Licensed to practice in 2 states. Specializes in Anxiety, Life Transitions, Trauma and PTSD and 4 more.
New to Grow
Leora Golan, MSW, LCSW, C-DBT serves as a dedicated mental health professional with a Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University of Chicago, specializing in mental health. She completed her undergraduate studies at Stockton University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Work with a minor in Childhood Studies. Leora brings a rich and diverse clinical background, having worked with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.
During sessions, Leora focuses on understanding each client’s concerns and goals while creating a collaborative plan tailored to their needs. In the first meeting, she reviews what brings the client to therapy, explores their background, and examines the challenges they are experiencing. This initial session is designed to give clients a clear sense of Leora’s therapeutic approach and establish a safe, supportive environment where they feel heard and understood. Together, she and the client set achievable goals and begin working toward meaningful change.
Leora is committed to providing compassionate and personalized care that empowers clients at every stage of their journey. Whether working with children, adults, or families, she focuses on building a strong therapeutic alliance and fostering resilience through evidence-based approaches. By offering individualized strategies, trauma-informed guidance, and a safe, collaborative environment, Leora helps clients develop the tools and confidence they need to navigate challenges and achieve their therapeutic goals.
My ideal clients are individuals, parents, or children who are feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, stuck in loops of anxiety or trauma, or simply exhausted by a nervous system that constantly feels on high alert. You might find yourself trapped by negative thought patterns, struggling to manage intense emotional waves, or dealing with the physical toll that chronic stress takes on your body. I am best positioned to serve those who are ready for a collaborative, compassionate approach to mental health. Whether your goal is to find relief from past trauma, learn practical coping mechanisms for daily stressors, or help your child navigate big emotions, you don't have to have it all figured out before our first session. If you are open to exploring a blend of practical skills and body-based healing, and want to reclaim your life at a pace that feels entirely safe for you, we will be a wonderful fit.
I received my formal EMDR training through EMDR Consulting, an EMDRIA-approved program, and I use this specialized method to help clients safely process trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. In session, I utilize EMDR’s structured phases and gentle bilateral stimulation to help your brain reprocess stuck, distressing memories. This reduces their emotional charge and helps your nervous system return to a state of calm. It is a highly effective, somatic approach that perfectly supports my "little steps" philosophy, allowing you to heal from trauma at a pace that feels entirely safe and manageable
I obtained my professional DBT certification through Evergreen Certifications, specializing in providing clients with concrete, evidence-based coping skills. I weave DBT into my practice to help individuals manage intense emotional distress, improve communication boundaries, and stay grounded in the present moment. DBT is an incredibly effective approach because it focuses on small, daily behavioral shifts. By helping you balance self-acceptance with positive change, I empower you to navigate life's stressors with practical tools and a calm nervous system.
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns that may be keeping them stuck in cycles of anxiety, stress, or self-doubt. In my practice, I treat CBT as a collaborative tool to explore how our thoughts directly impact how we feel and act. By introducing evidence-based strategies, I help you break down overwhelming situations into smaller, manageable parts. Together, we work to reframe negative self-talk and develop practical, real-world coping mechanisms that allow you to regain control over your daily life.
I utilize Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, the gold standard treatment for OCD, severe anxiety, and phobias. In my practice, I guide clients through this process with immense compassion and collaboration, ensuring you are always in the driver’s seat. Together, we safely and gradually face the thoughts, objects, or situations that trigger your anxiety (the exposure) while practicing choosing not to perform the compulsive behaviors or rituals that keep the cycle going (the response prevention). By breaking this loop at a pace that feels safe for you, your brain naturally learns that the distress will pass on its own, empowering you to reclaim your freedom and confidence from fear.
I integrate somatic (body-based) therapy into my practice because trauma, chronic stress, and anxiety don't just live in our thoughts—they are physically stored in our nervous system. In our sessions, we shift the focus from simply talking about your experiences to noticing how your body holds onto emotional distress. Through gentle tracking of physical sensations, grounding exercises, and breath awareness, I help you safely connect with your body's innate wisdom. This somatic approach allows your nervous system to finally release accumulated tension, helping you move out of survival modes like fight-or-flight and find a true, deep sense of physical and emotional safety.