J. Kelly Moreno

J. Kelly Moreno is a Professor of Psychology at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), serving as Director of Training for the Master's Psychology Program. Their academic career spans clinical psychology, psychotherapy methodologies, and creative writing intersections with mental health. Dr. Moreno holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Utah, and a B.A. in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara.

Research focuses on eating disorders, mood/anxiety disorders, group psychotherapy techniques, forensic psychology applications, and literary influences in counselor education. Notable work includes the novel A Duty to Betray (2014), exploring psycho-legal themes, and pioneering studies on modern sex doll ownership dynamics.

Teaching responsibilities include courses on individual psychotherapy (PSY 560), psychodynamic approaches (PSY 568), and clinical practicum training (PSY 569). Professional activities emphasize bridging creative writing with therapeutic practices, evidenced by presentations at the American Group Psychotherapy Association and California Writer’s Club.

Publications span peer-reviewed analyses of non-traditional relationships to creative works exploring psychological dilemmas. Active in both academic and literary communities, Moreno’s work uniquely merges clinical expertise with narrative expression.