Leah McMahon, Doctoral Practicum Therapist
Leah McMahon, Doctoral Practicum Therapist
Practicum Student
Supervised by: Michael Azarani PhD
My Practice Philosophy
From a young age, we develop many brilliant ways of protecting our hearts and minds from emotional discomfort. While I believe these strategies deserve gratitude and respect for helping us get through challenging times, I also believe it is important to recognize when they are no longer serving us. In our work together, I get curious about the ways a younger version of yourself learned to cope with hard times, and I guide you through the process of identifying new, more adaptive ways to navigate challenges you face today. I also believe in the transformative and healing capacity of the client-therapist relationship. Being seen, heard, and connected in therapy helps us learn new ways of relating to ourselves, others, and the world around us. While I will tailor my specific therapeutic approach to your unique needs, I tend to integrate a number of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic therapy, and experiential approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS). It is my hope that our work together will help you identify and secure all of the ingredients you need to cultivate a more fulfilling life.
About MeÂ
I grew up in San Antonio, Texas and moved to Austin to pursue an undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Texas. After graduating in 2020, I spent a year conducting post-baccalaureate research on digital interventions for mental and sexual health at the University of Florida (while taking many side trips to lovely beaches nearby). I also served as a telephone crisis counselor on the Alachua County Crisis Line and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline during my post-baccalaureate year. I was thrilled to return to the Forty Acres to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2021. My doctoral research focuses on the intersection of sexual and psychological well-being, and I have a special interest in sexual and relationship satisfaction among LGBTQ+ couples. Outside of my clinical and research endeavors, I enjoy weightlifting, whipping up new recipes in the kitchen, trying out new restaurants, painting, seeing live theater, and spending time with my Chiweenie, Bean.
Clinical Interests
- Attachment struggles
- Anxiety
- Coping skills
- Depression
- Family conflict
- Grief
- Life transitions
- Relationship issues
- Sexual abuse
- Sexual well-beingÂ
- Stress
- Trauma and PTSD