Ingrid Clayton, PhD

Ingrid Clayton, PhD, is a writer and clinical psychologist in private practice in Los Angeles, California. She is the author of Believing Me: Healing from Narcissistic Abuse and Complex Trauma, a deeply personal account of childhood trauma told through the lens of a psychologist, as well as Recovering Spirituality: Achieving Emotional Sobriety in Your Spiritual Practice. Her forthcoming book, Fawning, sheds light on the often-overlooked “fawn” response—an essential yet misunderstood aspect of trauma recovery.

Ingrid is a regular contributor to Psychology Today, where her article “What is Self-Gaslighting?” has been recognized as a must-read piece on trauma and self-awareness.

Holding a master’s degree in transpersonal psychology and a PhD in clinical psychology, Ingrid takes a holistic, trauma-informed approach to healing. She integrates modalities such as Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and other experiential methods that support nervous system regulation. Since 2004, Ingrid has practiced relational therapy, bringing her full self—professional expertise, intuition, and lived experience—into her work. This authentic approach allows her to form real, collaborative connections with her clients, helping them rediscover trust, resilience, and self-compassion on their path to healing.

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