Norma Leaf, LCPC, MS
Pronouns: she/her/hers
My goal is to work in partnership with children, adults and new moms, to forge a trusting relationship that will result in positive outcomes for all members of the family. Creating a nurturing, safe space of unconditional positive regard for my clients is my priority.
A Note From Norma
Making the choice to see a mental health professional is a wonderful first step. It comes with an acknowledgment that something might be holding you back from living your life fully to feel happier and to achieve your goals. Perhaps you want to see a therapist because you are experiencing anxiety, grief, or relationship issues that prevent you from feeling fulfilled. Maybe you are experiencing a transition in your life that feels stressful. You may want to explore how to make a change in your life. I can help you wherever you are in your journey.
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My background as a school counselor has allowed me to work with a diverse group of children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, bullying, behavioral challenges, academic struggles, and/or family issues. I also work with children to facilitate social skills and self-esteem development. My work with parents is designed around enhancing their coping skills to help them strengthen their own relationships with their children.
In addition to working with children and their families, I provide therapy to adults around the areas of anxiety, grief, life transitions, relationships, changing families and coping skills. I also have a passion for working with new moms and parents. I have completed specialized training in Maternal Mental Health from Postpartum Support International on Perinatal Mood Disorders and Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy. With a blend of expertise, compassion, and a deep understanding of perinatal experiences, I am here to provide a safe space for you to navigate this significant chapter in your life.
Why I Became a Therapist
I am a therapist because I know the value of self-growth. Just as meaningful, trusting relationships have enriched my life, I strive to build a trusting relationship with my clients. I respect and admire the resilience and bravery my clients dedicate to the therapeutic process.
What I am Passionate About
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I am passionate about deeply listening to others, meeting people where they are, and partnering with them to arrive at their desired destination. Therapy is not a linear one-size-fits-all path, but rather an individual exercise worth the effort. I am honored to be in a career which enables me to help others during their unique journeys to self-fulfillment.
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Education & Training:
BA Psychology, American University
MS School Counseling, Johns Hopkins University
Post Masters Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Counseling, Johns Hopkins University
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy Certificate, Postpartum Support International
Instinctual Trauma Response (ITR)
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
Emotion Focused Therapy Couples Externship Training (EFT)
Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Specialties
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​Children & Adolescents
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Anxiety & Depression
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Self Esteem
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Grief
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Impulse Control Disorders
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Thinking Disorders
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Perinatal & Maternal Mental Health
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Behavioral Issues
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Peer Relationships
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School Issues
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Mood Disorders
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Life Transitions
Modalities
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Exposure & Response
Prevention (ERP) for
OCD & Phobias
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Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (CBT)
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Mindfulness-Based
(MBCT)
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Internal Family
Systems (IFS)
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Eye Movement
Desensitization &
Reprocessing (EMDR)
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Instinctual Trauma
Response Therapy (ITR)
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Solution Focused
Brief (SFBT)
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Play Therapy