Mayra Leon Fogg
Hola! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings a warm, creative, and down-to-earth approach to my work. I show up with empathy, authenticity, and a strong commitment to meeting people exactly where they are. I'm a first-generation Mexican immigrant dedicated to breaking generational cycles. Sometimes I consider myself a “sit-down" comedian.
If you process through humor or think in memes, we can do that - or if you'd like to explore ideas in your own way, we can do that, too.
I enjoy all things DIY, gardening, beach-combing, rockhounding, and exploring nature. I am a certified homebody, yet I love adventure. I'm someone that will always want to bring home every stray animal I meet. I have a weakness for neat secondhand shops and all things decadent. I look forward to meeting you!
First session
Your first session is pretty low-key, no clipboard energy, and no need to have an organized timeline of your life story ready - or do, if that's what you'd like. Maybe you’re feeling anxious - not sure what to do with your hands - or even go completely blank (very common, by the way). However you show up is welcome, because that’s what matters most. You can come exactly as you are, and we’ll go from there.
Strengths
One of my biggest strengths as a provider, is my ability to connect with just about anyone - even those who come in guarded, or skeptical about therapy. My style is out-of-the-box. I don't just “sit and nod," I’m actively listening, learning and finding things that click. If you process through humor or think in memes, we can do that - or if you'd like to explore ideas in your own way, we can do that, too. Therapy doesn’t have to feel rigid to be effective. I’m not here to “fix” you. I believe people are capable of meaningful change; however, it happens when you’re ready and in your own way.
Ideal clients
I don’t believe in the idea of a “perfect client.” *Ideally* I work with humans, age 13+ from all walks of life, including LGBTQ+ individuals, and I keep my door open. If there is an ideal, it’s this: you show up, you give it a shot, and you’re willing to do the work at your own pace. That’s it, because I’m here for you - not the other way around. Truly, 'tis an honor.
Treatment methods
Eclectic
I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all model. I adapt based on what you actually need in the moment - not what a textbook says should happen. I pull from different modalities (CBT, DBT, narrative, etc.) and adjust in real time, which is where that “clinical chameleon” side of me shows up. The goal is to meet you where you are and identify and incorporate tools that are relevant, practical and actually fit your life and lifestyle. I'm here to help you, not do what's easiest for me.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
When clients feel stuck, overwhelmed, or in a funk, this is where my solution-focused side kicks in and I turn to “fighting the funk” - where we acknowledge what’s hard, but we’re not letting it run the whole show. We focus on what’s already working (yes, even the small wins count), build on your strengths, and draft next steps that actually feel doable. I’m big on helping clients realize they’re not starting from scratch - you’ve already got tools in your toolbox , they just need to be sorted, inventoried and sharpened.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT a lot in my work, especially around identifying cognitive distortions and “stomping out the ANTs” (automatic negative thoughts). I help clients catch those patterns in real time - like overthinking, worst-case-scenario spirals, and self-doubt - and actually challenge them, not just label them. I’m big on promoting self-CBT - because in the long-term, you being able to sustain the practice is best and, so, handing off the 'thought referee whistle' to you, when the time is right, is the ultimate goal. The goal is for you to be able to do this on your own, outside of session, in real life where it counts most.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT shows up quite a bit in my work, especially when clients feel stuck in situations they can’t change - or aren’t ready to take the next steps forward. I lean heavily on “walking the middle path,” helping clients find balance between acceptance and change without forcing either. I ground this in the belief that everyone is doing the best they can, which helps reduce shame while still making room for growth. Same as CBT, I focus on helping clients own the skills -not just understand them - in session, and use them when emotions ramp up and things feel real.
Narrative
I use this approach with clients who’ve internalized a lot -trauma, labels, other people’s expectations - and are ready to look at it differently and live their most authentic self. I help clients separate themselves from "the problem," challenge old narratives, and reconnect with who they actually are. I won't “rewrite” anything for you; however, will guide you in doing so - it’s to help you take authorship of your story moving forward, with more awareness, intention, and self-trust.
Location
Virtual sessions