

Doctoral Internship completed at the San Francisco VAMC, PTSD & Health Psychology Units (1991)

EMDR Certified

An Eye-Movement, Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified Therapist has engaged in at least 20 hours of consultation with an EMDR Consultant for EMDR and has practiced their skills with at least 25 different clients in at least 50 EMDR sessions. An EMDR Certified Therapist has voluntarily met standards of consultation, clinical practice, and continuing education to provide EMDR therapy. An EMDR Certified Therapist is committed to fulfill ethical standards and is engaged in continuing education. To maintain this certification, a therapist must continue to satisfy the EMDRIA requirement including completion of continuing education requirements and adherence to ethical standards.

Additional EMDR Resources

EMDR Institute
EMDR International Association
EMDR-Humanitarian Assistance Programs

Please contact me for more information.