Leah Macpherson
My therapeutic style is warm and encouraging, with a collaborative approach to therapy. Events in childhood and early life can shape how we move through life, and can affect our relationship with self, others, and the world. Together we will explore the past and build insight, skills, and coping strategies to feel and function better in the present.
How I work with people:
Working from a foundation of Adlerian Psychology, I help clients feel and function better. My therapeutic style is warm, supportive, and authentic, and my approach to psychotherapy is collaborative and empathetic. I believe in deep listening, and asking thought-provoking questions. I focus on creating an environment in which clients feel heard, respected, supported, and understood. An important part of my work is to create a safe, non-judgemental space to explore deep personal issues, and to experiment with new ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. If you can change your thinking, you can change your feeling, functioning, and connections with others.
Finding the right fit, and connecting with someone who can help you move towards your wellness goals, is an essential part of forward therapeutic movement. In my practice, I strive to establish genuine, trusting connections with the people I serve. It takes courage to seek support and begin to better understand our feelings, relationships, and choices, and I’m there with you every step of the way.
Areas of practice:
stress
anxiety
depression
trauma
exhausted/overwhelmed
low self-esteem
anger
grief
burnout
loneliness
feeling stuck/lost
life transitions (divorce, career change)
family conflict
poor relationships
Availability: in person and online
About me:
I have a Master of Arts degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Adler Graduate School, I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, and Adjunct Faculty at The Adler Graduate School in Toronto. My professional memberships include the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association as well as the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology. I am also a Certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator (CPDPE) and a Certified Positive Discipline Classroom Educator (CPDCE). An experienced public speaker, I have given numerous presentations to parents, students, faculty and staff on topics such as children’s mental health, parenting strategies, and social media and technology.
Early in my career, I earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English from the University of British Columbia, a Diploma in Broadcast Studies from the National Institute of Broadcasting, and a Diplôme d’ Études de la Langue Française from the Centre de Linguistique Appliquée in Besançon, France.
I am passionate about helping people, both personally and professionally. Over the last two decades, I’ve volunteered in a variety of elementary, middle, and high schools, sports teams, as well as in hospital settings. I’m a lover of nature, and find both comfort and joy in the natural world. My interests and hobbies include birds and animals, travel, cooking and baking, yoga, photography, and the company of good friends. I’ve been married for more than twenty five years and have two adult children. I am insatiably curious and embrace life-long learning.