Dr. Sauer-Zavala is Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience providing award-winning cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for people struggling with anxiety, depression, and borderline personality disorder (BPD). She is based in Lexington, Kentucky and offers therapy to clients in PSYPACT-participating states via Telehealth.

She is also an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Kentucky (UK) where she leads research on how personality traits impact emotional well-being. he is the co-developer of the Unified Protocol and the creator of BPD Compass (Cognitive-Behavioral Modules for Personality Symptoms), a short-term, customizable treatment that targets the root traits underlying common mental health conditions.

As Founder and Director of Compass Mental Health Training & Consulting, Dr. Sauer-Zavala has trained thousands of therapists worldwide in transdiagnostic, trait-focused approaches to mental health treatment. She has led continuing education workshops and trainings in countries including Ireland, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Hong Kong, Japan, Brazil, and across the U.S.

A dynamic speaker, Dr. Sauer-Zavala is also available for keynotes, corporate workshops, and community events. Her signature message: your personality is not set in stone.