Paul D. Kai Swigart, PhD, MFT

Dr. Paul D. Kai Swigart, PhD, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist and independent private practice owner with nearly four decades of clinical experience. He has maintained his private practice since 2001, operating primarily through telehealth—well ahead of industry adoption—while continuing to meet with local children in person when clinically beneficial. Dr. Swigart is a published author and thought leader in the field, best known for his 2019 book Consciousness Is Everything and his long-running blog, Alternative Shrink, where he explores innovative perspectives on mental health, healing, and human development. Dr. Swigart’s professional philosophy integrates traditional psychotherapy with alternative and holistic healing approaches, consistently incorporating spirituality either as an explicit focus or an underlying framework for care. His clinical orientation is contextual and emotionally focused, with treatment thoughtfully tailored to each individual, couple, or family. Drawing on his background as a trained music therapist, he frequently incorporates arts-based interventions—including music, poetry, and visual art—into his work. In addition to his clinical practice, he is an accomplished singer-songwriter who performs under the artist name Billy Ray Norris. Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist for 38 years, Dr. Swigart has also held credentials in substance abuse treatment and employee assistance programs earlier in his career. He is trained in Ayurvedic and orthomolecular medicine and has provided telehealth services internationally since 2001, serving a diverse global client base. His academic background includes a PhD in Psychology from United States International University (now Alliant International University), a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and both BA and BS degrees from Illinois State University. A member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Dr. Swigart has worked with high-profile clients, including Bethany Hamilton, and his work has been referenced in national media, including USA Today.

• United States International University - PhD, Psychology
• Master's degree, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• BA and BS, Illinois State University

• LMFT

• California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists