Gabriela Leon, LICSW

Welcome and Bienvenidos!

Through trauma and attachment lenses, with a psychodynamic and integrative approach, I have specialized over the past fifteen years in treating individuals and, now couples, with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Complex PTSD, Anxiety and Panic Disorders, and all Trauma related issues.

As a Peruvian born, North American citizen, I also have personal experience in coping with cross cultural transitions. I am curious and sensitive to how race, ethnicity, and gender influence our being in the world, and mindful of this in my therapeutic work. I strive to remain trauma-informed and anti-oppressive in my approach, and I am committed to safety, openness, and care in my practice.

It is not by chance that I chose the healing profession. Learning about my own family trauma has allowed me to regain my true self, my true power. My own grief and healing led me to find my ultimate purpose in life. I began my psychological studies at University of Lima, in Peru. In 2003, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Portland State University. I emersed myself in the domestic violence field, empowering survivors, and healing those who decided not to abuse their families anymore; not to pass on their trauma to the next generations. I obtained my master’s degree in social work from Hunter College Silberman School of Social Work in New York City, where I continued focusing my work on healing trauma. 

I provide my clients with a safe space to support their healing from childhood trauma as well as a specialization in assisting clients to heal from unhealthy adult relationships and/or narcissistic abuse. I also specialize in assisting clients with life transitions, personal growth, and stress management.

My passion is to empower couples and individuals by guiding them to reconnect with their true selves, including supporting clients by accompanying them to travel back to their early life experiences so that we can find answers, together, that will help them understand their present relationship with their partners, themselves, and with the world around them. 

When not at work I enjoy outings with my family, traveling, music, dancing, beach, and surfing. I actively pursue all kinds of activities that orient towards anti-racist and social justice alternatives to rigid structures. I am passionate about life, healing, and connecting with people of all kinds. 

Offers sessions in Spanish, upon request.

Specialties: CPTSD, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Trauma, Development Trauma, Insecure Attachments, Grief, Boundary Issues, Isolation, Codependency, Self Esteem, Communication Issues, Family conflict, Divorce, Parenting, Parenting Children Impacted by Domestic Violence/Trauma, Suicidality, Self-Harm, Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships. Domestic violence/Narcissistic Abuse, Relationships Based on Power & Control. 

Treatment Approaches: Psychodynamic therapies, Trauma and Attachment Focus, Relational, Compassion Focus, Mindfulness and Somatic based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strength based, Person-Centered Therapy, Emotionally Focus, Solution Focused, Self-Compassion and Radical Acceptance. Principals of The Developmental Model have been instilled by The Couples Center and I am passionate about liberating couples from feelings of shame and guilt by helping them become aware of their own process in their development in their romantic relationships.