Will Elder Ph.D.

MEET WILL 

I like to keep therapy focused on the two things that research consistently shows matter most.

First: the relationship. Think of it as a partnership. I’ll bring the psychology know-how; you’ll bring your expertise in being you. Together, we’ll figure out what’s getting in the way and how to move forward—always in a way that respects who you are (your culture, identities, values, and lived experiences). Therapy works best when it feels real, equal, and collaborative.

Second: proven strategies. I use cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT), which research has shown to be effective. They’re practical, skills-based, and designed not just to help with today’s struggles, but to prepare you for the future. In other words, I could hand you a fish (quick fix), but it’s way more useful if I teach you how to fish (lasting tools you can use for life).

I was born and raised in Utah. I have a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Utah. I completed a fellowship in trauma psychology at the South Texas VA and am an adjunct faculty at UT School of Medicine. I primarily work with men with a history of anxiety or trauma, and am licensed to provide virtual therapy in most US states.

I have received awards from the American Psychological Association and published peer-reviewed journal articles on the psychology of men, sexual minority mental health, psychological trauma, and women and career development. After work, you’ll usually find me reading something, at the gym convincing myself that squats are fun, or wandering through small Texas towns in search of the best desserts.

Link to publications

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