Katherine De Leon

Practice Philosophy

I see therapy as an opportunity to guide you in living authentically by discovering higher ways of thinking and being, tapping into your strengths, and breaking free from unhealthy/unwanted patterns. As an eclectic therapist, I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs and goals in a safe and collaborative space. Together, we will explore both the past and present to understand patterns and any trauma-responses that impact how you interact with yourself and others. I believe in helping clients develop a keen sense of self-compassion to cultivate joy, confidence, and meaningful connections in their life. I also aim to work with clients using a psycho-educational approach, as it equips them with tools and skills they can apply outside of our sessions. My goal is to foster a resilience mindset in clients as they overcome the challenges they are facing while they create a present and future aligned with their values. I also offer a faith-based counseling approach to honor clients' spiritual beliefs that help them find comfort and hope amid challenges.

Therapeutic Approach & Specialties

EMDR Trauma Therapy 

As a highly skilled trauma specialist, I deeply comprehend the profound impact trauma can have on individuals. Through my expertise in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), I empower clients to navigate through their traumas, regaining control and discovering healing. My therapeutic approach, coupled with bilateral stimulation, allows clients to effectively reprocess traumatic events, fostering renewed understanding and transformative growth.  

Individual Therapy

I specialize in working with teens 16+ as well as adults of all ages. I believe self-compassion paired with constructive accountability are key to building self-esteem, pursuing personal growth, and living a life aligned with one’s values. I encourage active forgiveness of oneself and others to unblock barriers to healing. I aim to empower clients by fostering a resilience mindset and working collaboratively with clients in the process of forming ideal patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. I tailor the therapeutic process to clients’ unique needs and strengths as we identify effective coping skills, self-regulation techniques, and problem-solving strategies to overcome challenges and achieve desired outcomes. I incorporate mindfulness interventions and communication skills training to enhance overall treatment.

Grief and Loss

In my personal experience, I grieved for nearly a decade after struggling with a variety of losses that happened consecutively. The hardest part of that process was not realizing that what I was feeling was grief; and the most helpful part was when I eventually realized that I was grieving and learned to practice active forgiveness and acceptance. My goal as a therapist is to help clients normalize grief symptoms (shock, anger, bargaining, and depression) as a natural response to any type of loss they may be experiencing. Some clients may experience grief due to chronic illnesses, disabilities, unresolved conflicts, and unmet expectations that do not align with “how life should be.” I aim to help clients process grief at their own pace as they learn to accept and adapt to a new way of life without the presence of what or who they have lost.

Anxiety Healing

I specialize in working with individuals that have become overwhelmed by generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias. My approach with anxiety healing is to empower clients by fostering a resilience mindset and teaching self-regulation skills and other tools tailored to their challenges that can help manage and reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of their anxiety symptoms. I work collaboratively with clients in identifying, challenging, and reframing negative or irrational thought patterns and belief systems that trigger and reinforce the likelihood of reoccurring anxiety symptoms. I utilize mindfulness techniques to build self-awareness, which can improve a client’s ability to intentionally respond to a triggering event and inherently reduce unwanted reactivity to triggers.

Faith-Based Counseling (Christian)

Upon request, I offer a unique approach rooted in Christian principles to support individuals on their healing journey. For clients that subscribe to a different faith-base, although I may not personally practice the teachings of your identified faith, I will respect and honor anything you are willing to share with me that helps you in your healing journey. For clients that identify as agnostic or atheist, I will respect and honor that, as well. Specifically for client’s requesting a practicing Christian counselor, I provide a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their challenges and draw upon their Christian faith and values. Together, we explore the intersection of the Christian faith and mental and emotional well-being, seeking God's wisdom and grace for understanding and transformation. Through prayer, scripture, and Christian-based interventions, we work collaboratively to address issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, and personal growth. I believe that God's love and healing power can profoundly enhance the therapeutic process, and I am honored to walk alongside clients as they seek emotional, relational, and spiritual wholeness.

Stress Management / Anger Management

I specialize in helping individuals effectively manage stress and anger to find balance and peace. Stressors and triggers can vary, from work-related pressures to personal relationships and everything in between. I believe that managing stress and anger is not about eliminating them entirely but rather learning to respond to them in a constructive manner. Through our work together in a supportive and non-judgmental space, we will explore the root causes of your stress and anger that can help you gain a deeper understanding of your triggers, learn to effectively communicate your needs, cultivate healthier coping mechanisms, implement practical tools tailored to your specific challenges, and transform your relationship with stress and anger. My approach combines evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, to empower you to regain control over your responses and reduce reactivity to triggers.

Women's Issues

Women often find themselves confronted with unrealistic expectations and immense pressure to excel in every aspect of their lives. The demands placed upon women, both internally and by society, can make them feel like they do not measure up: sexual and reproductive health, the challenges of motherhood, fulfilling roles as partners, conforming to societal ideals of beauty, pursuing education and careers, and navigating femininity, among others. I believe in supporting women as they explore their own personal beliefs about what it truly means to be a woman. My goal is to help women become self-empowered and nurture their resilience in the face of challenges that arise in various aspects of their lives, whether personal, professional, societal, or within their families.

Background 

I was born in New York City and raised in New Jersey. Later, moved to Miami where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Miami and my Dual Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Counseling from Barry University.

In college, I was fascinated by studies in psychology and philosophy. My passion for helping people find resolution, a sense of deep meaning and purpose, and personal growth is what led me to becoming a therapist.

When I am not working as a therapist, you will find me cuddled up with my dog and an enjoyable book, roller skating around Miami, attending church and bible studies, or planning my next trip to visit family in PA / NYC / NJ and the Dominican Republic.