Hi, I'm Lea. I am a licensed clinical and counseling therapist based in Pennsylvania. I have extensive experience treating a wide range of concerns from general life stressors and relational challenges, to more significant clinical concerns such as PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder. A few of my clinical interests include socio-cultural issues, life transitions, identity development, improving self-esteem, improving communication, rebuilding trust, learning assertiveness, treating anxiety, depression, abuse, trauma, and managing difficult relationships.
Expect Results. I aspire to help clients become goal orientated and develop decision making skills. While I am direct in my approach, I am nurturing in nature. I blend humor, knowledge, compassion, and humility in my practice. Therapy is most successful when there is mutual respect and trust between the therapist and client. My goal is to cultivate a safe, supportive, and collaborative relationship so that clients feel in control of their treatment and their process.
In my experience working in underserved communities in community behavioral health, I’ve learned to adapt treatment to meet not just clinical needs, but cultural needs of any age, socioeconomic status, race, and gender. Cultural competence is an important tenant of treatment. Being able to understand the person and their role in their world better helps clients access greater understanding of their authentic selves and build the resiliency to create lives worth living.
In my practice, I use DBT to motivate clients by helping them create a life they genuinely believe is worth living. I begin by working with clients to identify their values and long-term goals—what does a meaningful life look like for them? This provides a clear vision of where they want to go, helping them focus on building that future instead of being overwhelmed by current difficulties. I also teach emotion regulation skills so clients can manage the intense emotions that often hold them back from pursuing their goals. Once they can control emotions like anxiety, anger, or sadness, they feel more capable of taking action. Mindfulness is a core part of DBT, and I encourage clients to practice being present and accepting their current situation while also working on solutions to change it. This balance between acceptance and change is key to motivating people without overwhelming them. Lastly, I help clients develop distress tolerance so they can cope with challenges and setbacks without giving up. This resilience is essential in staying committed to their vision and continuing to take steps toward the life they want to live.
In my adult private practice, I use my training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to help parents strengthen their connection with their children. I teach parents how to use positive reinforcement, effective communication, and praise to build a stronger bond. By focusing on relationship-building strategies from PCIT, I guide parents to understand their child’s needs better and respond to them in a way that promotes emotional security and trust. I also provide tools for managing challenging behaviors in a calm, consistent manner, fostering a healthier, more connected parent-child relationship.
I use my training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to help clients understand and recover from trauma. I guide them in recognizing how their trauma impacts their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By breaking down these patterns, I teach them how to reframe negative beliefs, reduce distressing emotions, and develop healthier coping strategies. I also incorporate gradual exposure, helping clients process their trauma at a pace that feels safe, so they can confront painful memories without feeling overwhelmed. Through relaxation techniques and cognitive restructuring, I support clients in reducing trauma-related symptoms and rebuilding their sense of control and safety in their lives.