Jessica Leader, MA, LMFT

About

Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA. Works with Depression, Anxiety and Family Conflict. Sees clients in person and online. Works out of network for insurance. Accepting new clients.

Areas of expertise

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Family Conflict
• Anger Management
• Bisexual
• Coping Skills
• Divorce
• Grief
• Lesbian
• Life Coaching
• Life Transitions
• Peer Relationships
• Relationship Issues
• School Issues
• Self Esteem
• Stress Management

Types of therapy

• Attachment-basedLooks at early bonds with caregivers and how they shape relationships and emotions now, and works toward a greater sense of safety and connection.
• Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)A structured, practical therapy that looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions affect each other, and teaches skills for changing unhelpful thinking and habits.
• Culturally SensitiveTakes a person's culture, identity, background and values into account, and shapes the work so it fits their life.
• Dialectical Behavior (DBT)A skills-based therapy grown out of CBT. Teaches ways to manage intense emotions, get through crises, stay present and handle relationships.
• EclecticUses techniques from several approaches, chosen to suit the person and the problem rather than following one model.
• Emotionally FocusedTreats emotions as a guide to change. Often used with couples, to understand patterns of conflict and rebuild a secure bond.
• ExistentialExplores life's big questions, such as meaning, freedom, choice, loneliness and death, and how they connect to a person's struggles.
• Family / MaritalTherapy with couples or families together, focused on communication, conflict and the patterns between people.
• Family SystemsSees a person as part of their family as a whole, and explores roles, patterns and communication across the family rather than one person's problems alone.
• HumanisticA family of approaches, including person-centered and Gestalt therapy, that emphasize growth, self-awareness and a person's capacity to choose.
• IntegrativeCombines more than one therapy approach, fitted to the person's needs.
• Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)Combines mindfulness practice, paying attention to the present moment without judgment, with ideas from cognitive therapy.
• Person-CenteredA warm, non-directive approach: the therapist listens with empathy and without judgment, and trusts the person to find their own direction.
• Play TherapyUses play, toys and games to help children express feelings and work through problems in a way that suits their age.
• PsychodynamicExplores how past experiences, relationships and feelings outside awareness shape how a person thinks and acts today.
• RelationalSees relationships as central to well-being. The relationship with the therapist is used to understand and change patterns in other relationships.
• SandplayThe person builds scenes in a tray of sand with small figures, as a way to express what is hard to put into words. Used with children and adults.
• Strength-BasedFocuses on the strengths, skills and resources a person already has, and builds on them to meet challenges.

More details

Sessions

Both in-person and online

Accepting new clients

Yes

Specialties

Depression, Anxiety, Family Conflict, Addiction, ADHD, Anger Management, Behavioral Issues, Bisexual, Body Image, Borderline Personality (BPD), Career Counseling, Child, Codependency, Coping Skills, Divorce, Emotional Disturbance, Grief, Lesbian, LGBTQ+, Life Coaching, Life Transitions, Marital and Premarital, Mood Disorders, Peer Relationships, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, Substance Use, Women's Issues

Insurance

Out of Network

Fees

Individual sessions $250, couple sessions $300; sliding scale available

Payment methods

American Express, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Ages

Preteen, Teen, Adults, Elders (65+)

Works with

Individuals, Couples, Family

Communities

Bisexual Allied, Gay Allied, Lesbian Allied, Non-Binary Allied, Queer Allied, Racial Justice Allied, Transgender Allied

Languages

English

Gender

Female

Education & qualifications