Parent sessions are mostly virtual. Each session is 50 minutes long and are customized to what specific parents are hoping to gain from therapy. Many parents are seeking support to help them navigate concerns regarding raising their child(ren). Whether that be a search for better coping skills for anxiety or depression as a parent, a desire to understand their child’s needs better or get clarity about their child’s development (i.e. information about the classic question, “is this normal??”), or tools to use to manage concerning or difficult behavior.

Lastly, we offer unique support to families who are navigating the intersection of nutrition and social, emotional, and mental wellbeing. See more about services here.

We are deeply rooted in the scientific research that has identified evidence-based approaches and best practices for working with children based on neurobiology, child development, pediatric mental health, and parenting practices.

Our approach in action is always hands-on and interactive for the child; blending directive and child-lead play so that children can engage meaningfully while being guided through experiences that help them learn and grow playfully.

Sessions can be silly, playful, quiet, calm, active, messy, gentle, creative…we are equipped with a range of activities and supplies to ensure all children feel safe, connected, and can learn in their own unique way.

Sessions begin with a parent touchpoint followed by the child’s session, which is typically between 20-30 minutes in length to respect their attention spans and ensure that our time is productive and engaging. We reserve the end of the session for a debrief that includes parent(s).

We understand first-hand how hard it can be to fit in another activity into the week. Therefore, we have developed interactive and engaging play-based therapy virtually. For virtual sessions, we have kits that can be delivered to your home to accompany sessions. Kits include items that correspond to the goals of therapy sessions and may include a specific game, art supplies, sensory items, or books.

After Leah completed her Masters Degree in Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis she pursued a Post-Master’s Certificate program in Clinical Interventions for Parents and Children at Wash U. Since then, Leah has completed many advanced trainings in modalities such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Parent Management Therapy, Love and Logic, Conscious Discipline, BrainWise, Moving Traditions, Responsive Classrooms, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and more. Leah has also completed clinical certification courses in Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD in child and adolescent populations. Leah has lead parent and clinician workshops on topics such as Assessment and Interventions for Opposition Defiant Disorder, Attachment and Bonding for Adoptive Parents, Responding to Challenging Behavior in Early Childhood Care Settings, Circles of Control in Early Childhood Care, Strength-Based Language for Early Childhood Professionals, and more.

Leah’s educational background and experience gives her the skills to engage children in meaningful work. Play therapy can leave parent’s wondering “is this working?” To minimize that curiosity for families at Heartstrong Counseling, we blend directive and child-lead therapy methodology that is aligned with the goals of the family. Years of experience give us tools to utilize games, art, and silliness to learn serious techniques to help children communication their needs, practice coping skills, manage frustrations, express themselves, develop a growth mindset, and more. For parents, they can take comfort in knowing we are able to use assessment tools and clinical judgement to continually adjust and recalibrate the trajectory of our sessions so that families feel validated, informed, and equipped to help their family thrive every step of the way.

Leah also holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Nutrition Science and Integrative Health and is a trained Lactation Counselor. Leah uses these skills to help families navigate the unique challenges associated with nourishing their families.