Inner Strength Psychotherapy
Enhancing well-being through science and compassion.
I'm Dr. Kelsey Laird, a clinical psychologist who helps high-achieving women use evidence-based tools to reduce overthinking, shift negative self-talk, and build a more fulfilling life.
My Approach
You look like you have it all together — but inside, you feel anxious, hard on yourself, or caught in cycles of overthinking and patterns that no longer serve you. You’re ready for change — not just more productivity, but a gentler relationship with yourself.
I work primarily with high-achieving women navigating stress, imposter syndrome, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and harsh inner critics.
Many of my clients are natural “do-ers” — deeply caring women who give more of themselves to work and to others than they know how to give to themselves. They’re driven to achieve and stay busy, yet find it difficult to slow down, tune into their emotions, or acknowledge their own needs.
Our work focuses on learning to be less hard on yourself, reconnecting with what you actually want, and building practical skills for living with greater ease, authenticity, and meaning.
My Specialities
Women in High-Responsibility and Leadership Roles
Supporting founders, executives, and other high-achieving women who look like they have it all together—but underneath feel anxious, self-critical, or stretched too thin. Many of the women I work with wrestle with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and a harsh inner critic, constantly questioning themselves despite their success. Together we'll work toward a steadier, more genuine confidence—one built on a gentler, more trusting relationship with yourself—and a life with greater ease and well-being.
Life Transitions
Helping women move through significant change—a shift in identity or purpose, career change, loss of a loved one, divorce or separation—with greater clarity and resilience. These moments can feel deeply destabilizing, and I'll support you in grieving what's been lost. Through mindful, honest reflection, we'll work toward a renewed sense of purpose and meaning by rebuilding a life that aligns with what matters most to you.
Chronic Health Issues
As a health psychologist, I help individuals whose physical symptoms are exacerbated by stress. As a GI psychologist, I work with disorders of the gut-brain axis (for example, irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS), using the most evidence-based methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). My clients span a wide range of diagnoses—from symptoms that medical tests can't fully explain to conditions with clear physical pathology such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or cancer. Whatever symptoms you're experiencing, we'll explore how your thoughts and feelings shape your experience of symptoms—and how those symptoms, in turn, affect how you feel. Drawing on recent neuroscience, we'll work to change how your brain interprets and responds to bodily signals—building practical coping skills to reduce both your symptoms and their impact on your life.
Science and Compassion
Drawing on more than 20 years of research in psychology and neuroscience, I integrate and tailor evidence-based methods to meet each client’s unique goals. My approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), parts work, mindfulness-based interventions, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Despite being a scientist, my work is not sterile. I balance evidence-based methods with empathy and compassion, cultivating an atmosphere of caring curiosity aimed at increasing self-awareness, enhancing self-compassion, and developing more effective strategies for navigating life’s challenges.
Through insight, practical strategies, and a values-driven focus, therapy becomes a space for meaningful and lasting change — including deeper, more honest relationships with yourself and others.
50-minute individual psychotherapy session (via secure video conferencing): $400
Limited reduced-fee appointments available.
My practice is private-pay. I am not in-network with insurance panels but provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement.
Serving all of California via telehealth.
Click here for information on the No Surprises Act.
FREE 30-minute consultation
About Me
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Science from Vanderbilt University and completed postdoctoral training at UCLA. Alongside my clinical work, I continue to engage in behavioral science research focused on understanding how people change and thrive.
Drawing on over twenty years of experience in neuroscience and psychology, I use evidence-based approaches to help clients gain clarity, reduce stress, and create meaningful, lasting growth.
Based in San Francisco, California
+1 (310) 351-9353
kelsey@innerstrengthpsychotherapy.com
Serving clients via telehealth in San Francisco, Marin County, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Sausalito, Ross, Belvedere, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Woodside, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Portola Valley, San Mateo, Danville, Lafayette, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Berkeley, Oakland, Piedmont, San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, Carmel, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Malibu, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, San Diego, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Sacramento, and throughout California.