LCSW, 4 years of experience
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) cased in Pittsburgh, PA. I received my masters degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh and have been practicing for 5 years. I have extensive experience working with children, adults, couples, and families that face a variety of concerns from ADHD, mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, adjustment issues, and stress management. My strengths-based, person-centered approach incorporates evidence-based modalities to provide a comprehensive approach to healing and growing through your therapy experience
In our first session together, we will start with introductions, and then we will talk about the things that are bringing you to therapy so we can create a plan for our following sessions.
As a provider, my greatest strengths include exceptional communication skills, a deep commitment to patient empathy, a strong ability to actively listen and understand patient concerns, a focus on providing clear explanations, and a dedication to staying updated with the latest medical advancements to deliver the best possible car
I have a lot of success working with children, couples and adults who face the myriad of challenges of life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a cornerstone approach, allowing me to actively collaborate with clients to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, ultimately leading to positive changes in their emotions and behaviors
In my practice, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is a cornerstone approach for helping clients manage intense emotions, improve interpersonal effectiveness, and develop greater distress tolerance, particularly with individuals experiencing conditions like borderline personality disorder where emotional dysregulation is prevalent; I utilize its core skills of mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance through a combination of individual therapy sessions, skills group training, and ongoing phone coaching to empower clients to navigate challenging situations with healthier coping mechanisms.
I actively collaborate with clients to identify and leverage their inherent strengths, resilience, and positive qualities to address challenges and achieve their goals, rather than solely focusing on their weaknesses or problems.
In my practice, person-centered therapy is a foundational approach where I prioritize actively listening to clients, reflecting their emotions, and creating a safe space for them to explore their experiences and perspectives without judgment, allowing them to lead the direction of the therapy session and ultimately discover their own solutions, rather than me imposing interpretations or advice.
2 ratings with written reviews
June 28, 2025
Leona was absolutely wonderful!! This was mine and my husbands first time meeting and talking with Leona, and we felt very comfortable with her from the start. Leona was authentic, solution oriented, knowledgeable, engaging, and kind. She also gave us helpful suggestions. I would absolutely recommend her. I truly never felt more comfortable talking to someone.
May 31, 2025
Awesome! Simple as that. She really listens and offers genuine advice. She tries to understand the problem and address it, then just blindly agree. I feel I have a better sense of direction after a session.