Taylor Locker, Ph.D.

Staff Psychologist, Eating Disorders Coordinator

My approach to therapy is grounded in interpersonal theory as I believe early attachment and other important relationships greatly affect our well-being and the way we interact in the world. To me, the therapeutic relationship is the most powerful part of therapy and I seek to build a strong collaborative relationship with my clients to safely explore and then heal from pains of past and present. I use a feminist and multicultural lens to better understand each individual’s experience and how context affects the development of presenting concerns and ways to healing. Within this lens, I see people as the complex individuals they are and encourage clients to see themselves more fully and accurately as well. I strive to empower my clients to find their voices and live their lives in accordance to their values and beliefs. While I primarily work from an interpersonal framework, I enjoy incorporating Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) approaches and interventions to my work. I find EFT and DBT to be incredibly helpful for fostering healthy expression of emotions, the ability to tolerate painful experiences, and the skills to make the most of out of relationships. Many people also benefit from the emphasis on the mindfulness and developing one’s wise self within a DBT approach.

I have several clinical interests including identity development, interpersonal difficulties, family of origin issues, trauma recovery, cultural and diversity issues, and eating disordered and body image concerns. In addition to clinical work, professionally I am passionate about training, supervision, outreach, and teaching. I enjoy finding ways to “take psychology to the public” and am always interested in using psychology and counseling to enhance the lives of others outside of the therapy room.

My supervision style is in many ways similar to my therapeutic style. I see trainees as complex individuals with various experiences, needs, and goals. I believe it is important to take the time to get know my supervisee and met the supervisee where (s)he is. I strive to create a collaborative, safe supervisory relationship with my supervisees to allow for risk taking and growth. I take an interpersonal approach to supervision and incorporate interpersonal feedback and the exploration of transference and counter transference reactions. I am open to sharing my experiences with my supervisees and also providing didactic information when appropriate. I am highly invested in helping my supervisee find their voice in therapy through exploring different theoretical orientations and ways of being in the room.

In my free time, I am usually spending time with my family and friends as we check out interesting places to eat or take in the beautiful parks and nature in Ames. I also really enjoy listening to music, thrift/antique shopping, gardening, taking on home renovation projects, and creating artwork.