- stress and anxiety
- communication skills
- social anxiety
About Sonya
Dr. Sonya Kelly is a California Psychologist (CA Psychologist 17700) with 36 years of clinical experience. She works with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, self-esteem difficulties, and depression. Sessions and the therapeutic tasks focus on practical steps and real-life problems rather than abstract theory.
Kelly helps people improve communication skills and address patterns that interfere with daily life. She brings experience with codependency, family-of-origin issues, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive concerns, panic attacks, and social anxiety and phobia. She also supports people navigating polyamory and other non-monogamous arrangements and addresses multicultural issues.
Her work with individuals, couples, and groups emphasizes clear goals and collaborative problem solving. Sessions include talking through current challenges, learning coping strategies, and practicing new ways of relating. Dr. Kelly aims to make sessions straightforward and focused on what people can do between meetings.
Clients who have faced trauma or abuse will find a clinician familiar with post-traumatic stress and long-term recovery work. Seasonal Affective Disorder and women’s issues are also among areas she addresses. Dr. Kelly values the client’s knowledge of their own life and uses that knowledge to guide treatment decisions.
She asks new clients to complete a short matching questionnaire before scheduling a first session. Costs vary with location and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Sessions are conducted in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
How evidence-based approaches are used in online sessions
Dr. Kelly uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on skills and behavior change. One approach emphasizes learning concrete coping skills for anxiety and panic, such as gradual exposure to feared situations and short-term exercises to reduce intense physical symptoms. This method helps people practice facing social situations and reduce avoidance over time.Another commonly used approach concentrates on improving communication and relationship patterns. It involves mapping how interactions unfold, trying new ways of speaking, and rehearsing conversations so people feel more confident in social or intimate settings. This can be useful for those dealing with relationship strain or social anxiety concerns.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist and client decide together which techniques to try, based on current problems, goals, and preferences. That collaborative process includes checking progress and adjusting methods when needed.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Therapists and licensed professionals commonly use these conveniences to help clients practice skills in everyday settings and maintain steady progress.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
36+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, and depression. Additional focus areas include social anxiety and phobia, OCD symptoms, panic, and multicultural concerns.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her approach is practical and goal-focused, emphasizing clear steps and communication skills. Sessions involve talking through challenges and learning strategies to use between meetings.
How much experience does she have?
She has 36 years of professional experience and has been licensed in California since 2001. That experience includes work with individuals, couples, and groups.
What credential does she hold and where is she located?
She is a California Psychologist (CA Psychologist 17700) and practices in California. The credential appears as CA Psychologist 17700.
In what languages are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
How do sessions take place?
The biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Specific rates are provided during the sign-up process.
What do I do to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session. That process connects you to scheduling and the initial appointment.