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.
With 20+ years of training and experience, Dr. West is an expert in wellbeing, performance and behavior change. She works with founders, leaders, artists and creatives, teams, and organizations across Big Five tech companies, the U.S. Congress, and the Big Six entertainment companies, as well as policy-driven "nudge" and prosocial behavior-change campaigns.
Dr. West specializes in translating cutting-edge research into practical, evidence-based tools that improve mental heatlh, wellbeing and performance. She has been invited to deliver workshops for professionals across 11 countries, teaching on topics including decision-making, psychological agility, emotional efficacy, and sustainable workplace culture.
She is the author of several books—most notably What You Feel Is Not All There Is and ACT For Your Best Life—as well as several peer-reviewed academic articles. Her work also extends into large-scale, prosocial initiatives, where she has collaborated on international communication campaigns and behavioral design projects aimed at strengthening wellbeing, human rights and civil society.
Prior to training as a psychologist, Dr. West served as a policy analyst, communications director, speechwriter, and press secretary on Capitol Hill — a background that gives her a unique context for bridging the worlds of behavioral science, organizational strategy, public policy and real-world impact. She was also was an artist and signed as a staff songwriter at Warner Chappell Music, giving her unique insight into the demands and pressures of young performers in the entertainment industry.
Dr. West is based in Los Angeles and is a linguaphile, pilates enthusiast, avid coffee drinker and amateur stand up comic.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ready to work
with Dr. West?
Start with a complimentary consultation — no pressure, just a conversation.