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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.

Lives Impacted
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Kay at NYU3

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

Program Director- Adult & Child Outpatient Psychiatry Departments Zucker Hillside Hospital | Helping Hands Psychotherapy- Founder/Director

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

Founder, RaderCo | Productivity & Health Expert | Keynote Speaker | Coach | Consultant | Trainer | 3x Author | Digital Wellness Practitioner | Master Virtual Presenter

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

TEDx NC State Curator

10 Things You Shold Know About Dr. Kay

I have been a National Associaiton of Independent
Schools (NAIS) Mom for Decades

I’ve been a hands-on of 3 in some of the most competitive have positively shaped our lives in ways I never imagined. From volunteering and fndraising to serving as a cair and overall supporter. My experiences provided me with deep insight related to the goals and functions of the stakeholders in the building-from trustees to students, paresnts, and staff. I utlize this exposure and knowledge to craft highly specilized offerings to support the school’s growth and the wellbeing of the school community.

I'm Fluent in Three Languages,
and I'm Just Getting Started

English, Spanish,and Italian? Check, check and check. I’m all about connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, and these languages help me do just that. Sign language and French are next up.

Joined My First Board of Trustees at 17 —A Life-Changing Experience.

At 17, I was elected into my first Board of Trustees, and it was a game-changer. It taught me the value of leadership, service, and collaboration at a young age. Those early lessons have shaped how I approach challenges and opportunities, both personally and professionally, ever since. Service and volunteer work are integral to my life—whether I’m the PTA president, cupcake baker, or party decorator helper. If it helps the team, I’m totally there!

Certified Scuba Diver, Mediocre
Swimmer—Go Figure!

PADI certified and ready to
dive, but don’t count on me to win any swim races.

Prayer and Manifestation:

My teenage years were all about exploring different world religions. Fast forward to today, and I’m still hooked on prayer, mindfulness, manifestation, and affirming myself and others.

Complex Trauma Treatment Expert,
Ready to Help You Heal.

I hold master certifications in the gold-standard modalities for treating PTSD, depression, anxiety, and reframing wealth mindsets. I don’t just treat trauma; I help people unlock their best selves.

I Love Monograms, all things Connecticut, Sweet Plantains, and Jordans.

From crisp New England charm to fried sweet plantains and classic Jordans, I’m a mix of tradition, flavor, and a little urban style.

Self-Mastery Is My Jam.

I believe in self-mastery—ongoing, evolving, and always pushing for those results or pivots that transform lives. It’s not about perfection; it’s about growth.

Kay DeSimone © 2024. All Rights Reserved.

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