Relationships are not meant to be so hard,

But I struggled to let people get too close to me for a long time.

Hi, I'm Leah and I know what it is like to have never had a healthy relationship modeled for you.

To struggle with being vulnerable and navigate an insecure attachment style.

Nonviolent healthy communication, setting clear boundaries, directly requesting needs to be met, and conflict resolution were not things that were taught in my family.

Unfortunately they are not commonly taught in many homes. So, if you're anything like me and find yourself struggling with some of these relational skills it is okay to not know how to do something you were never taught! The good news is YOU CAN LEARN NOW.

My history has led me to develop a deep passion for helping people break free from cycles of generational trauma and increase their capacity for deep and vulnerable connections.

I have found my most transformational periods were during times of major transitions; when having a baby, leaving the military, and ending a long-term relationship. It is during these moments my survival strategies were at an all time high and I was in enough distress to reach out for help.

I met a social worker after struggling with an identity crisis, trauma, and depression, after I was discharged out of the Marine Corps, that made such a positive impact on my life I applied for a counseling masters program.

Just when I thought I had it all figured out and life was great, I was hit with postpartum depression like a ton of bricks. Although I couldn't see it at the time, this was the catalyst for radical healing.

I was filled with so much rage and for good reason. I was finally able to process all the anger I had stored away from not being protected and being abandoned as a little girl. I was able to break free from the belief I was not lovable and the pressure of perfectionism to earn love. Which transformed my relationship with myself, my partner, and my children.

Which is why I love working with adults through major transitional life phases. I am especially passionate about supporting new moms and dads as they transition into parenthood, both individually and as a couple. This period of time awakens deep wounds and brings them to the surface which creates a sacred window for core healing and intimate bonding.

⁣Through my self healing and professional journey, I have learned to meet myself with compassion and curiosity in place of shame and judgment. It sounds simplistic, but this shift has been the cornerstone to my healing and is at the heart of her therapeutic work. I believe holding a space of genuine curiosity, compassion, and acceptance for my clients and their experiences creates a space where they feel enough safety they can hold the grief and the anger for their own little one's unmet needs. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to hold such a space for others to reconnect with their most tender parts.⁣

The only way out is through...

...there is no bypassing the hard feelings...

but After experiencing the freedom on the other side,

It is my mission to help liberate others!

Q&A with leah

How does talking to someone help?

Most conversations we have in our daily lives are superficial. We are constantly filtering our thoughts, words, and actions to maintain social norms because we desire approval and acceptance. Unfortunately, this means the opportunity to fully put down the social mask is rare.

The opportunity to talk to someone without the fear of being judged is freeing. Having all the restrictions and expectations stripped away creates a space to be vulnerable, and we can express the uncomfortable, embarrassing, and even "shameful" things that are bothering us. It is important to have this space, because when feelings are silenced they tend to grow and can become quite scary.

The ability to give voice to your inner turmoil and have it reflected back gives clarity and insight. The very act of applying words to our experiences, feelings, and fears releases some of their energy and power over us. They start to become more manageable, and over time need less attention and resources. ​

Talking with someone is their ability to offer a fresh perspective and additional resources. It is easy to get stuck in a negative loop and only see the deficits in our lives. An outside perspective can help us find the silver lining, and remind us of our strengths. It is also easier for someone who is not directly affected by a problem to think of possible solutions we may not have.

When facing difficult feelings it is comforting to have someone close. They are able to offer courage during our fear, be a calming source during the chaos, and act as a beacon of light in the darkness. In the event the feelings and thoughts become overwhelming, they can offer tools to ease the intensity. Finally allowing those big emotions to be tolerable and get the attention they need. In turn, the parts that are crying out have the opportunity to be heard, met and find peace.

What is your first question for a client, and why?

“If our time together provided you with everything you need to live your best life, how would you know our work was done?”.

I phrase the question in this way for two reasons.

First, I take a collaborative approach and want to ensure I have clarity about my client's goals right away. Having them explain what their best life looks like, gives us very clear and tangible goals to work towards. This way, I can ensure every decision I make during our time together is in service to their overarching desires.

Second, It invites their mind to drift into a happy place. This shift in thinking allows the mind to accept the possibility of a positive outcome and sets a productive tone for the session.

What is YOUR THERAPEUTIC STYLE?

I am warm and collaborative, but I am not a yes man. I will call out patterns and challenge you.

I trust the wisdom of your system and let you set the intention for the session, but I am very active in session and keep us aligned with the set intention.

I believe we learn by doing, so therapy with me is experiential, practicing new skills in session with the invitation to make it an active practice throughout the week.

What is the best thing you have learned from one of your people?

To be transparent, I really struggled with this question, because I don’t know that there is any one best thing!

I think moreover, the best thing I have learned about people is how incredibly resilient people are. It has taught me no matter how ugly the scar, how deep the hole, scary the thought, or traumatic the event there is always hope for healing and growth.

We can overcome our darkest moments, but sometimes we just need a little help finding the light to guide us.

if you're interested in what I like to nerd out on

Here are my certifications and trainings...

*Master of Arts in Counseling - St. Edward's University

*Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Columbia College

*Neuroaffective Relational Model (NARM)- Levels 1, 2, and 3 (Masters)

*Interpersonal NeuroBiology - 3 years of supervision with Juliane Taylor-Shore, LPC-S, LMFT-S, SEP

*Integrative Mental Health Professional Certification Training Course

*Maternal Mental Health Intensive Training - Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders | Perinatal Grief & Loss

*Postpartum Nutrition Certification

*Prenatal Yoga Certification

*Heart of Trauma with Dr. Bonnie Badenoch

*Emotional Transformative Therapy - Level 1

*Relational Life Therapy for Couples - Level 1

*Introduction to Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)

MODALITIES I INCORPORATE INTO MY WORK

Although I have not completed formal training programs, my work is highly informed by somatic experiencing (SE), internal family systems (IFS), and coherence therapy (memory reconsolidation).

Ready for a New path?

There is no shame in not knowing what you were never taught!

The good news is neuroplasticity has proven it is never to late

to learn new things and create new neural connections. If you're ready to learn how to process your emotions, heal your relationship with yourself, or deepen the connection with your partner,

book your Free consultation to see if we're a good fit.

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