Leighann  Bode,  LCSW

What is my Approach? 

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My approach can best be described as 'client centered'. Although I use a variety of therapeutic techniques, I always tailor my approach based on what your needs are. I aim to validate your emotions and experiences in several ways:

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• I provide Unconditional Positive Regard- this means that I accept who you are, where you are in your journey to wholeness, and will support you no matter what you are going through

• I focus on Fostering Genuineness in our sessions- it is vital that I create a safe online space for you to be honest, feel heard, and be vulnerable.

• I come from a place of Empathic Understanding- it is my goal to listen to you and understand your feelings and experiences from your perspective without judgement.

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I prefer to use Evidence Based Therapies and Treatments.

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Evidence Based Treatments are treatments that have been studied using well-established methods and have been proven to be effective with many kinds of people and trauma types. I believe in providing the best and most effective care that is available in treatment. Here are the ones I most often utilize in my work. Quite frequently, I use a combination of of these, depending on what you need...

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• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

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CBT focuses on understanding thoughts, feelings, emotions, and behavior. The aim is to initiate behavior change in small steps by introducing healthy behaviors and removing unhealthy behaviors from our lives. By becoming more aware of negative thinking, it allows you to navigate challenging life situations in a much more effective way. CBT has been shown to be especially effective with treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

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• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

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DBT empowers people to learn skills in order to manage difficult emotions and decrease conflict. Focusing on four key areas, therapeutic skills are built in 1. Mindfulness: focusing on accepting and being present the here and now; 2. Distress Tolerance: being able to tolerate negative emotions rather than avoid them; 3. Emotion Regulation: developing healthy ways to manage and change intense and problematic emotions; and 4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: learning new ways to strengthen relationships by building assertiveness and communication skills.

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• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)

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A comprehensive and powerful approach that addresses how memories are stored in the body and how it informs experiences. Change happens through reprocessing of traumatic or negative memories due to the alteration of memory storage and the linkage to adaptive memory networks. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, auditory tones) to help with memory retrieval and forming positive connections. Successful reprocessing will neutralize disturbing memories. I am basic EMDR trained.