​Hi, I'm Leilani. Since I was a young child, I wanted to be a therapist because I have always been fascinated by people and relationships, by what drives us and what makes us who we are. I have worked in the field of counseling since 2002, and I have come to understand that anyone with an open mind and heart can benefit from counseling, whether the reason is acute distress or a general desire to grow and develop more self-awareness. It is my life purpose to provide a safe space, a clear mind, and a compassionate heart to help my clients achieve their unique goals. 

Many years ago, I read a piece by Thich Nhat Hanh advising to “invite the negative emotions in for a cup of tea.” This is key to my approach. Being influenced by Buddhist Psychology, one of my aims is also to help my clients uncover unconscious thinking patterns in order to understand why our actions do not always mirror our intentions. I believe that all of the keys to healing lie within oneself, and I look forward to partnering with you in turning awareness away from the mental chatter and tuning into your inner wisdom.  As a holistic therapist and a Certified Yoga Teacher with specialized training in Trauma Sensitive Yoga and Yoga for Mental Health, I enjoy using yoga and body-centered mindfulness practices as is appropriate and desired. I am also a mother of two young boys and am very much at home and enjoy working with families. 
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Since 2002, I have worked in group homes, public agencies and non-profits. I have experience doing short-term crisis intervention with families as well as long-term counseling with individuals and couples. Much of the work I have done has been with at-risk populations. 

​Areas of practice:

Trauma resolution
Anxiety and depression
Stress Management
Relationship/couples counseling
Parenting
Addiction and Recovery
Anger Management
Intergenerational patterns of neglect and abuse
Domestic violence
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​Education:

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (License #29733). You can verify my license here.

Masters of Social Work, San Jose State University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of California at Santa Cruz
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Certifications and Professional Affiliations 

Associate member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

​Yoga Alliance/Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) 200 #165611