I grew up in East San José, California, in a vibrant immigrant community overflowing with playfulness, rhythm, and resilience. The love and sacrifice of my family enabled me to pursue my dreams, becoming the first woman in my immediate family to complete high school, college, and grad school. I use she/her pronouns and identify as a woman of color with Filipino and Mexican ancestry. I feel alive hiking with my loved ones, salsa dancing, and enjoying my favorite cuisine—Japanese Hot Pot. I am passionate about providing a radically strengths-based approach to youth, families, and adults in therapy. As someone who embodies both privileged and oppressed identities, I strive for constant self-reflection to continuously grow and reduce the harm I can cause as a service provider. I affirm people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, religious creeds, physical abilities, and beyond.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
We'll begin our session by reviewing my therapy services, policies, and technology, to ensure we're aligned and there are no unexpected surprises. Following this, I'll guide you in a conversation about your goals, strengths, and areas of concern. This first session aims to establish a comfortable rapport while getting a sense of our goals together. In subsequent sessions, we'll delve into your personal experiences and significant relationships at your pace. Whether you're prepared to explore painful memories deeply or prefer to focus on present-day goals, I'll provide a safe space for our work together. When working with teens and families, I start off with a family meeting. This helps me build a safe relationship with all involved. I strive to facilitate a comfortable first meeting, in which we will talk about your family's strengths, goals, and main concerns. Subsequent meetings will involve a mix of parent, child, and family meetings.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
With over 8 years of experience, I've supported youth, adults, and families through various challenges, including abuse, homelessness, extreme conflict, separations, and systemic oppression. My expertise lies in creating a safe space for those who have experienced harm, including at the hands of service providers and systems. My approach is radically strengths-based, meaning I'll never judge you, even for behaviors that induce harm. This sense of safety allows us to tackle the root causes of these behaviors and explore alternatives effectively.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I understand the profound love parents have for their children, which surpasses any therapeutic intervention. However, obstacles such as trauma or outside stressors can hinder our connection with our children or other family members. I work well with adults, caregivers, and parents who are open to self-reflection and willing to explore new approaches to relating to others. I connect well with people who are open to exploring their personal history, as well as that of their parents and grandparents, to better grasp our current circumstances. Clients interested in trying mindfulness or body-based exercises may also benefit from my approach, as well as those who are open to inviting the important people in their lives into the therapeutic process.
About Kimberlin Leon
Kimberlin Leon offers therapy covered by Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal), CalViva Health (Medi-Cal), Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Net (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
Identifies as
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Attachment-based
Our relationships within our families of origin and the legacies passed down to us profoundly shape our values, strengths, and areas of growth. I honor this reality. With thoughtful questioning and empathy, we will delve into your personal and ancestral history to foster self-understanding and compassion. This will be the foundation for our work together on which we will explore ways to nurture your relationship with yourself and the important people in your life. The research shows that enhancing the quality of your relationships correlates with reduced symptoms of mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety. For clients who are ready for the next step, we can invite your loved ones into our therapy sessions to gain real-time support healing unaddressed wounds and strengthening your connection with the people who matters most.
Family Therapy
I specialize in supporting teens and adults navigating depression, suicidal ideation/behaviors, and external stressors like psychiatric hospitalization, chronic health issues, and systemic inequality. Through a combination of individual sessions and family sessions, we will work together to address underlying issues contributing to depressive symptoms - ensuring everyone feels supported along the way. Recognizing the important role of our environment, I also provide case management to connect clients with available resources and collaborate with the people in your life, such as physicians, teachers, and extended family members, to ensure we address issues holistically.
Trauma Informed Care
I help people who have endured significant life challenges, including abuse, intense family discord, oppression or discrimination, foster care, and incarceration. I prioritize creating emotional and physical safety in our therapeutic relationship, and guide us in learning new techniques for immediate well-being like mindfulness, somatic exercises, spiritual practices, and practical problem-solving. As a clinical social worker, I know how important our surroundings and bigger systems are. Alongside therapy, I help people find the right resources and support to deal with outside issues that may be contributing to their symptoms.