New to Grow
Hi, I'm LeAnna, a Latina (se habla Español) licensed clinical social worker, with over 15 years experience in medical case management, domestic violence advocacy and mental health support groups. I am a firm believer in turning struggle into strength. I believe in you and the power of change. I am an empathetic listener and want to journey with you through your most difficult days to help you celebrate the greatest days!
The first session is always the scariest and I don't expect you to trust me quite yet. I hope to build a safe, accepting and judgement free space where you feel free to express what you are truly experiencing. First sessions are about getting to know the client, what the presenting problems are and what goals and hopes you have for yourself for our therapeutic sessions.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a warm, authentic, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe sharing their experiences. I believe that healing begins with a strong therapeutic relationship, and I work to ensure that each client feels heard, respected, and valued throughout the counseling process. Another strength is my trauma-informed perspective. I understand how past experiences can influence current thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships, and I help clients explore these connections in a way that promotes healing rather than retraumatization.
My ideal clients are adults who are ready to explore personal growth, healing, and positive change, even if they feel uncertain about where to begin. I am best positioned to serve individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, low self-esteem, stress, relationship challenges, and the lasting effects of adverse life experiences. I have a particular passion for working with survivors of trauma and intimate partner violence, helping them rebuild confidence, establish healthy boundaries, process difficult experiences, and reclaim a sense of safety and empowerment. I also enjoy supporting women navigating caregiving responsibilities, family stressors, identity development, and major life changes.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In practice, I use CBT to help clients recognize and challenge cognitive distortions such as catastrophizing, all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization, and negative self-talk. I appreciate CBT's structured and goal-oriented nature because it empowers clients to become active participants in their treatment. Clients often report increased self-awareness and confidence as they learn practical skills they can apply outside of therapy sessions.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
Culturally sensitive therapy is a foundational component of my clinical practice. As a Latina social worker serving a diverse population, I recognize that culture, identity, family values, language, spirituality, socioeconomic factors, and lived experiences significantly influence how individuals understand mental health, seek help, and engage in treatment.
Trauma-Focused CBT
In my practice, I use TF-CBT principles to help clients understand the impact of trauma on their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. I begin by establishing safety, trust, and emotional stabilization before engaging in deeper trauma processing. Psychoeducation is an important component of treatment, as it helps clients normalize trauma responses and understand how trauma can affect the brain and body.