- Guilt and shame
- ACT and CBT methods
- EMDR for trauma
About Leah
Leah Brooks is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 11 years of professional experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, LGBTQ related concerns, trauma and abuse, self-esteem issues, and depression. Leah also addresses topics like guilt and shame, body image, sexuality, and problems with communication.
Leah uses practical talk and guided exercises in sessions. She encourages people to name thoughts and feelings and to try small changes that feel doable. She brings techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside mindfulness practices to help people notice patterns and respond differently.
For trauma and difficult memories she can integrate approaches that include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). That work is paced to what each person can handle and focuses on reducing the weight of traumatic reactions. Jungian ideas can also be part of exploring personal meaning and early life themes when that is helpful.
Leah supports people handling relationship questions such as polyamory or non-monogamous arrangements and those navigating kink, BDSM, or alternative sex culture. She also works with first responder and veteran issues, smoking or vaping cessation, and social anxiety.
Sessions are conversational and practical. Leah helps people identify what matters to them, notice unhelpful patterns, and try new behaviors step by step. To begin, clients follow the site process to match and schedule a first session.
Therapeutic approaches used in online sessions
Leah draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on clarifying personal values and taking small, committed actions even when uncomfortable emotions appear. ACT can help when guilt or shame gets in the way of living according to what matters most.She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help identify and test unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT offers concrete techniques for reducing anxiety, managing mood, and shifting the habits that maintain shame. For trauma, EMDR may be integrated to process distressing memories in a paced way when that fits the client's needs.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Leah treats the decision as collaborative and will help clients explore which methods match their goals, preferences, and current concerns. That exploration may involve trying different techniques and checking what feels most helpful.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm the available online options before booking. Many people find that working with a licensed professional remotely can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, or do shorter check-ins when days are tight. There are practical benefits such as scheduling flexibility, fewer interruptions to daily routines, and the ability to continue care from different locations.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
11+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, LGBTQ related issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem challenges, and depression. Additional areas include guilt and shame, body image, sexuality, and relationship communication.
How does she approach feelings of guilt or shame?
She uses strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice self-judgment and take clearer action. Mindfulness practices are used to create distance from painful thoughts and feelings.
What is her professional background?
She has 11 years of professional experience working in mental health settings. Her work has included trauma, motivation, self-esteem, and depression.
What credentials and location does she have?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California. Her practice is based in that state.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats does she provide?
Session formats are not specified in the biography. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Specific pricing depends on the chosen plan and location.
What is the first step to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the site process.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.