My approach towards therapy is informed by my education, training, and clinical experiences. My educational programs have emphasized multicultural and developmental perspectives, and as a therapist, I primarily utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Psychodynamic approaches. As needed, I also integrate tenets of Relational-Cultural Therapy and mindful self-compassion. This means that I am interested in uncovering clients’ distressing thoughts and feelings and working to change patterns of avoidance towards them. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the primary way that clients grow and change, and I hope to develop relationships in which clients feel capable of moving towards unhindered authenticity.
However, I believe in meeting each client where they are, and I am happy to employ alternative approaches as needed. I highly value creativity and collaboration in my clinical work.
Key areas of clinical focus:
- Grief (inclusive of all types of loss, not just bereavement)
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety
- Identity Development
- Adjustment issues
I am passionate about creating therapeutic safe spaces with people who hold minority identities.
Currently as a postdoctoral fellow, I see clients for individual and group therapy at Vanderbilt University Counseling and Psychological Services in Nashville, Tennessee.
Leah Kepley, Ph.D. 