Heidi Leabman, LCSW

Vegan Somatic Psychotherapist

Integrative Somatic Psychotherapy is a present-centered, and experiential healing process which works with the body’s innate capacity to heal. Together we integrate psychotherapy with various somatically based healing modalities in order to access and heal trauma which is deeply held in the body.

When trauma is held in the body it often causes us to develop coping strategies which negatively impact our lives. These patterns Include mood disorders, fear of intimacy, difficulty in relationships and in work, and addictions. Our nervous system becomes dis-regulated from these experiences which keep us from feeling safe in our body. Most importantly, unprocessed trauma can leave us feeling alone, and isolated . Our relationship to ourself can feel broken.

Integrative Somatic Psychotherapy is informed by the latest neuroscience research related to trauma and attachment theory. Using modalities such as Somatic Experiencing, EMDR and the Comprehensive Resource Model, we discover together the most effective approach for your healing process. This integration is what makes Integrative Somatic Psychotherapy different from traditional or “talk” therapy. Many of us are aware of how our personal history affects our life but we cannot always translate this awareness to more lasting change.

Integrative Somatic Psychotherapy can help with:​

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Trauma and PTSD
• Eating disorders
• Self-esteem issues
• Sexuality issues
• Substance abuse
• Work and financial issues
• Social Anxiety
• Phobias and OCD
• Sexual or Physical abuse
• Relationship/couple’s issues

Results include:​

• Deepening connection with oneself and others
• A sense of empowerment
• Symptoms of anxiety and depression relieved
• More courage to take risks and actions – less fearful
• Improved relationships and increased intimacy
• Greater self-esteem
• Renewed creativity
• Discovering a sense of “flow” and balance in one’s life

About Heidi Leabman

I have devoted the last 25 years to working with and studying somatic psychotherapy, trauma, neuroscience, attachment theory and mindfulness practices. I am passionate about my work and about the opportunity to guide you through your healing process to discover a more authentic, fulfilled and joyful life.

I believe that psychotherapy is a co-created process between myself and my client. I will support you in finding capacity to develop deep internal awareness of what is blocking you, discovering the underlying or root cause of these blocks, then building psychological capacity and somatic resiliency to effectively heal.

There are no two sessions which are exactly alike. My approach will support you to feel safe to access previously difficult places inside which go deeper than your current psychological narrative.

I work with individuals and couples. I welcome clients of all racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds along with LGBTQ+, and Ethical Vegans.

Psychotherapy Training

• Graduate of New York University in Clinical Social Work

Trainings and Certifications

• Somatic Experiencing

• EMDR
• Internal Family Systems
• Comprehensive Resource Model
• Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
• Clinical Hypnotherapy
• Brainspotting

Couples Counseling

• Emotional Focused Couples Therapy
• Imago Relationship Therapy

Certified Yoga Instructor

Professional Consultations

• Integrating Somatic Psychotherapy into Clinical Practice
• Comprehensive Case Consultations
• Trauma Treatment Assessments and Recommendations
• Adjunctive Trauma Treatment
• Consultation for Dissociative Disorders including Dissociative Identity Disorder
• CRM Consultation

Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing is a naturalistic approach to the resolution and healing of trauma or challenging life circumstances developed by Dr. Peter Levine author of “Waking the Tiger”.

​SE is based on the observation that animals in the wild, though routinely threatened, are rarely traumatized. Humans, although born with virtually the same capacity as animals to resolve trauma, are often blocked or inhibited by negative patterns. These patterns do not allow the individual to regain a sense of trust or safety necessary for change. Symptoms such as anxiety and depression can then develop as a result of the body’s attempt to ”manage” or contain traumatic events.

• ​SE uses awareness of body sensation to help people “renegotiate” and heal rather than re-live or re-enact trauma.
• SE is a gentle process that gradually allows stored energy in the body from a traumatic event to be safely released.
• SE helps people feel more at peace with themselves, more at ease in their life and thus more able to reach their goals and objectives.