Biography and Credentials

I received my Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology in 2012 from Midwestern University, located in Downers Grove IL, with specific emphasis in the study and treatment of anxiety disorders and Obsessive Compulsive (OC) spectrum disorders. My professional journey includes completing an APA accredited internship at the Carson Center for Adults and Families in Westfield, MA, and serving as a research assistant at Brown University's Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies. I further honed my expertise through a Postdoctoral Clinical Fellowship at Cognitive Behavioral Consultants in White Plains, NY, an internationally recognized evidence-based center, and an advanced Postdoctoral Clinical Fellowship at the Kansas City Center for Anxiety Treatment (KCCAT) in Overland Park, KS.

After completing my Advanced Postdoctoral Fellowship at KCCAT in 2014, I joined KCCAT as a staff psychologist for over 10 years, where I provided specialized services, including intensive Exposure/Response Prevention (ERP) and core CBT treatments for anxiety disorders, OC spectrum conditions, and related problems, and insomnia. During this time, I was also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

In 2024, I started my private practice to continue offering evidence-based services for anxiety and OC spectrum conditions. Additionally, I currently serve as the President of OCD Kansas, a local affiliate of the International OCD Foundation, dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those affected by obsessive-compulsive and related disorders and their loved ones.

Highlights:

  • Over 10 years in practice

  • Extensive and specialized training in CBT and ERP from leading professionals in the OCD and anxiety field

  • Keynote and Speaker at scientific conferences

Selected Presentations at Scientific Meetings

Oakley, W.C. (2021, October 6). Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia. Mental Health America of the Heartland, Zoom Webinar

Mariaskin, A., Oakley, W.C., & Jenks, A. (2019, July 21). Dodging the Second Arrow: Self-Compassion for Teens. Presented at the 26th Annual International OCD Foundation Conference, Austin, TX.

Oakley, W.C., Jacobsen, A, Kriegshauser, K., & Mariaskin, A. (2019, July 19). My Child Isn’t Motivated for ERP, Now What?: Behavior Modification and ERP Strategies to Strengthen Motivation and Commitment. Presented at the 26th Annual International OCD Foundation Conference, Austin, TX.

Oakley, W.C., Jenks, A., & Mariaskin, A. (2018, July 29). Calming the Mind: The Use of Mindfulness for the Management of OCD. Presented at the 25th Annual International OCD Foundation Conference, Washington, DC.

Tucker, B., Mariaskin, A., Jenks, A., Oakley, W.C. & Barkin, J.. (2017, July 9). Are You “Shoulding” Me: A Workshop for Teens with Perfectionism. Presented at the 24th Annual International OCD Foundation Conference, San Francisco, CA.

Nicely, S., Smith, A., & Oakley, W.C. (2017, April 22). The Use of Exposure in the Treatment of BFRBs. Presented at the 24th Annual TLC Conference, St. Louis, MO.

Nicely, S., Smith, A., & Oakley, W.C.. (2017, April 21). Kids Corner. Presented at the 24th Annual TLC Conference, St. Louis, MO.

Jenks, A, Mariaskin, A., Oakley, W.C., Barkin, J., & Tucker, B. (July, 2016). Superheros vs. OCD-Villains: Using ACT to Conquer OCD. Presented at the 23rd Annual International OCD Foundation Conference, Chicago, IL.

Brady, C., Lewaniak, L., McGrath, P., Oakley, W.C., & Tuell, C.. (July, 2016). Don't Wait, Wait --Tell Me! Understanding and Managing Co-Occurring OCD and Substance Use Disorders. Presented at the 23rd Annual International OCD Foundation Conference, Chicago, IL.

Oakley, W.C. (2016, May). Keynote Speaker: Creating a Life Worth Living. Pulling Together: Body-focused Repetitive Behavior Conference, Kansas City, MO.