Kristen Clayton, LCSW

Kristen Clayton is a  Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CA # 68951) who has over 15 years experience in the field of social work and mental health.  She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and  Master’s in Social work from San Diego State University.  She is currently a certified EMDR therapist and a registered Play Therapist with the Association of Play Therapy.  Kristen also holds a Pupil Personnel Services Credential from the state of California as a school social worker and is an active member of the National Association of Social Workers, Association for Play Therapists and the EMDR International Association.

Kristen currently specializes in children, adolescents and adults who have experienced single and complex trauma.  Kristen utilizes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and Play Therapy as evidenced based therapies to treat traumatic experiences and reduce symptoms.

Kristen’s focus is helping individuals and families function at the highest level by providing education, strategies and perspective to assist in personal growth.  Throughout her career as a social worker, she has offered individual and family therapy for mild to persistent symptoms.  Throughout those challenges, she has helped a diverse clientele address depression, anxiety, childhood behavioral challenges, OCD related behaviors, ADHD and substance abuse.  She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities, hospitals, schools and clinics.  Kristen works to tailor treatment to those she is working with and pulls interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Positive Discipline, Play Therapy and EMDR.

Kristen believes everyone can find happiness, love and balance in their lives.  Her approach is compassionate, yet direct with emphasis on an environment of shared learning and safe communication.

Kristen conducts sessions at the Clairemont and Encinitas locations and via telehealth.