Mental Health Counselor
Pronouns: She/Her
Through previous life experiences, Leah learned the importance of supporting people through their most difficult times. For the longest time, Leah had no idea what depression and anxiety were, believing that she was isolated in her struggles, as many of us do. By reflecting on her childhood, Leah recognized a strong desire to help others navigate their own mental health experiences so they do not have to suffer in silence. She sees the depth of human beings, and through the development of a strong therapeutic alliance, Leah is open to the possibilities of diving beneath the surface. Leah obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Eastern Washington University and a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle University.
Leah serves couples, families, and individuals struggling with a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, life transitions, multicultural struggles, and family conflict. While Leah hopes to reach individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, she specializes in working with children, mothers, and people of color to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to normalize seeking and receiving mental health support. She hopes to fill the gap in care for populations who tend to get left behind.
Leah values an eclectic approach to therapy, pulling from various treatment modalities, including solution focused, narrative therapy, and Bowen family systems. Leah prefers to use a person-centered framework emphasizing the role of the client as an expert on their own lives. Leah aims to guide clients in further understanding the influence of their family unit, childhood development, and current patterns on their life story to make changes that lead to living a more fulfilling life.
Leah is humble and compassionate in her approach, giving clients her full attention as she acknowledges the vulnerability required for the therapeutic alliance. Leah follows the lead of the client and the natural flow of the session, while acting as a guide when needed. At the end of therapy, Leah aims for her clients to walk away with a more positive and realistic outlook on life, with an increased ability to navigate life’s difficulties. Her goal is for her clients to accept that not everything is roses and sunshine, but they can confidently say “I am still breathing, kicking, and loving in life.”
Leah is a licensed mental health counselor associate in Washington State (MG61599493; NPI# 1154152205). She is supervised by Danielle Scarsella-Gonia, LMFT (LF60835868; NPI number 1740653120) and Anthony O'Leary, LMHC (NPI 1376195073, License LH00004150).
