Audra Crawford, MA
Practicum Trainee; Program: Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, Pepperdine University
Supervised by Grace Goodman, Psy.D. (PSY28905)
Pronouns: She / Her / Hers
Hello, and nice to meet you! I’m a current doctoral student at Pepperdine University and feel incredibly grateful to continue my clinical journey alongside the distinguished Institute team. My passion for helping others sits at the forefront of my existence, especially when I’m gifted the chance to form meaningful connections with children and adolescents. Too often, the younger demographic is overlooked, discounted, and invalidated, leaving them to search for a trusted source of safety and comfort. My vision is to guide our youth through the various metamorphoses they undergo and to serve as a reminder that they are not alone on this journey.
As a firm believer in the power of engaging in a proactive mindset and preventative care, I strive to teach children the tools to effectively manage their emotions and communicate their needs. Establishing a healthy therapeutic alliance in the early stages of development sets the tone for a grounded experience of self-exploration and translates to deeper interpersonal relationships. I enjoy using creative strategies, including music, dance, art, and play, to access the roots of their cognitive and emotional landscape and strengthen the link between mind, body, and soul.
Furthermore, my identity as a biracial woman has informed my clinical work with young girls of color. Representation matters, and girls need to see themselves in the professionals from which they seek guidance. Growing up, I was blessed to be surrounded by beautiful, intelligent, and strong black women who set the tone for what it means to stand proud in my womanhood and speak my truth, despite societal barriers. My goal is to continue the cycle of empowerment and uplift other young girls. I gravitate toward a strength-based approach and encourage my clients to embrace their authentic selves through compassion and acceptance. Helping girls and adolescents to recognize they are worthy and deserving of all things good in this world ignites my soul, and it fills my heart with an immense amount of gratitude to witness them flourish.
Specialties:
I provide support for growth in the following areas:
- Coping with trauma-related symptoms
- Self-esteem/Self-image
- Building confidence and communication skills
- Anxiety and depression in children and adolescents
- Somatic effects of anxiety in children and adolescents
- Psychological assessment
Treatment Modalities:
I utilize the following modalities regularly in my practice:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Humanistic
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (Distress Tolerance)
- Mindfulness/Deep Breathing
- Somatic Experiencing
- Play Therapy
Advanced Training:
- Somatic Experiencing workshop led by my 1st year clinical supervisor, Dr. Aviera
Other Current Professional Activities:
- Diversity Representative for Pepperdine’s Student Government Association
Prior Experience:
- Viewpoint Psychology & Wellness (Private Practice in Commerce, Michigan)
- Pepperdine University Community Counseling Clinic (West LA Campus)
Education:
- Current student in the Doctor of Psychology program for Clinical Psychology, Pepperdine University (West LA Campus)
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Michigan School of Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Physiology, Michigan State University
Mission: My mission is to be a touchstone of mental and emotional stability for those who seek comfort and the desire to be heard. As a practicum trainee, I’m looking forward to learning and building my clinical repertoire to provide the best quality care for children, adolescents, and their families.
Email: ACrawford@IFGD.care
Phone: 626-585-8075 ext.