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.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

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. 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.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

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.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Couples with communication difficulties and infidelity; individuals with anxiety and depression.

About Dr. Cathryn Leff