My Name is Leanora, Please call me "Lea." I have been working with individuals by helping them understand that navigating life's challenges can be overwhelming, and seeking help is often the first step towards healing for 25 years. It has always been my life goal to assist others with becoming the best possible self they are meant to be. That's why I work hard at creating a safe, caring, and compassionate Online space where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment and at their own pass. My comprehensive range of services includes depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma-informed care, family and couples therapy, and more.
During our initial session, we will work together and collaborate as we complete your biopsychosocial assessment, review your intake paperwork, and review any assessments completed within your intake packet. Also, we will discuss the therapy process, and discuss what you would like to work on during therapy, review what you would like to get out of therapy, and collaborate together to form a individual treatment plan based on your needs.
My greatest strength as a provider is my ability to empower and motivate others along their journey towards becoming the best possible form of self a person can be and with living/having a brighter future.
Lea Harkless offers therapy covered by Kaiser Permanente - Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Virginia.
Within my career, I have over 12 years if utilizing the CBT model of Therapy. CBT builds on the idea that a realistic evaluation of our thinking can improve our emotional state and behavior and has been proven across a variety of diverse peoples and cultures and with those experiencing many different Mental health issues such as populations experiencing depression, anxiety, Trauma, substance abuse to name a few.
I have been utilizing the Gottman method/research-based therapy to assist couples within their relationships for 3 years. The Gottman method allows for couples to form/build stronger relationships and as a therapist, I provide the couple with a safe environment to explore every aspect of their respective relationships.
I have experience working with Motivational interviewing spanning over the last 20 years. Motivational interviewing can be utilized to assist clients with making needed changes within all aspects of ones life. I have utilized Motivational Interviewing with all ages and with a variety of cultural and diverse populations experiencing depression, anxiety, substance abuse and many other Mental health issues.
Over the last 5 years, I have worked to assist individuals suffering from various forms of trauma (I.E. PTSD, Acute stress disorder, past abuses), in order that the individuals may manage their symptoms versus their symptoms managing the individuals and go on to live the life they want and desire.
Over the last 3 years, within therapy, I have utilized ACT therapy to encourage individuals to embrace their thoughts, and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for the. By combining mindfulness with self acceptance to assist the individuals to face problems instead of avoiding them by providing the individual a safe and nurturing environment to do so within.