Dr. Rebecca Bailey

Dr. Rebecca Bailey is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist specializing in trauma recovery, family crisis intervention, and abduction recovery. Bailey holds a degree from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, California, and is recognized for her expertise in complex case scenarios, including high-conflict divorce and extreme trauma. She consults for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, providing therapy, assessments, reunification services, expert testimony, and training to families navigating challenging circumstances.

Bailey is the founder of Transitioning Families, a group of independently licensed mental health practitioners focused on supporting families through crisis and change. She previously served as director of the Sonoma Police Department Youth and Family Services program. Bailey is known for her work with survivors of non-familial abduction and serves on the advisory board of The JAYC Foundation, where she and Jaycee Dugard developed a model utilizing horses to educate judges, law enforcement, therapists, and other professionals about trauma-informed care and connection. She is also the co-creator of the Connection Focused Therapy program, emphasizing the relationship between the nervous system and behavioral responses in addressing complex societal challenges.

Bailey established the Polyvagal Equine Institute, which is dedicated to equine-assisted psychotherapy and education, applying Dr. Stephen Porges' research on the autonomic nervous system to diverse populations. She is recognized for her contributions to animal-assisted therapy and system-based interventions. Bailey presents nationally on topics such as creating protected spaces for survivors of traumatic crimes and integrating polyvagal principles into therapeutic interventions. She has a particular interest in equine interventions and has authored a book on polyvagal principles and equine-assisted therapy.

Bailey is the co-author of the book "Safe Kids, Smart Parents." She has appeared as a guest and commentator on Anderson Cooper, Good Morning America, Piers Morgan, Erin Burnett, Kyra Phillips, 20/20, Diane Sawyer, Dr. Oz, and World News Tonight. Her clinical expertise and extensive media presence position Bailey as a leading voice in trauma recovery, child safety, and family reunification.