Psychologist · Executive Coach · Author

You are only
as creative choiceful inspired productive effective resilient
as your psychology.

Creatives, founders, leaders, and high performers work with Dr. West because she brings a rare hybrid of psychological expertise and real-world experience — catalyzing meaningful change.

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Dr Aprilia West
About Dr. West

Meet Dr. West

Dr. Aprilia West is a psychologist, executive coach, researcher, trainer, author, and professional fellow at the Institute of Coaching at Harvard Medical School. She brings 20+ years of experience working with founders, leaders, artists/creatives, teams, and organizations across Big Five tech companies, the U.S. Congress, and the Big Six entertainment companies.

She specializes in translating research into evidence-based applications for wellbeing and performance, having delivered invited workshops in 7 countries on wellbeing, decision-making, psychological agility, and sustainable behavior change.

ICF-certified coach and Rule-31 certified mediator with training from Harvard Law School
Founding President, Southern California chapter — Association of Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS)
Former policy analyst, communications director, speechwriter & press secretary on Capitol Hill
Work Together
Why Clients Trust Dr. West

A Rare Blend
of Expertise

With 20+ years of doctoral-level training and experience working with individuals and organizations at the intersection of psychology, performance and policy, Dr. West brings a rare blend of scientific rigor fused with real-world application.

01
Psychologist, Executive Coach & Behavioral Change Consultant

Licensed clinical psychologist, executive coach and trainer with 20+ years of experience working with artists, leaders, and teams in Fortune 500 organizations, the U.S. Congress, Big Five tech, and Big Six entertainment companies.

02
Bestselling Author in Wellbeing, Elite Performance & Behavior Change

Publications include What You Feel Is Not All There Is, ACT for Your Best Life, and Emotion Efficacy Therapy as well as peer-reviewed articles — grounded in research, written for both professionals and self help.

03
Researcher, Developer & Innovator

Developed and validated the Emotion Efficacy Scale 2 (EES2) and the Emotion Efficacy Therapy (EET) protocol. Developed the Flexible Selfing protocol integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Internal Family Systems and Method Acting techniques.

04
Skilled Teacher & Trainer

Has delivered invited workshops and trainings in 11 countries for 5000+ therapists, coaches, and helping professionals in applying evidence-based interventions, including partnerships with the Institute of Coaching, Harvard Medical School, PESI, and Praxis.

05
Speaker & Thought Leader

Invited guest on podcasts and high-profile media shows discussing psychology, culture, and public policy. Designs bespoke motivational and educational keynotes for organizations. A vocal advocate for updating wellbeing and mental health models through process-based approaches.

06
Prosocial Designer & Advocate

Collaborated on high-profile prosocial campaigns including congressional redistricting, human rights and climate change, alongside advocates including Sir Richard Branson, Peter Gabriel, and Mia Farrow.

Work With Dr. West

How we work together

Tailored engagements for individuals, teams, and organizations who want to upgrade their culture and performance.

Executive Coaching

Personalized, one-on-one coaching for executives, founders, and leaders seeking practical skills and measurable growth in performance and effectiveness.
Organizational Consulting

Evidence-based consulting for teams and organizations for workplace culture, behavioral design, and systemic change that drives sustainable results.
Corporate Training

Customized workshops and training programs in communication, leadership, wellbeing and performance and effective teaming — delivered in-person or virtually.
Psychotherapy

Individual therapy grounded in contextual behavioral science, positive psychology, and neuroscience for mental health, wellbeing, and personal growth.
Professional Trainings

Continuing education workshops on evidence-based interventions for therapists, coaches, and healthcare professionals.
Speaking & Keynotes

Bespoke keynotes and panel appearances for conferences, offsites, and corporate events including, high performance, culture change, behavioral design, and psychology agility in the workplace.
Client Voices

What clients say

Dr. West has a rare ability to meet you exactly where you are and help you see yourself — and your potential — more clearly. Working with her changed how I lead.

Senior VP, Big Five Tech
Executive Coaching Client

The workshop Dr. West delivered to our leadership team was the most impactful training we've experienced in years. Practical, research-based, and genuinely transformative.

Chief People Officer
Corporate Training Client

I came in skeptical. I left with actual tools I still use every day. Her approach is unlike anything I had encountered — scientific and deeply human at the same time.

Creative Director & Founder
Psychotherapy Client
Published Works

Books that change lives

View All Books
"What You Feel Is Not All There Is" book cover
Author · Bestselling
What You Feel Is Not All There Is

Humans face a big challenge when it comes to wellbeing and performance. While emotions are the primary motivational system, they…
"ACT For Your Best Life" card deck
Author · Card Deck
ACT For Your Best Life

This card deck offers 54 evidence-based prompts and practices to help you increase your psychological flexibility — a skill proven…
"Emotion Efficacy Therapy" book cover
Author · Clinical Manual
Emotion Efficacy Therapy

Emotion Efficacy Therapy (EET) is a transdiagnostic, exposure-based treatment that integrates ACT and DBT to help clients build distress tolerance…

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To inquire about working with Dr. West, invite her on your podcast, or book her for a speaking engagement, please fill out the form. We look forward to hearing from you.

Based In
Los Angeles, California
Response Time
Within 2–3 business days

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