Leila is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and is a Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist. She has worked with all ages, ranging from adults and geriatrics with mood disorders, trauma, psychosis, and dementia to children with severe trauma and attachment disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Leila has five years of inpatient psychiatric experience with both children and adults, and has been able to use her knowledge to reach a variety of needs. Her previous work experiences, training, and skills allow her to see people as unique individuals and to meet them wherever they are in the moment to best serve her clients.
Leila utilizes her art therapy skills to assess, diagnose, and treat, while highlighting strengths and resiliency. Art therapy can be an alternate and beneficial approach, especially with those who may have trouble verbally expressing their internal world. The art can become a way to externalize, providing a safe and cathartic modality to express oneself, regardless of any artistic talent. Leila’s therapeutic approach is eclectic and may range from mindfulness techniques to cognitive-behavioral therapy based on client needs. Leila is able to provide art therapy services to clients of all ages.
Leila is the President of the Virginia Art Therapy Association and has spent the past six years being a strong advocate and representative of art therapy throughout Richmond. She was recently (September 2020) appointed by the Virginia Governor to be on the first-ever Advisory Board of Art Therapy for the State of Virginia. Her bright personality allows her to connect with people with ease and she has been awarded for her service as a mental health professional and art therapist.
In her free time, she enjoys gardening, hiking, yoga, and her own personal art making. She enjoys and sees value in all of the arts to also include music, drama, dance, as she is a former musician and dancer.
Education:
Master of Science (Art Therapy and Counseling)- Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
Bachelor of Science (Media Arts and Design, Dance minor)- James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
License and Certifications:
Licensed Professional Counselor (VA)
Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist- # 16-154
EMDR Levels 1 & 2
Trained in ADOS-2 administration
Professional Activities and Memberships:
Advisory Board of Art Therapy (Virginia)
Virginia Art Therapy Association
American Art Therapy Association