Halley Woodward, PhD

Halley Woodward, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist with a deep commitment to guiding her clients toward healing and growth. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY, and both a Master’s and PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Iowa’s Psychological and Brain Sciences Program. Halley's journey into psychology was not a straightforward one. She initially aspired to be a poet, but after realizing the practical challenges of that career path, she pivoted to science, eventually becoming a psychology researcher. Her early career at the National Center for PTSD as a research technician strengthened her passion for clinical work, leading her to pursue clinical training, which became her true calling.

Born in Cleveland, OH, Halley moved around the northeast quite a bit during her childhood, which has contributed to her open-minded, empathetic, and resilient approach to life and therapy. As a therapist, Halley is deeply empathetic, curious, and committed to providing an open, authentic space where her clients can be their unmasked selves. She listens intently to both what is said and what isn’t, always aiming to foster transparency and authenticity. Clients can expect a balance of light-heartedness and irreverence with the hard, meaningful work of healing. Halley encourages clients to bring their full selves into therapy, swearing and crying included, and she believes in being real and grounded with her clients. This authenticity extends to owning her privileges as a white, cisgender, middle-class woman, with the goal of creating a safe environment for clients to explore their intersecting identities and experiences of oppression and discrimination.

Dr. Woodward’s approach to therapy is flexible, ensuring that her clients’ desired outcomes guide their work together. She integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices. She is especially drawn to second- and third-wave cognitive behavioral approaches, which form the foundation of her practice.

What keeps Halley motivated in her field is the deep connection she builds with her clients, walking alongside them with mutual courage and vulnerability as they work towards healing. Despite her initial career aspirations in research, she’s found her true passion in clinical work and has been a full-time clinician ever since, a decision she has never regretted.

When Dr. Woodward isn’t working, she can often be found hiking with her 20lb adventure dog. Living with a genetic connective tissue disorder, Halley routinely practices what she preaches to her clients about the importance of self-care and balance.