Kelly Whaling
Psychologist
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Massachusetts

Kelly Whaling

Marker icon
Massachusetts
Psychologist
SPECIALTIES
Autism +
STYLE
Gentle
Safe
Systematic
Reflective
INSURANCE
Intro

Hello! I am Dr. Whaling, but you can call me Kelly. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Utah and will soon be licensed in additional states. I received my doctorate in psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and completed a post-doctoral fellowship specializing in providing trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming psychological evaluations. Through my work in inpatient, outpatient, residential, and juvenile justice facilities, I have found a deep passion for working with autistic folks! I am excited to meet you and hear your story.

What motivated you to specialize in working with autistic adults?

Since 2013, I have been a clinician working with marginalized groups experiencing the aftermath of trauma, namely suicidality and self-harm. Because of the high rates of adversity that autistic people experience, this naturally led to me working with many autistic folks. Through this work, I realized my favorite experiences were bonding with those on the autism spectrum and supporting them in their self-advocacy journey.

How do you bring a strengths-based, affirming approach to your client work?

My goal as a psychologist is to help people build a rich, meaningful, and beautiful life that is in line with their values. Authenticity and vulnerability are critical to this goal, and I believe that these traits are contagious. Aiding you in your own strengths-based self-discovery, my hope is that you are able to affirm and celebrate your unique self and empower others around you to do the same.

More info
EDUCATION
PhD in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology from University of California, Santa Barbara; Masters in Clinical Psychology from California State University, Northridge
HOBBIES
Anything and everything where I can enjoy Utah's beautiful mountains and lakes (skiing, biking, kayaking, running, climbing, camping), practicing and teaching yoga, reading and talking about reading with friends on Goodreads, gardening and landscaping, spending time with friends and family (including my husky, pyrenees/pointer, and cat!), video games (Fallout, Skyrim, and Pokemon), and connecting with other humans and learning about their rich and varied interests!