Dr. Kelsi A. Clayson
Starting therapy comes with many questions: Who should I see? Will it be helpful? Will I feel understood? So much depends on the level of trust and comfort you feel with your therapist. The heart of my work lies in creating a space that allows you to feel seen, understood, and energized to approach life in new and meaningful ways.
My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and relational with a touch of humor. I guide clients through a range of issues including unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression, relational conflict, and challenging life transitions. I focus on attending to patterns in your life that are serving you, as well as those that are getting in the way of where you want to be. My clinical approach is shaped by my training in several evidence-based therapies with careful attention to your unique needs, values, and goals. It is my sincere hope that you feel empowered to envision bold changes in your life as you take this important step toward healing and growth.
Education and Training
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Master of Science in Clinical Psychology- Baylor University
- Doctor of Psychology- Baylor University
- Postdoctoral Residency, Women’s Mental Health and Trauma- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Long Beach Healthcare System
Dr. Kelly Terry
Welcome! The importance of finding a therapist who you can truly be yourself with cannot be understated. I believe all clients deserve to have this sense of safety in therapy. The beliefs you hold about yourself and your expectations of the world show up in all parts of your life, and I work collaboratively with my clients to welcome and expand their emotional experience and build tolerance of feelings that may have previously felt too painful to face alone. If you’ve been navigating complicated, heavy feelings, I would love to help you find new ways to work through them.
I specialize in working with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, emotional dysregulation, as well as those struggling with sexual identity/gender dynamics. I am also trained in working with couples who are trying to resolve communication issues and relational strain. The issues we struggle with individually often play out in our relationships and I seek to help my clients identify and address unmet needs and challenging patterns that continue to resurface time and time again. Together, we’ll work to understand what you want in your life, what barriers are getting in your way, and how to move through them.
Dr. Terry is postdoctoral resident and works under the supervision of Dr. Kelsi Clayson.
Education and Training
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – American University
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – University of Denver
- Doctor of Psychology – University of Denver
- Predoctoral Internship – University of Miami Counseling Center
- Postdoctoral Residency, Trauma Emphasis – Tampa Bay Center for Relational Psychology
Ruba Rum, M.S.
Hello and welcome! My name is Ruba, and I specialize in working with people facing a wide range of difficulties, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship and communication difficulties, intense emotions, major life challenges, and general stress. My main priority with all my clients is to provide a safe environment to explore, process, and progress towards acceptance, healing, and personal growth. My therapeutic style is warm, transparent, interactive, and non-judgmental. I help clients work through painful life experiences, effectively manage thoughts and emotions, and improve daily patterns that can help them better connect with themselves and others.
My approach is guided by evidence-based practices to help clients meet their goals. I strive to guide you through the process of self-discovery to help improve your overall wellbeing and increase your confidence in handling future obstacles. As a doctoral extern, I offer affordably priced services and maintain a small caseload that allows me to provide my clients with the individualized attention and dedicated care they deserve.
Ruba is a 4th year doctoral student at the University of South Florida and works under the supervision of Dr. Kelsi Clayson.
Education and Training
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – University of South Florida
- Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences – University of South Florida
- Master of Science in Medical Sciences – University of South Florida
- Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology (expected 2026) – University of South Florida
