Shauna Finley, PhD

Meet Dr. Shauna Finley

I am a clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience treating anxiety and trauma-related disorders in academic medical centers and outpatient psychotherapy clinics. I offer therapy via telehealth to adults in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. I specialize in the treatment of postpartum anxiety and depression, mental health difficulties during pregnancy, traumatic birth experiences, pregnancy losses, and stress related to fertility struggles. I have extensive training in evidence-based psychotherapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

I provide compassionate, patient-centered care that is based in clinical science and neuroscience. Whether you are experiencing anxious mood, excessive worry, panic attacks, difficulty relaxing, fatigue, irritability, low motivation, poor sleep, or just feeling stuck in a rut, I am here to help. Through our work together, you may achieve increased ability to regulate emotions, build healthy behavioral habits, self-soothe when distressed, and improve flexible thinking. I will help you to prioritize your own mental health and “stress-proof” your brain for future hardships.

My Background

I obtained a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Kent State University in 2012. I went on to complete a pre-doctoral internship at the Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 2013, where I received specialty training in the treatment of trauma-related disorders as well as health-related behavioral problems. I completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the VA Maine Healthcare System in 2014, where I received further training in empirically-supported, trauma-based psychotherapies as well as integrated treatment in primary care settings.

After completing my postdoctoral fellowship, I held a clinical research psychologist position at the Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology at the Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center from 2014 to 2020. I worked in psychotherapy research examining the efficacy of therapies for trauma-related difficulties, including interpersonal struggles.

From there, I transitioned to focusing on providing psychotherapy in private practice and in academic medical centers, such as at Brown Medicine Primary Care. I am delighted to be a part of the team at PVD Psychological Associates and am devoted to providing my patients with the highest level of care.

My Approach & Philosophy

Humans inherently strive for self-actualization. We have a desire to not just get by, but to flourish and build a life worth living. I draw from evidence-based therapies to build skills that will allow you “retrain your brain” and cultivate more balanced responses to stress. Through cognitive-behavioral therapy, you may cultivate a healthy, flexible mindset, increase your ability to regulate your emotions, build up your capacity to self-soothe, and respond more effectively to relationship difficulties. I will help you protect your own mental health and carve out important life areas for a more well-rounded and balanced experience that is less vulnerable to stress.