Leona Lasse
Registered Psychologist & Family and Relationship Therapist
GradDipPsych, M.RehabCnslg, M.Couple & Family Therapy
Trained “Prepare” Facilitator
Member: Australian Psychological Society (APS)
I have over 10 years experience working in the field of Mental Health, with a range of clients including individuals, couples and families.
My initial experience working in a Psychiatric hospital gave me a solid foundation of understanding of mental health, severe mental illness and the impact of this on both the individual and those around them. I developed a passion for working with people to effect positive changes in their lives and to work through their often traumatic and painful pasts.
I have worked in a diverse range of fields within the sector such as homelessness, psychiatric and vocational rehabilitation settings, Non-government organisations and private practice.
After completing further training in Couple and Family therapy I became passionate about working with people to assist them with addressing issues in their relationships and within themselves. For the past 7 years I have worked as a relationship therapist (working mostly with couples and individuals) and so my experience and skill in this area is my particular strength. I have helped clients to address a variety of issues such as, infidelity, conflict, parenting and other relational issues.
I am a compassionate, committed therapist and bring a caring, yet challenging style, when this is called for. My therapeutic approach includes elements of Systemic Therapy, the Gottman method of Couples Therapy, Imago therapy, Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioural based approaches. I have a special interest in Schema Therapy which is what drew me to work at the Good mood clinic.
My style is warm, empathic and non-judgemental. I seek to understand each unique client and couple and develop a trusting, collaborative therapeutic relationship with them.
In my work with clients I often explore Family of Origin histories, look at uncovering unhelpful patterns and how to change them and work through the impact of traumas. My focus is on healing and re-connection and assisting clients to work through their issues in a gentle but systematic way, in order to improve or enhance their relationships with themselves and others and their lives.