Leah Friedman

Mental Health Student Learner

Education:
A.A. in Liberal Arts Human and Social Sciences with a concentration in Biology, Rockland Community College
B.A. Major in Psychology, Minor in Deaf Studies, State University of New York at New Paltz
M.S.W. Candidate, University of Connecticut

Certifications:
QPR Suicide Prevention Certified, Naloxone (NARCAN) Training Certified, CPR and First Aid Certified, 2024 New England School of Addiction and Prevention Studies Summer School Attendee

Interests:
My clinical and research interests include Public Health, Social Determinants of Health, the Psychology of Connection and Group Cohesion, and Promoting Interdisciplinary Collaboration to improve individual and community well-being. Outside of work, I enjoy watching anime and TV shows, hiking, meditating, and spending time with my two adorable cats. I am a student and intern, and I find joy in continuing to learn.

Therapeutic Approach:
My developing therapeutic approach is rooted in the core belief that anyone and everyone has the capacity for positive change and self-healing. This person-centered approach focuses on helping clients work on what matters most to them. I enjoy integrating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) into my work, which offers practical skills for navigating life’s challenges. DBT also integrates nicely into solution-focused strategies, helping clients develop tools for growth and celebrating both small and big wins!

I also value grounding techniques implemented through nature therapy, meditation, and yoga to practice staying in the moment. I like to keep activities like games, fidgets, or crafts in my office if clients are interested.

Language(s) Spoken: English

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers