about Leah

Education

• Master of Marriage & Family Therapy, University of Winnipeg, 2003
  This masters program is one of two programs in Canada that offers specialized clinical training in couple and family therapy - Aurora Family Therapy Centre. Students are required to take intensive academic courses in family systems theory as well as complete 500 supervised clinical client hours.
  
  
• Certificate in Applied Counselling (Specialization in Addictions), University of Manitoba, 1995
  This program focuses on practical skill building in counselling with an intensive focus on addictions issues.
  
  
• Bachelor of Social Work, the University of Victoria, 1989
  This degree focuses on generalist social work practice with two practica. My first practicum was at the Learning Disabilities Association of South Vancouver Island and my second practicum was at a residential alcohol and drug treatment program called the Victoria Life Enrichment Society.
  

Professional Affiliations

• Clinical member, the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy
• Clinical member, the BC Association for Marriage & Family Therapy.
• Registered Clinical Social Worker, the Board of Registration of Social Workers in BC.
• Registered Clinical Counsellor, the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors

Work Experience

I have been in the profession for 20 years. In addition to my private counselling and therapy practice, I have provided clinical services and consultations to local Victoria agencies such as the Victoria YMCA-YWCA and PEERS. I have also facilitated workshops on the Island and Lower Mainland in partnership with South Island Training Initiative, Association for Substance Abuse Professionals in B.C. and Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA).

Prior to opening my private therapy practice in Victoria, BC, I was in private practice in Winnipeg at Assiniboine Family Therapy. I also worked for 12 years at the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba initially as a Youth Counsellor and later as a Marriage & Family Therapist and Prevention and Education Consultant. I have supervised social work students and have taught as a Sessional Instructor at the University of Manitoba. My work experience prior to 1993 includes working as a Rehabilitation Counsellor with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind with adults and seniors.

I am a strong believer in giving back to the community and volunteer for Victoria Hospice and the Military Family Resource Centre. I also am a member of the Board of the BC Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.