Dr. Kayla Bunderson, Psy.D.

Dr. Kayla Bunderson is the Clinical Director at Waves. She earned her master’s and doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University: California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego. She went on to complete her American Psychological Association accredited predoctoral internship in Avondale, Arizona as a school psychologist intern within the public-school system. Her Bachelor degree is in Psychology from Trinity Lutheran College in Everett, Washington. 

She has therapeutic experience working with youth, adults, families, and active duty military in various clinical settings who are experiencing a variety of mental health disorders. She has worked in the outpatient setting, public schools, inpatient addiction treatment facilities, residential treatment centers, community mental health centers, and private practice. Specifically, her training has focused on psychodiagnostic assessment. When conducting therapy, she primarily utilizes a psychodynamic approach with a focus on early attachments and how these impact one’s negative core beliefs but still understands that each persons needs may be different. To support the other therapists at Waves, Dr. Kayla is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. Ultimately, she believes that the most crucial part of therapy is developing a strong therapeutic relationship to help the individual feel as comfortable as possible to explore their current and past difficulties.

She pursued a career in mental health after working as a client care technician at a child residential treatment facility in Washington state. She wanted to make the biggest impact possible and felt that pursuing her doctorate degree would help assist with that. Since beginning her career, she continues to fall in love with the work due to every day being different and meeting so many resilient individuals. When she is not at Waves you can find her at the dog beach with her Great Dane or at the boxing gym.