LICSW, 6 years of experience
New to Grow
Hello, I’m Leah Kramer, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with over 25 years of experience. I appreciate the bravery it takes to begin therapy — sometimes the biggest hurdle to change. So, congratulations on landing here! My goal is to create an experience that feels both empowering and collaborative, because I believe therapy starts with recognizing that you are the expert in your own life. I use sound, evidence-based practices and practical tools to help you shift away from thoughts and habits that keep you feeling stuck, and toward achievable goals that align with your values. I prioritize helping you feel truly understood and seen for your unique strengths — and I’m never opposed to sharing a little humor along the way.
Our first session is about getting to know each other. I’ll ask a bit about you — your history, what’s bringing you to therapy, and what you hope to get out of it. We’ll talk about how the process works and set some realistic goals together, so by the second session, we can jump into the work feeling clear and focused.
A strong therapeutic alliance is at the heart of my work. I believe therapy is most effective when the space feels comfortable, safe, and free of judgment. As a social worker, my work has allowed me to learn from a wide range of populations and their unique needs, which helps me adapt my approach to each individual. I also bring an insatiable curiosity for this field, constantly exploring new approaches, practices, and learning opportunities so I can offer the best possible support to my clients.
I have experience working with clients of all ages, but I’m especially drawn to working with older adults navigating significant life transitions. I value clients who are curious about their patterns of thought and behavior and who are open to reflecting on their work outside of our sessions. Effective therapy sometimes means I’ll gently challenge you, meaning I'll ask thought-provoking questions, offer new perspectives, or encourage you to try new approaches. I do this with care and intend to help you grow, tap into your strengths, and make changes that feel meaningful and lasting.
Everyone has automatic ways of thinking (often without realizing it), and sometimes these patterns keep us feeling stuck, anxious, or discouraged. CBT provides concrete tools to identify unhelpful thoughts, challenge them, and replace them with more grounded perspectives. By making small, intentional shifts in thinking and behavior, you are empowered to respond to life's challenges more effectively.
As a trauma-informed therapist, I recognize the impact past experiences can have on how we think, feel, and respond in the present. Our culture is quick to pathologize adaptations to trauma rather than to understand its roots and purpose. It’s not about rehashing every difficult event, but about creating a safe, respectful space where you feel heard and supported and creating a good starting point for healing and change.
ACT is a useful framework that can help you to accept difficult emotions and experiences without letting them control your choices. ACT focuses on clarifying your core values and taking meaningful steps that align with them so you can move toward a life that feels purposeful and authentic, even when challenges are present.