Hi My name is Heidi De Leon, I am a Liscensed Clincal Social Worker in California. I have worked in addiction treatment for a little more then 15 years. My journey started at community college where I got inspiration to become an addiction counselor and later went on to obtain a Master in Social work from USC. I specialize in Addictions and Complex Truama. I use EMDR (Eye Movement disensitization and reprocessing) as well as DBT (Dialectical behavior thereapy) and trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy.
You will be heard and validated. No question is the wrong question and there is no need to code switch. My goal is to help you set realistic goals and help guide you to work toward them at your pace. I will also help hold you accountable as sometimes a gentle push is motivation. Change is uncomfortable and I can sit with you while your growth happens. During the first session I will review the legal aspects and take some history, we can set goals or your goal can be to develop some goals over the next couple sessions.
My strengths are being able to sit in that awkward silence with you and let you feel. I am structured but also flexible in the process to help you on the journey. I know therapy is not a one size fits all and being creative and nurturing are my other strengths I bring into the session as we work together.
Heidi De Leon offers therapy covered by Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (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.
This mode of therapy is different, that's for sure! I really love it though and have seen folx make immense changes while processing past events and core beliefs with this therapy. Please feel free to ask about using this tool.
I am eclectic and will use a few therapy's that can work for you, I like DBT as it gives a great path to mindfullness and emotional regulation. I have been using this for almost 10 years.
Understanding who trauma deeply affects each person differently, I embrace a trauma informed approach. Trauma informed care is the main ingredient in my approach.