Meet your therapist

Welcome! I'm glad you're here. My name is Dr. Victoria Buttery and I'm a licensed clinical psychologist who is passionate about helping people improve their mental and spiritual health and well-being.

I understand that opening up to a therapist can be intimidating. My goal is to create a safe, warm, and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment.

I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology from American University in Washington, DC in 2014. My graduate training was supported by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) fellowship. I completed my postdoctoral training at the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), specializing in the assessment and treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

From 2016 - 2023, I worked as a staff psychologist and team lead at VASDHS within the Military Sexual Trauma and Interpersonal Trauma and PTSD Clinics. I also served as the facility’s PTSD Director, and I held a faculty appointment in the UCSD Department of Psychiatry as a Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor. In these roles, I provided assessment, feedback, and treatment (individual therapy, group therapy) to Veterans with PTSD and trauma-related distress. I trained and supervised numerous psychology practicum students, predoctoral interns, and postdoctoral fellows. I gave talks locally and nationally on a variety of topics, and helped clinics implement national guidelines and best practices for providing quality PTSD treatment.

I opened Resilience Psychological Services in 2021 to bring quality, evidence-based mental health care to the community, including PTSD treatments, and to integrate Christian faith into therapy for those desiring to do so.

On a personal note, I enjoy rooting for Philadelphia sports teams (Go Birds!), hiking, reading spy novels, baking (anything chocolate), going on walks with my Cavapoo, Beau, and spending time with my family. 

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.
— Helen Keller

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MY Approach

Step 1: Assessment and Goal Setting

During our first sessions, we will spend time getting to know each other and discussing your reasons for seeking therapy. I'll ask questions about your current challenges, past experiences, and personal goals and values to help me understand your unique needs and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to you.

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Step 2: Feedback & Developing a Plan

Based on the information gathered during our initial sessions, I will provide you feedback and suggestions, and we will work together to develop a plan that outlines your therapy goals, the frequency of our sessions, and the types of techniques and interventions that we will use. I'll also make sure to provide you with an overview of the therapy process, so you know what to expect in our sessions.

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Step 3: Therapy Sessions

In our therapy sessions, we will work together to identify patterns of behavior and thought that may be causing or contributing to your challenges. We'll also explore your feelings and emotions in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. I'll use a variety of evidence-based techniques to help you build skills and strategies to cope with your challenges and achieve your goals. Therapy will often include out-of-session “homework” exercises to help you learn and practice new skills.

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Step 4: Regular Review and Feedback

Throughout our sessions, we will regularly review and evaluate our progress towards your goals. This will allow us to adjust our plan as needed and ensure that you are getting the most out of our therapy sessions. This often includes standard questionnaires about symptoms to monitor changes. I also welcome feedback from my clients, as this helps me tailor my approach to better meet your needs and preferences.

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Step 5: Graduation and Support

When you feel that you have made the progress you were seeking and are ready to end therapy, we will work together to develop a plan for maintaining your gains and continuing to work on your personal growth. I will also provide resources to help you continue to thrive beyond our therapy sessions.