LMFT, 27 years of experience
I received a B.A. degree in Psychology from UCLA and an M.A. degree in Counseling Psychology from Pepperdine University. Recently I received a Ph.D. in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health Policy and Practice from Northcentral University. I also have a Ph.D. (ABD) in International Psychology with a concentration in Trauma Response from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 1996 (LMFT 33119). Previously, I worked for UCLA's Career Counseling Center as a Psychometrist, and as a social worker for the Department of Children and Family Services. Additionally, I worked as a Children's Mental Health Clinician for San Diego County Children's Mental Health. Following my work with children, I conducted Psychiatric Evaluations for the Emergency Department at Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside and worked at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center as an Emergency Department Patient Liaison/Analyst. More recently, I worked as the Director of Family Services for a Native American Tribe, and as a Wraparound Clinical Program Manager for foster children at a nonprofit. Currently, in addition to my private practice, I teach as an Online Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Pepperdine University.
For couples, in the first couple's session I will take a history of your relationship; what's been some of the highs and lows, and what's brought you to therapy now. After this session you will complete an assessment that will show me what the strengths and challenges you have in your relationship. I will then see each of you individually for an assessment of your upbringing, and then in the final session we will go over all the results and begin the work of improving your communication style and relationship. ***Take note: My couples need to be at home and together for all sessions, except for the two individual sessions. Also, I don't see clients while they are driving or in a place with poor Wifi to where I can't see you or the picture freezes or I can't hear you well. These sessions will be canceled immediately and will need to be rescheduled when the connection improves. For depression, I will take a history of your upbringing and what methods you have tried to improve your mood. We will then move forward working to change your thinking to improve your mood with more natural methods.
My biggest strength is working with couples. In the non-judgmental, supportive environment I provide, you and your partner’s individual wants and needs are combined with evidence-based techniques and therapies to build confidence, openness. and respect. We’ll work together to improve your relationship with each other for the long-haul. By encouraging honest, empathetic communication and using strategies and techniques that aid hearing, healing, and clarity, couples counseling becomes an empowering process for both you and your partner.
Couples with communication difficulties and infidelity; individuals with anxiety and depression.
I utilize the Gottman method in treating couples. I am currently participating in the Certification Consultation Training in the Gottman Method, and I'm Level 3 trained in The Gottman Method. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to treat depression and anxiety.
3 ratings with written reviews
June 3, 2025
Dr Leff, initial meeting was structured with helpful tips and homework. She was direct, warm and informative. If you want to work on your relationship (couple/married) I would recommend her. The structured was much needed with a plan.
March 19, 2025
Great therapist! Well resourced and well practiced in the Gottman method.
February 21, 2025
Very personable with great insight even in one session. Looking forward to continuing working with Dr. Leff !