My name is Dr. Kevin Gaw and I am licensed to practice psychology in both Rhode Island and Nevada. Because I live in Rhode Island, my practice is based in Rhode Island, though I am able to provide telehealth services with clients residing in and receiving services in Nevada (conditions apply).
Bio:
I arrived in Rhode Island in December 2015, and, in addition to practicing psychology, I serve as the Executive Director of the Amica Center for Career Education at Bryant University. Prior to Bryant University, I was the Senior Director of University Career Services at Georgia State University. While at Georgia State, I also directed the Offices of Civic Engagement, Leadership Development, and the Georgia Career Information Center. Before then, I was the Director of Career Development at the University of Nevada, Reno.
I am trained as a Counseling Psychologist and have provided, in addition to career services, counseling and psychotherapy services at university counseling centers, including the University of Nevada, Reno and Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly UMR). I completed my doctoral internship at Southern Illinois University's Counseling Center. Between my master’s degree and doctoral program, I served as a middle school guidance counselor and as a student assistance counselor (MFCC intern: substance abuse) in Watsonville, California.
I earned my PhD in Counseling Psychology (APA-Accredited) from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I obtained my master’s degree in Education from San José State University and specialized in school counseling. My Bachelor of Arts degree is in both Anthropology and Southeast Asian Studies, which I earned from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Through continuing education courses, I further my professional learning and development, to better serve my clients and to remain current with best practices.
As a person with Type 2 diabetes (and a guy who likes to cook and enjoy a good meal), I understand the challenges of managing life with diabetes. It isn't easy and there are a lot of challenges, from within ourselves and external to us. I have completed the Mental Health Provider Diabetes Education Program, co-sponsored by the American Diabetes Association and the American Psychological Association and I assist persons with diabetes distress.
Born in San Francisco, I grew up in Malaysia where I attended the International School of Kuala Lumpur. I worked in Indonesia at a Jesuit university teaching English and have extensive international and intercultural experience. In addition to writing professionally, I have conducted research and presented on many topics in psychology, including culture shock, intercultural development, career development, treatment planning, and workplace issues. I have also taught several psychology courses, including the psychology of religion and counseling theories. I am an advocate for personal and professional success, which (among many factors) is an interaction between personal motivation and development, career development, professional aspiration, interpersonal skills, access to opportunity, and life-long learning and engagement.
Passion, purpose, and having a sense of direction, personally and professionally, are central to my work.
Orientation - In Brief
Clients often wonder what "style" or "theoretical orientation" a psychologist might practice. I utilize a positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy approach that is informed by psychodyamic, existential, humanistic, and narrative psychotherapies. In addition to traditional "talk therapy" and structured clinical interventions, I also use creative approaches, such as journaling and poetry, mindfulness exercises (including walking), breathing, relaxation training, and expressive techniques. Often I ask clients to practice exercises or skills between sessions, or to notice and record behaviors and changes. I employ the ever-optimistic "glass is half full" perspective, meaning, we are always developing as individuals and there are always opportunities from which to learn and grow. Without judgement, I view what many call "failure" as instead life experience and frame it as an opportunity to learn, rather than as a deficit of character, knowledge, skill, or ability. In addition to symptom reduction and management, addressing and resolving root issues are essential for growth and progress. Supporting clients as they move through and beyond experiences that have impacted them is essential. I believe identifying one's passion and purpose (which can shift over time), finding meaning and direction, experiencing happiness and flourishing, and living authentically (in alignment with one's values) are important goals. Classical psychotherapy theorists, seasoned practitioners, philosophers and thought leaders all contribute to how I approach therapy and I continually learn from contemporary advances in order to deliver quality services to my clients.
Professional Member of the Following Professional Associations
American Diabetes Association
American Psychological Association
National Career Development Association
Rhode Island Career Development Association
Rhode Island Psychological Association
Bio:
I arrived in Rhode Island in December 2015, and, in addition to practicing psychology, I serve as the Executive Director of the Amica Center for Career Education at Bryant University. Prior to Bryant University, I was the Senior Director of University Career Services at Georgia State University. While at Georgia State, I also directed the Offices of Civic Engagement, Leadership Development, and the Georgia Career Information Center. Before then, I was the Director of Career Development at the University of Nevada, Reno.
I am trained as a Counseling Psychologist and have provided, in addition to career services, counseling and psychotherapy services at university counseling centers, including the University of Nevada, Reno and Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly UMR). I completed my doctoral internship at Southern Illinois University's Counseling Center. Between my master’s degree and doctoral program, I served as a middle school guidance counselor and as a student assistance counselor (MFCC intern: substance abuse) in Watsonville, California.
I earned my PhD in Counseling Psychology (APA-Accredited) from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I obtained my master’s degree in Education from San José State University and specialized in school counseling. My Bachelor of Arts degree is in both Anthropology and Southeast Asian Studies, which I earned from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Through continuing education courses, I further my professional learning and development, to better serve my clients and to remain current with best practices.
As a person with Type 2 diabetes (and a guy who likes to cook and enjoy a good meal), I understand the challenges of managing life with diabetes. It isn't easy and there are a lot of challenges, from within ourselves and external to us. I have completed the Mental Health Provider Diabetes Education Program, co-sponsored by the American Diabetes Association and the American Psychological Association and I assist persons with diabetes distress.
Born in San Francisco, I grew up in Malaysia where I attended the International School of Kuala Lumpur. I worked in Indonesia at a Jesuit university teaching English and have extensive international and intercultural experience. In addition to writing professionally, I have conducted research and presented on many topics in psychology, including culture shock, intercultural development, career development, treatment planning, and workplace issues. I have also taught several psychology courses, including the psychology of religion and counseling theories. I am an advocate for personal and professional success, which (among many factors) is an interaction between personal motivation and development, career development, professional aspiration, interpersonal skills, access to opportunity, and life-long learning and engagement.
Passion, purpose, and having a sense of direction, personally and professionally, are central to my work.
Orientation - In Brief
Clients often wonder what "style" or "theoretical orientation" a psychologist might practice. I utilize a positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy approach that is informed by psychodyamic, existential, humanistic, and narrative psychotherapies. In addition to traditional "talk therapy" and structured clinical interventions, I also use creative approaches, such as journaling and poetry, mindfulness exercises (including walking), breathing, relaxation training, and expressive techniques. Often I ask clients to practice exercises or skills between sessions, or to notice and record behaviors and changes. I employ the ever-optimistic "glass is half full" perspective, meaning, we are always developing as individuals and there are always opportunities from which to learn and grow. Without judgement, I view what many call "failure" as instead life experience and frame it as an opportunity to learn, rather than as a deficit of character, knowledge, skill, or ability. In addition to symptom reduction and management, addressing and resolving root issues are essential for growth and progress. Supporting clients as they move through and beyond experiences that have impacted them is essential. I believe identifying one's passion and purpose (which can shift over time), finding meaning and direction, experiencing happiness and flourishing, and living authentically (in alignment with one's values) are important goals. Classical psychotherapy theorists, seasoned practitioners, philosophers and thought leaders all contribute to how I approach therapy and I continually learn from contemporary advances in order to deliver quality services to my clients.
Professional Member of the Following Professional Associations
American Diabetes Association
American Psychological Association
National Career Development Association
Rhode Island Career Development Association
Rhode Island Psychological Association
To make an appointment, please contact me at:
401.400.1832
info[at]drkevingaw.com
(please note: email is not a secure/confidential form of communication)
401.400.1832
info[at]drkevingaw.com
(please note: email is not a secure/confidential form of communication)