LCSW, 5 years of experience
I have always felt deeply connected to this work. After two enriching years of undergraduate studies in Israel, I returned to the U.S. to earn my graduate degree at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work in New York City’s Upper West Side. My career has been shaped by a commitment to inclusivity, working with clients from diverse cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. My approach to trauma and addiction is both compassionate and tailored, recognizing the unique needs of every individual.
In a first session, clients can expect a warm and supportive space where the foundation of trust and safety is prioritized. My primary focus is on building a strong connection and helping clients feel comfortable sharing their story. Together, we’ll explore the reasons for seeking treatment and begin identifying goals to guide the therapy process. During this session, I aim to understand the client’s unique needs and concerns, while introducing my approach to therapy. Over the first few sessions, we collaboratively create a roadmap or treatment plan tailored to the client’s goals and personal journey. The first session is about setting the tone for a partnership in healing, ensuring that clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to take the next steps in their therapeutic process.
Certainly! You could use words like **"profound,"** **"sharp,"** **"acute,"** or **"strong"** to convey a similar idea. Here's the revised version with "acute" instead of "keen": One of my greatest strengths as a provider is my acute intuition, which allows me to deeply understand what clients are experiencing or have experienced, often without them needing to verbalize much. This sensitivity helps me pick up on subtle nuances and underlying emotions that others might overlook, creating a deeper connection and a more personalized approach to healing. My heart is another profound strength—I genuinely care for my clients and approach each individual with warmth, compassion, and empathy. These qualities enable me to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel truly seen and understood. My ability to balance intuition with sensitivity and genuine care allows me to meet clients where they are, guiding them on their healing journey with unwavering presence and support.
I specialize in treating complex trauma, offering a unique approach to addiction, and addressing trauma-related diagnoses. My treatment plans often involve exploring the root causes of emotional and behavioral patterns, integrating evidence-based methods such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic techniques, and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Clients can expect to build self-awareness, heal past wounds, and develop healthier coping strategies. This process fosters resilience, self-compassion, and lasting personal gro
I am highly attuned to the ways trauma can impact the central nervous system (CNS), relationships, and overall functioning. Trauma often leaves a profound imprint on the brain and body, influencing how we think, feel, and interact with the world. In my practice, I integrate this understanding to guide interventions that support emotional regulation, promote resilience, and facilitate healing. By incorporating trauma-informed care, I empower clients to explore their experiences, recognize the connection between their past and present, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. This approach is not just about addressing symptoms but also about fostering long-term growth and well-being.
Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) is another fundamental approach in my practice. I begin by building a genuine and empathetic connection with each client, taking the time to understand their unique story, strengths, and challenges. This approach emphasizes the client's autonomy and individuality, allowing them to take an active role in their healing journey.
The Psychodynamic approach is another integral part of my practice. This method focuses on exploring the unconscious mind and understanding how past experiences, particularly those from early childhood, shape current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By identifying patterns and bringing unconscious conflicts to the surface, I help clients gain deeper self-awareness and insight.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is another approach I integrate into my practice. CPT focuses on addressing underlying cognitions and identifying thought patterns that may be contributing to emotional distress. By working alongside other methods, CPT helps clients reframe and rewire maladaptive beliefs, enabling them to process trauma and develop healthier perspectives. Through CPT, I support clients in examining and challenging their thought processes, fostering a deeper understanding of how these thoughts influence their emotions and behaviors. This approach is instrumental in reducing symptoms of trauma and creating lasting cognitive and emotional change.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is my favorite approach and a cornerstone of my practice. IFS is a transformative method that views the mind as made up of multiple parts, each with its own perspective, feelings, and needs. I help clients connect with and understand these inner parts, fostering a compassionate relationship with themselves. By working with the client's internal system, I guide them in identifying protective and wounded parts, uncovering the root causes of internal conflicts, and facilitating healing. The goal is to help clients access their core Self—a state of wisdom, calm, and clarity—to lead their internal system effectively. IFS empowers clients to resolve inner struggles, enhance self-compassion, and achieve profound personal growth. It’s a deeply respectful and empowering approach that resonates with many clients seeking lasting change.
3 ratings with written reviews
April 30, 2025
In our first session, she had already gotten to the root of one of my problems and I'm looking forward to addressing it in our next session.
March 4, 2025
I truly had a wonderful interaction and I definitely feel a lot better with continuing my sessions!
March 2, 2025
Leah is incredible. In one session she already seems to understand me and picks up on things.