Ariella Leaffer, AMFT
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Offering Individual and Couples Therapy for Adults
License #128898 (Supervised by Liz Tong, LMFT)
How I Can Help
Many of our current struggles are repeated patterns that stem from early experiences. I offer a space to try out different ways of relating so that you can gain insight and stop feeling stuck. The process of therapy can lead to profound change, more authentic expression, and deeper connections.
I also work with couples who are caught in negative cycles. The patterns can be so entrenched, that couples often believe they know exactly what their partner will say during conflict. I believe that relationships can be a great source of healing. I work with couples to understand and transform their cycles, reconnect, and develop more secure attachments.
Educated & Experienced
Before becoming a therapist, I had a career working in tech. I have life experience that allows me to understand the stressors of balancing work and personal life. I welcome you to reach out to me to discuss whether we might be a good fit.
EDUCATION & WORK BACKGROUND
Wright Institute- MA in Counseling Psychology
UCLA- BA in Political Science
Richmond Area Multi-Services (RAMS)
Marina Counseling Center
Seneca Family of Agencies
My Specialties
I support clients with:
Anxiety & Depression
Anger
Individual and Generational Trauma
Isolation
Grief & Loss
Life Transitions
Self-Esteem
Intimate Relationships
My Style
My work as a therapist is informed by the belief that relationships have an enormous power to heal. I view it as my role to partner with my clients and offer a space to try out different ways of relating as they work towards better self-understanding and growth. My aim is to help you recognize the potential within you to transform your relationships and your life.
Specialized Training:
Relational & Attachment-Based: Attachment and relational-based therapy emphasize the significance of interpersonal relationships and attachment styles in shaping emotional well-being. By exploring how past and present relationships influence thoughts and behaviors, this approach fosters a safe and empathetic therapeutic environment. Healing occurs through the development of a strong, supportive relationship between therapist and client, allowing for the exploration and resolution of relational patterns and emotional wounds.
Mindfulness and increased self-awareness: this approach focuses on cultivating present-moment awareness and understanding one’s inner experiences. By learning to observe thoughts and feelings, individuals can break free from habitual reactions and develop more power to choose their actions. This approach emphasizes that the present moment is a powerful teacher, guiding individuals to tap into their innate capacity for healing and personal growth.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Psychodynamic therapy focuses on the psychological roots of emotional suffering. Its major ingredients are self-reflection and self-examination, and the use of the relationship between therapist and client as a window into problematic relationship patterns in the client's life. We will explore how your past experiences and unconscious thoughts affect your current behavior and mindsets.
Emotionally Focused Therapy: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a therapy that focuses on adult relationships and attachment/bonding. Together, we look at patterns in relationships and take steps to create a more secure bond and develop more trust to move the relationship in a healthier, more positive direction.