Michele Leader
I’m Michele Leader, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Temple University. My time at Temple allowed me to develop a deep understanding of social and mental health challenges, shaping the compassionate and evidence-based approach I bring to my work. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of providing therapy, counseling, and advocacy for individuals facing life’s difficulties. My goal has always been to create a supportive environment where my clients feel heard, valued, and empowered.
When a client completes therapy, I want them to have improved emotional regulation, using effective coping strategies to manage stress and emotions in a healthy way.
As an entrepreneur, I founded and currently manage my own social work practice, offering personalized, research-backed interventions tailored to each individual’s needs. I believe in the transformative power of mental health support, and I am committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those I serve. Compassion and effectiveness are at the core of my practice. Whether in clinical settings or through my business, I strive to foster positive change in my community, helping individuals navigate challenges and build fulfilling lives. I’d love the opportunity to connect with you and support your journey!
First session
In a client’s first session with me, they can expect a warm and welcoming environment where they feel safe to share their story. This initial meeting is about building trust and understanding their needs, goals, and challenges. Here’s what typically happens: - Introductions & Comfort Building – I take time to establish a connection, ensuring my client feels at ease. - Discussion of Concerns & Goals – We explore what brought them to therapy and what they hope to gain from our work together. - Overview of My Approach – I explain my therapeutic style, including trauma-informed care and evidence-based methods like CBT, ACT, or EMDR. - Collaborative Treatment Planning – Together, we outline a path forward, discussing strategies and expectations for progress. - Answering Questions & Addressing Concerns – Clients can share any hesitations or uncertainties, and I provide guidance to help them feel supported. Most importantly, I want clients to leave their first session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the journey ahead. Therapy is a partnership, and my goal is to create an environment where healing and growth feel possible.
Strengths
As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in my ability to create a safe and compassionate space for healing. I approach therapy with deep empathy and a trauma-informed mindset, ensuring that each client feels heard, valued, and supported. I take pride in using evidence-based practices like CBT, ACT, and EMDR to tailor treatment to the unique needs of every individual. My goal is to empower clients, helping them build resilience and take meaningful steps toward personal growth. Advocacy is also a core part of my work—I believe in standing alongside my clients as they navigate challenges, providing the tools and confidence they need to move forward. As the founder of my own practice, I’m able to offer personalized care that prioritizes the well-being of those I serve. Above all, authenticity and connection are central to my approach. I strive to build trusting relationships with clients of any age, creating an environment where they can explore their emotions, heal, and thrive. I am dedicated to continuous learning and growth.
Ideal clients
My dream client is someone of any age who is ready to embrace change and personal growth. They are seeking a therapist who understands their unique experiences and offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach to healing. I thrive when working with individuals who have experienced trauma and are looking for a safe, supportive space to process their emotions and reclaim their strength. My ideal client values authenticity and wants a therapist who is both effective and empathetic—someone who listens deeply and empowers them to live their fullest life. I love working with members of the LGBTQ+ community who seek gender-affirming care and advocacy. Understanding their journey and providing a space where they feel seen and supported is incredibly meaningful to me. Additionally, I connect with entrepreneurs and professionals who are navigating high-stress careers and searching for balance. I understand the pressure of managing responsibilities while prioritizing mental health, and I enjoy helping people develop strategies to create a more fulfilling life. And of course, as a pet parent myself, I appreciate clients of any age who share that deep bond with their animals. I understand how pets can provide comfort, companionship, and even healing, and I love working with fellow animal lovers who find meaning in that connection. At the heart of it, my dream client—whether young, old, or anywhere in between—is someone who is ready to invest in themselves, heal, and step into their most authentic life. If that sounds like you, I’d love to support you on your journey!
Treatment methods
Trauma-Informed Care
- Psychoeducation: Helping individuals understand trauma and its effects, so they can gain insight into their own experiences. - Mindfulness and grounding techniques: Strategies such as deep breathing, meditation, and sensory awareness help clients regulate emotions and stay present. - Cognitive-behavioral techniques: Identifying and shifting negative thought patterns to promote healthier coping mechanisms. - Somatic therapy approaches: Engaging the body in healing through movement, breathwork, or other body-awareness exercises. - Strength-based interventions: Focusing on resilience and personal strengths to build confidence and a sense of agency.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
A structured, goal-oriented approach that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors
Gender-affirming therapy
Gender-affirming care encompasses a range of medical, psychological, and social interventions designed to support individuals in aligning their gender identity with their lived experience
Grief Therapy
As a grief and loss social worker specializing in PET bereavement, I support individuals through the deep emotional pain that comes with losing a beloved animal companion. I help clients honor the significance of their bond, validate the grief that’s often overlooked by others, and navigate feelings like guilt, loneliness, and identity disruption. My approach is trauma-informed and grounded in empathy—I use narrative work, psychoeducation, and containment strategies to create space for healing, especially when pet loss is layered with past trauma or relational instability.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Licensed in
- MarylandLicense 30273
- New JerseyLicense 44SC05758900
- PennsylvaniaLicense CW015658
- South CarolinaLicense 18102