Psychotherapist Profile

Kelly Yi PhD

Educational Background

Dr. Kelly Yi completed his doctoral training from the clinical psychology program at Sofia University in Palo Alto, CA.

He is currently Associate Chair of the psychology doctoral Program at The Institute of Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University, and also is a clinical supervisor at Stanford/The Pacific Graduate School of Psychology’s evidence-based university clinic. Dr. Yi studied the psychology of religion and comparative religious/spiritual experiences as an undergraduate at UC Santa Barbara, and in graduate school conducted original doctoral research on long-term mindfulness training and well being, examining the experiences of long-term practitioners and teachers.

Specializations

Dr. Yi integrates mindfulness into all aspects of therapy and has trained with leaders in the fields of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Cultivating Emotional Balance. Additionally he holds expertise in working with trauma having been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS). He has studied various spiritual systems, East and West, North and South that also influence his healing work. He also utilizes aspects of Emotion Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, and Imago Dialogue. He has over 15 years of clinical experience working with individuals, couples, families and groups at numerous bay area agencies.

He is a past post-doctoral Summer Research Fellow of The Mind and Life Institute, as well as a research assistant on the Mind and Life Institute’s leading edge Cultivating Emotional Balance project. He is currently writing a book on the integration of global psychologies and spiritual systems. Dr. Yi approaches his work with gratitude and commitment to help transform deep life concerns and to manifest passions.

Education and Credentials

  • Stanford / Palo Alto University- Clinical Supervisor
  • State Licensed Psychologist, PSY 24210 – 2011
  • Ph.D. – Institute of Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia U– 2008
  • M.A. Counseling Psychology – Institute of Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia U – 2003
  • B.A. – Psychology and Religious Studies (Double Major) – 1997
  • IFS Trainings – 2014-2018
  • Certified Realization Process Meditation Teacher – 2017
  • Certified Cultivating Emotional Balance Teacher – 2013
  • Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Training – 2013
  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Training – 2012-2013
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Training – 2012
  • Emotion Focused Couple and Family Therapy Training – 2009-2010
  • EMDR Training – 2009-2010
  • Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Training – 2008
  • Psychodrama Training – 2001-2002
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