Kyra Bevenour, PsyD
PsyD, Doctor of Psychology
MA, Clinical Psychology
Postdoctoral Fellow, in supervision towards licensure with Bernadette Dougherty PsyD
Shame and guilt are two emotions that often drive us into thinking patterns and behaviors that further deepen our shame. Often, when someone experiences a traumatic event, the body and mind search for ways to get away from the internal experience of fear, anxiety, shame, and guilt. For some, coping may include negative thoughts about themselves, others and the world, focused on a lack of safety, mistrust, and difficulties with the themes of power/control, intimacy, and self-esteem. For others, turning to substances to numb uncomfortable feelings may be the short-term solution. Traumatic experiences lead us to problem solve with the means we have at our disposal. If you are looking for new and healthier ways to cope with trauma that you have experienced in a nonjudgemental space, I look forward to meeting you soon!
I earned my Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Xavier University and completed my formal internship training at the Coatesville VA Medical Center. Much of my clinical experience has been spent working with adults/Veterans struggling with substance use, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder), and OCD.
My approach is primarily cognitive-behavioral, including third-wave practices such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectal behavior therapy (DBT) when appropriate. I am trained in several evidence-based therapies for PTSD, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) for individuals. I also offer Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) for PTSD, which is a couples treatment for PTSD. I often utilize motivational interviewing techniques and cognitive-behavioral approaches, including mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) when working with individuals addressing their substance use patterns. While these treatments provide a structure for our work together, I believe flexibility and meeting you where you are at is the best way to build our therapeutic relationship. I would describe my approach as warm, empathic, and direct. When you take a chance and explore how therapy might be able to help you, I believe that being supportive while still genuine is what makes for the best outcomes. In a session with me, you can expect discussion of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, discussing out-of-session assignments, and a bit of humor.
CPT Provider upon licensure
Offering in-person (West Chester) and teletherapy for individuals and couples (18+).
I accept Aetna, Cigna, & IBX insurances.
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