my aproach to therapy
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I look at clients' challenges through a systems approach, meaning looking at the underlying social, economic and political forces that might be driving our discomfort. With this lense, I help navigate clients’ feelings and emotions that come as a result of the racist, classist and unjust systems they have been subject to. Together we will not only process these experiences, but work at coming up with practical, implementable solutions together. As an LCSW and also, a human interested in collective liberation for all, I can also support you in making connections in your community towards organizing for causes close to you.
HELPING YOUTH PROCESS TRANSITIONS AND SET INTENTIONS THAT WILL LEAD THEM BOLDLY INTO ADULTHOOD.
As someone who’s worked with foster youth and in community mental health for several years, I know well the struggles that teens face when transitioning into adulthood. In our world today, social media can play a huge part in how young people navigate their world. I work together with teens to find balance and ease anxiety. Through mindfulness practices and coping skills, our work together can help alleviate stress associated with life transitions, and overwhelm from pressure around appearance and likes.
SUPPORTING LGBTQIA+ CLIENTS IN EXPLORING IDENTITY AND HEALING FROM FAMILY CONFLICT
As a member of the queer community, I can relate to the struggles of growing up in a world that didn’t always see us. On our journey together, we can process emotions around inner child wounding and family acceptance, as well as create brilliant visions for individual and collective healing.
GROUPS FACILITATED AND CO-FACILITATED BY LEAH
Mindfulness for Transition Age Youth
Mindful Movement for Transition Age Youth
Body Positivity for Teens
Moving through Grief for Teens and Young Adults
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain
TRAINING
Creating the Container: Uncovering Creative Process when working with Youth in the System, Isobel Marcus September 2020
Racial Equity training, Burns Institute, July 2021
Motivational Interviewing, Encompass Community Services, 2018-2021
Internal Family Systems training, Jessica Sorci, December 2020
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, January-May 2018
Gender Spectrum Training, July 2020
Somatic Therapy with Queer and Trans Clients, Andrea Guitierez-Glik, October 2020
Dance Movement Therapy for Trauma, The Lotus Collaborative, June 2019
EDUCATION
Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Board of Behavioral Sciences LCSW #103757
Master of Social Work from California State University Monterey Bay
B.A. in Liberal Studies with a Minor in La Raza Studies from San Francisco State University
SPECIALTIES AND INTERESTS:
Anxiety and Stress
Relationship challenges
LGBTQIA+ clients
Ecotherapy
Grief and Loss
Teens
Foster Youth
Families
Expressive Arts
Mindfulness