Leah Gilbert, MEd, LPC-S, NCC
(She/Her/Hers)
3-8 Years | 9-12 Years | 13-18 Years | Family
Welcome! If you’ve made it to the “reading bios” stage, congrats—you’re officially on the therapist scavenger hunt! Leah knows finding the right fit for you or your child can feel like searching for the perfect pair of shoes: it takes time, and sometimes you just want to give up and go barefoot. But hey, maybe something in my bio will click, and you’ll feel inspired to reach out. Leah would love to meet you and see if you’re a good match. Happy reading, and good luck on your search!
Leah Gilbert is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). She received her Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas (CACREP Accredited Program) and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in Interdisciplinary Studies. She is currently working towards her Registered Play Therapist™ (RPT™) credential.
For the past 15 years, she’s had the privilege of working with children and families in public education—five years as a teacher (1st and 4th grade) and ten years as a school counselor. Along the way, she was honored to receive the prestigious CREST Award (Counselors Reinforcing Excellence in Texas) from the Texas Counseling Association, a recognition of her dedication to supporting students and their families.
In her therapeutic practice, she prioritizes creating a safe, supportive environment and building a strong relationship with her clients. Building a strong relationship is essential to the therapeutic process. Leah approaches this with great care and works diligently to establish a meaningful connection. She loves incorporating fun and humor to help build and strengthen the bond, making the therapeutic process more engaging and enjoyable.
Leah takes a prescriptive approach to therapy, which is just a fancy way of saying she mixes and matches techniques like cognitive-behavioral play therapy, solution-focused strategies, and creative tools like play, sand trays, and art—kind of like being a chef with a really quirky recipe book. She adjust her "ingredients" to meet each client where they are because no two kids (or adults) are exactly alike. It’s all about finding the right combination to help them feel comfortable, grow, and maybe even enjoy the process a little along the way!
Parents know their children best and you are the experts. With that in mind, Leah works closely with parents to create a plan that will promote growth and healing. She considers it a privilege to work with children, as it represents a deep level of trust. Parents entrust their greatest treasures—their children—to our care.
Leah has specialized training in working with parents whose children are experiencing anxiety and the impact that can have on the family dynamics. Using an evidence-based intervention, the SPACE program (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), we are able to focus on accommodations and how parents respond to their child’s anxiety. You can explore our SPACE page to learn more about this unique program.
When Leah’s not at work, she’s at home, which is a lively circus with three charming kids, a husband, and a dog that is the size of a pony. They try to lounge around, but let’s be real - there is no lounging as a parent - but hey, we give it a shot!
meet leah
LEAH IS PARTICULARLY WELL-SUITED TO SUPPORT FAMILIES:
With teens and tweens experiencing adjustment to life transitions, anxiety, ADHD, self esteem concerns, depression, and identity exploration
With children, teens, and parents that are looking for ways to disrupt the cycle of anxiety
With caregivers seeking a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore therapy or coaching aimed at improving home systems and strategies
LEAH WORKS AT OUR BERKMAN OFFICE LOCATION AND OFFERS VIRTUAL AND WALK & TALK SESSIONS. ALL SESSIONS ARE 45 MINUTES UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. HER RATES ARE THE FOLLOWING:
Individual Session $235
Initial Consult, Parent Consult, Parent Coaching $250
Family Session $270
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION:
ADHD
Anger Management
Anxiety
Behavior Issues
Coping Skills
Depression
Divorce
Emotional Disturbance
Family Conflict
Grief
LGBTQIA+
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Self Esteem
Stress
Trauma and PTSD
LEAH’S FAVORITES:
Favorite board game: Suspend - not really a board game but so much fun!
Favorite ice cream flavor: Cookies and Cream
Favorite animal: Sloths
Favorite children’s book: It's Not Easy Being a Bunny - My twin sister and I loved this book and read it all the time growing up.
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite place in Austin: Any place outside - Austin has such beautiful trees!
Favorite holiday: Christmas
I feel happiest when: When I am with my family
If I had a superpower it would be: Invisibility
Place I feel most safe/calm/comfortable: Snuggled up at home
READ MORE ABOUT LEAH’S PASSION:
