Leila Hartstein

I believe every person deserves a space where they feel genuinely seen, heard, and accepted. My approach is grounded in the social work perspective of "person-in-environment," recognizing that our mental health is shaped not only by who we are, but also by our relationships, life experiences, identities, and the systems around us. While I bring specialized training and clinical experience, I also believe therapy is a collaborative process. We can work together to better understand your experiences and help you move toward living more authentically and in a way that aligns with your values. My goal is to create a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where you feel empowered to grow and make meaningful, lasting change.

I believe therapy works best when it feels like a genuine partnership. Together, we'll explore what's contributing to your current challenges, identify your strengths, and find strategies that fit your life and goals. I draw from evidence-based approaches including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other modalities, tailoring my approach to each individual rather than expecting every client to fit into one framework. Some sessions may focus on processing emotions and understanding patterns, while others may be more solution-focused, skill-based, or creative.

The first session is an opportunity to get to know one another. We'll talk about what brings you to therapy, what you've already tried, and what you're hoping to gain from therapy. You'll have plenty of time to ask questions, and we can begin creating a plan that feels right for you.