Hi! I’m Leah Ghali, MSW, LICSW
She | Her | Hers
All those letters tell you I earned a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from the University of St. Thomas/ St Catherine University in 2015, and I formally became a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in 2018, though I have been practicing as a social worker in the mental health field since 2010.
My favorite part of this work
I feel honored to hold space for people as they sort out some of life’s greatest lessons, mysteries, and challenges. I find great fulfillment sitting across from someone who gains a deeper level of self-awareness and insight, and finds greater meaning in their lives through our work together. I enjoy learning with and from my clients, and I truly believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship. My practice is rooted in cultural humility and sensitivity to dynamics of power and privilege.
Speaking of my clients
In particular, I specialize in working with individuals, who:
Adults struggling to sort through their emotional experiences and make changes to feel more fulfilled and at peace.
Come from diverse cultural, racial, and/or socioeconomic backgrounds.
Have a sense of humor and are okay with laughter in the midst of processing painful experiences.
I have a special interest in:
Psychodynamic psychotherapy and reflecting on early childhood experiences.
Matters of grief and loss, whether loss of a loved one, pet, job, dream, etc.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Addiction.
Applying mindfulness to the process of healing.
I am passionate about:
Perinatal mental health (pregnancy and postpartum).
Deconstruction/ reconstruction of spirituality & religious experience.
Working with people who are under-resourced and want help finding additional supports in the community.
“My practice is rooted in cultural humility and sensitivity to dynamics of power and privilege.”
On Personal Note
Outside of my professional life, I love spending time with my family! I have two young children, a cat, a dog and husband. I enjoy being active, trying new recipes in the kitchen and enjoying a good show. I aspire to have a garden and know how to build things, and I’m a work in progress in that regard!
Professional Experiences, Certifications, & Affiliations
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in MN (#20321)
Completion of Minnesota Psychoanalytic Society and Institute’s (MPSI) Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Training Program (2018)
Trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through Marsha Linehan’s Behavioral Tech Institute
Certified in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Experience working with Co-occurring disorders through the development of and work in an Intensive Outpatient MI/CD program
Extensive knowledge of community resources and State/County programs through working as a Social Worker for many years
Therapeutic Approaches/Perspectives:
Psychodynamic
Strengths-Based & Solution-focused
Dialectical & Cognitive Behavioral
Attachment-focused
Trauma-informed
Humanistic
Feminist
Ready to Collaborate?
Thanks for taking the time to read this and get to know me! I hope I have the opportunity to also meet and work with you!
Please connect with me to schedule your first appointment or a complimentary initial phone consultation.
