About Dr. Kay
Dr. Kay De Simone, DSW, LCSW, is an expert in the stressors and wellness of high achievers, working extensively with individuals who navigate high-pressure environments. As a complex trauma psychotherapist, university professor, and researcher, she specializes in identity-based trauma and imposter syndrome. She provides clients the tools to overcome challenges, prioritize their well-being, and take ownership of their success. Her approach is warm and humorous, offering a results-driven perspective that fosters emotional development, strategy, and personal growth.
As a TEDx speaker and consultant, Dr. De Simone delivers keynote speeches and mental wellness consulting for finance, tech, health, and educational institutions. Her tailored workshops equip leaders, employees, and students with strategies to manage stress, foster emotional intelligence, and build mental wellness in fast-paced environments. With a strong focus on helping high-achievers transition smoothly from school to a world filled with options, Dr. De Simone guides individuals and organizations toward creating balanced, thriving environments. Her experience with high-pressure prep schools and corporate trainings makes her a highly sought-after speaker.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. De Simone’s research on identity-based trauma and imposter syndrome plays a central role in her practice. She helps clients confront self-doubt, societal expectations, and the emotional weight of high achievement. As a university professor, her academic insight informs her therapy practice and presentations, integrating the latest evidence-based methods to position the attendants of her events to overcome their challenges and pursue their goals with centeredness and joy. Dr. De Simone’s emphasis on self-prioritization and personal power is a cornerstone of her philosophy, helping individuals take control of their emotional well-being, career, and wealth.
Dr. De Simone is on a mission to revolutionize the approach to mental wellness for high achievers. Whether through individual therapy, corporate consulting, or dynamic keynote speeches, her services focus on emotional regulation, personal empowerment, and long-term success. By helping clients and organizations thrive in stressful environments, she is impacting mental health and well-being in both personal and professional spheres.

Kay is a smart and skilled psychotherapist and facilitator who cares about everyone she works with. She works hard to really understand her client’s needs and how to help them. She always keeps it real and delivers great results!
Pauline Walfisch, LCSWR
Kay De Simone’s talk has lived on through me. I can’t help but spread her message of empowerment with our mental health and speaking up to our providers. The notion of firing our therapists or invoicing them when we are training them how to work with our special kind of uniqueness was eye-opening. My friend who saw her speak took control of her therapy and moved on from her provider within the week after watching Kay! I love her sassy, direct attitude toward her industry.
Marcey Rader CSP
Kay is an absolutely amazing woman that I hope so many others get the opportunity to work with. She brings a fun and vibrant energy to any space and brings something special to any group of people. Having her as a speaker at TEDxNCState 2024 was a seamless experience and privilege. Her insight into group dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and the younger mindset as a whole were attributes that would compliment any group and adventure! TEDxNCState loves Kay!
Sachi Marshall
10 Things You Shold Know About Dr. Kay

Proven Success in High-Stakes Industries
Dr. Kay brings over a decade of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, including tech, finance, law, health, and entrepreneurship. Her tailored wellness programs drive measurable results in productivity, retention, and employee satisfaction.
Expert in Mental Wellness for High Achievers
Dr. Kay specializes in evidence-based strategies to address stress, burnout, and mental blocks among high performers, providing actionable solutions that improve performance and overall well-being.


Advanced Clinical Training & Research
With a Doctorate in Clinical Social Work from The University of Alabama, Dr. Kay is a recognized thought leader in complex trauma, stress, and post-traumatic growth, translating her clinical expertise into corporate resilience and competitive educational settings advantages.
EMDRIA-Certified Expert in Trauma Resolution
Dr. Kay is certified by the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA), the leading global organization for EMDR therapy standards and training. EMDRIA certification signifies advanced-level training and expertise in delivering EMDR, a cutting-edge, evidence-based therapy used to reprocess trauma, reduce emotional distress, and unlock personal growth. Dr. Kay’s EMDR services are tailored for high-performing individuals seeking to overcome emotional barriers and optimize their personal and professional potential.


Sought-After Speaker and Trainer
Known for her engaging and impactful delivery, Dr. Kay has delivered keynote addresses and workshops for Fortune 500 companies, competitive schools, and elite academic institutions. She’s also a TEDx speaker with a reputation for simplifying complex issues with warmth and clarity.
Global Perspective with Multilingual Capabilities
Fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, Dr. Kay’s multicultural expertise allows her to design and implement globally relevant programs for diverse teams and organizations.


Proven Results with Data-Driven Customization
Her initiatives have been shown to lower attrition rates, reduce burnout, and foster emotional intelligence in high-pressure environments. By combining years of clinical research with actionable metrics, Dr. Kay delivers programs that align with organizational goals while creating sustainable growth and a healthier work culture.
Trusted Advisor to Top-Tier Schools and Corporations
Dr. Kay has partnered with competitive preparatory schools, Ivy League institutions, and Fortune 500 companies to create emotional development programs that improve organizational outcomes and client satisfaction.


Advocate for Educational Excellence
As a mother of three daughters, Dr. Kay has championed education for over 25 years. She served as PTA president for Gifted and Talented school programs in New York City and has been an active volunteer and supporter of top-tier schools belonging to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Her personal experience as a parent and supporter of high-performing academic institutions informs her understanding of the pressures families and educators face.
Elevated Solutions for High-Caliber Leaders
Dr. Kay’s services embody a refined, strategic approach tailored to meet the needs of high-caliber individuals and teams. Her programs are crafted with an elevated mindset, ensuring they provide impactful, efficient, and tailored solutions for organizations and institutions that demand the highest level of care and precision.
