My name is Shirley Leader and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 25 years of experience. My practice originally started while I was residing in Colombia over 20 years ago and later I furthered my studies at Nova Southeastern University in Florida where I graduated with a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and have been practicing here for the past 15 years. I am bilingual in Spanish and English. I have worked with a wide range of mental health realted issues and I am very passionate about the care that I provide to my clients and helping them through their journey in obtaining a more balanced life. I provide an environment that is caring and non judgemental.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The main focus is going to create a bond where the client is made to feel comfortable in an environment where they can express their concerns and to feel that they are being listened to. This involves gathering information about their life , current concerns and creating treatment goals for therapy. Overall, In my practice I have always stayed committed to helping my clients gain the insight and self-awareness that is needed in order to move forward in the path of healing and growth in order to improve their quality of life.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As a Psychotherapist, one of my strengths is patience. This quality helps me to walk my clients through their struggles so that they can find their way to a healthier life. Being a good listener, communicator and having a non-judgemental attitude has helped me to understand my clients and nurturing our relationship where they feel comfortable and open to share with confidence together to find the right treatment path and care that they deserve. Additionally, I strongly belief in respect, individuality and diversity.
About Shirley leader
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. It focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, encouraging patients to challenge irrational or unhelpful thinking and develop healthier, more constructive ways of responding to life's challenges. CBT is goal-oriented, practical, and often short-term, making it a widely used and effective treatment for conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress. Through CBT, individuals learn coping strategies to manage symptoms and improve overall mental well-being. As a therapist, I work with clients to figure out which types of distorted thoughts are contributing to their current problems. It is a guided self discovery process that requires introspection and discussion. Allowing clients to gain personal insight that help gain future growth. I adapt this approach to the uniquenss of each client facilitating the clients personal journey through therapy. Together, therapist and client can work on developing constructive ways of thinking. These changes can ofter a healthier and a more positive outlook on life.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
This specific approach prioritizes acceptance and emotional regulation. The Client can expect to work on developing skills to cope with distressing or challenging situations. Also, learning how to accept and deal with difficult emotions when they arise. As a therapist I use DBT to help a client find a balance between changing one's own thoughts emotions and behaviors and accepting them without judgement. My goal is to help develop new skills and find ways to help cope with situations in a calmer and practical way using practices that are mindful to the client.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
This approach works from the belief that emotional distress can result when others criticize you or shows disapproval for your choices and actions. This can make self-acceptance and growth difficult for the client. Therapist offer acceptance, empathy and guidance as you work on personal growth and positive changes. As a therapist I can help the client navigate there current issues, problems and situations within themselves and others finding ways to empower themselves and to help them find solution to their problems without judgement.