We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leah Howard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leah below.
Leah, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Growing up as a chronically anxious kid, I struggled to articulate what I was feeling. The sense of unease and the constant feeling that something was off overwhelmed me, leading me to believe that if I could predict every outcome, I could regain some control in my unpredictable world. It wasn’t until I took my first Psychology class in high school that I finally found a label for my overwhelming emotions: anxiety. Discovering this word brought a sense of relief, but it also left me wondering, “What now? How do I navigate this?” Seeking help from a therapist was a pivotal step in my journey. Through therapy, I not only confronted my history of anxiety but also learned coping mechanisms to navigate through anxious thoughts as they arose rather than letting them overtake me.
By the time I reached college, I knew my purpose lay somewhere in the field of psychology. I realized I wanted to find a way to support others as they gained a sense of clarity and resilience that can only come with looking inwards. My desire to work with teens led me to pursue a career in the school system, where I could serve as a guiding presence for students and connect them with the support they needed. After five years in this role, I realized my calling extended beyond the school day. I wanted to provide individualized therapy to teenagers as well as adults, continuing the work of empowerment and support that had become my passion.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a licensed therapist specializing in working with teenagers, young adults, and adults in private practice. My focus areas include relational stress, anxiety, self-esteem, issues of self-worth, high sensitivity, perfectionism, and life transitions. Adopting a relational and attachment-based perspective, I guide my clients in understanding how their relationships, including the one with themselves, influence their mental well-being.
My approach revolves around facilitating a deep understanding of oneself through thoughtful exploration. By delving into both their past as well as looking forward into what they want for their future, I help clients enhance their self-awareness and strengthen their sense of self.
I offer sessions in person in West LA and virtually throughout California, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for my clients.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Curiosity, empathy, and presence are three qualities that have been foundational to my approach. Curiosity drives my desire to understand my clients’ experiences deeply. It’s a skill I continuously hone, and I’m always excited to delve into stories and perspectives.
Empathy is a quality that I actively nurture and aim demonstrate in all interactions. Whether with clients or others, I strive to empathize authentically, fostering connection and understanding.
Presence is key to my therapeutic work. Whether engaging in conversation or sitting with someone through difficult moments, I commit to being fully present. This means offering my undivided attention and support to those I work with.
To strengthen these skills, I prioritize activities that ground me in my values. Spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, and engaging in intentional activities like reading or baking help me cultivate presence. Additionally, consuming media (reading books/articles, listening to podcasts, watching shows that demonstrate different experiences and worldviews) that shares diverse perspectives allows me to broaden my empathy and curiosity, which ultimately enriches my therapeutic practice.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My preferred clients are those who are curious about and want to explore their own experiences on a deeper level. I most often find myself working with individuals going through significant life transitions, such as entering middle school, graduating high school, navigating college, ending relationships, or embracing motherhood. These periods of change can evoke feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
My “ideal” client is someone who recognizes that their current approach to navigating these transitions may no longer serve them. They may feel a tension between their old ways of coping and their desire for change, unsure of how to proceed.
In my practice, I prioritize cultivating self-compassion during these transitional phases. I help clients gain insight into their current patterns of behavior and collaboratively develop insight and new strategies to overcome challenges. Together, we work towards building a skills to help navigate these transitions with greater resilience and clarity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lhowardtherapy.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahhoward1/
- Other: [email protected]
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