Going beyond traditional types of talk therapy

A Career Built on Diverse and Extensive Experience

Dr. Bailey’s career has been marked by a wide range of experiences across various settings and with diverse client populations. Her clients include individuals seeking personal growth and peace, executives navigating workplace challenges, couples and families in conflict, and organizations pursuing cultural change.

These experiences have enriched her knowledge and sharpened her skills, enabling her to approach each client with a broad, informed perspective. If you choose to work with Dr. Bailey, you’ll benefit from her extensive experience and deep understanding of human behavior. Her lifelong passion for psychology drives her continuous learning and development, which she brings to every client interaction.

Clients consistently express gratitude for her genuine care and trust in her ability to focus on the core issues of their challenges. Dr. Bailey’s compassionate, targeted approach leads to meaningful and lasting change.

She is dedicated to keeping the therapeutic process finely tuned, effective, and efficient. By carefully listening and staying aligned with the client’s goals, she ensures that the work remains focused and productive. If you work with Dr. Bailey, you can expect the same solution-oriented process.

Alisa G.

I highly recommend the couples retreat. We had a wonderful experience during the two day retreat. The set of tools we learned about has been valuable at home and work. These communication skills will last a lifetime! We no longer dread discussions because we have the tools to accomplish a patient and loving conversation.

Gary G.

This training has been invaluable for my wife and me.  The content was condensed and very well thought out and then applied specifically to our situation.  Because of this, we were able to clarify with each other and get to the root of issues – to understand each other – in ways we’d not been able to do before.  This felt great to both of us.

JF

I am so grateful for Dr. Bailey!  I have been seeing Dr. Bailey over two separate time periods, first for my divorce (in person sessions) and second, for self-improvement (via Zoom).  She well exceeded my expectations both times and was able to get me through those tough times.

Dr. Bailey is extremely perceptive.  She’s always prepared and remembered all of our conversations.  She’s very skilled at picking up nuances, hence able to immediately pinpoint and address the issues at hand.  She listens intently and pays attention to nonverbal cues (always amazes me).  I would walk away feeling better after each session and with a lot to reflect on.

 I came out of all this a much happier person and a better partner to my significant other.  Dr. Bailey has such a broad viewpoint, as issues are typically multifaced (career, home, relationship, etc.).  I would highly recommend Dr. Bailey.

KS

I have known Dr. Bailey for over 20 years.  As her client off and on during that time period, I have found her to be a consummate professional and incredible listener- a skill necessary to be successful in this role.

 As a result of her vast experience in the field, I trust her sound judgment and am impressed by her desire to continue to grow and keep current with new developments in psychology.

Every session I take away a sense of discovery about myself and an action plan on how to move forward.

I am so grateful for her expertise and ability to understand me.  She has so much to offer and can be an incredible resource to those seeking her services.  Couldn’t recommend her more!

Dr. Bailey’s Training and Professional Background

Dr. Karol Bailey is a licensed psychologist in California and a credentialed member of the National Register of Health Service Psychologists. She is a lifetime member of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Bailey earned her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from The Ohio State University on a full fellowship and graduated summa cum laude with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ohio University.

After becoming licensed, Dr. Bailey served as Director of Psychological Services at the University of California, Riverside. She successfully rebranded the counseling center from a mental illness treatment facility to one focused on personal growth and student development, increasing its usage by 50%. Dr. Bailey personally counseled students with complex issues, trained volunteers to lead life planning workshops, and expanded campus services through program evaluations.

Transitioning to private practice, Dr. Bailey worked with individuals and couples while also holding staff positions at three psychiatric hospitals over ten years. She specialized in comprehensive psychological testing, clinical assessment, and served as the Director of a mental health crisis line, where she trained and supervised staff.

Dr. Bailey also spent two years as a university faculty member, preparing master’s degree students for licensure as marriage and family therapists and supervising their practicum internships.

As an organizational behavior consultant, Dr. Bailey served as Vice President of Client Services and Director of Training at McGuire Group and National Summit Group. She provided executive coaching, led teambuilding and leadership development, and facilitated strategic planning workshops.

Dr. Bailey later founded Breakthrough Solutions, an organizational behavior consulting firm. She led a three-year culture change initiative at a Southern California community hospital and conducted 360-degree evaluations for employees at various companies. Additionally, she contributed to the development of the beta version of the bestselling workshop and book “Crucial Conversations,” published by VitalSmarts.

Additional Certifications
  •  Certified in the Developmental Model for Couples Therapy by the Couples Institute
  • Fellow in clinical hypnotherapy by the National Board of Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists
  • Certified Career Planning Strategist by Success Training Institute
  • Graduate of the University of California Management Institute
  • Certified Pet Therapy provider by Love on A Leash with her AKC Canine Good Citizen certified dog Gizmo

Dr. Bailey’s expertise has been featured in numerous publications and media outlets, including The Sacramento Business Journal, The Long Beach Press-Telegram, Preferred Health Care Review, Wellbeing, WSBK-TV Boston, and KABC.

7 lbs. of affection and intelligence — and, of course, hypoallergenic coat. He can’t wait to meet you and will welcome you with great energy and excitement each time you arrive. He has his AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate and his therapy dog certification, too.