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LEELA GERSHENSON COUNSELING
What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step.
- Antoine De Saint-Exupery
WELCOME
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but reaching out is a courageous first step.
I'm Leela Gershenson, a licensed therapist with over 10 years of experience, specializing in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, phobias, and related conditions. I provide virtual therapy to adults and teens across Florida, Virginia, and South Dakota.
I use evidence-based methods like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) to help clients overcome OCD and intrusive thoughts. I specialize in all types of OCD, whether you're struggling with unwanted sexual thoughts, intrusive harm thoughts perfectionism, relationship OCD (ROCD), contamination fears, or decision-making paralysis, I’m here to support your healing. I don't judge people for their thoughts and recognize that OCD thoughts are not reflective of who you are as a person.
I also treat PTSD using Prolonged Exposure and Body Focused Repetitive Behavior using Habit Reversal Training.
I enjoy providing psychoeducation and I believe that you understanding what is going on and why we are using certain techniques can be very empowering and help you to become your own therapist.
"Courage is like—it’s a habitus, a habit, a virtue: You get it by courageous acts. It’s like you learn to swim by swimming. You learn courage by couraging." - Brene Brown
CLIENT FOCUSED
I will tailor our sessions to the areas that are most important to you. I know that therapy can be difficult and how challenging it can be to share unwanted thoughts. I won't ever judge you for your thoughts and will be cheering you on for the courage it takes to open up about things that can be difficult to discuss.
YOU ARE IN CONTROL
You will always be in control of your therapy. I am transparent in tools that we are using so that you are learning techniques that you can use on your own. I may offer suggestions and gentle nudges though you will always be in control of the direction and pace of therapy.
LET'S WORK TOGETHER
It's important to have someone on your side. By working together, I can help you to restore trust in yourself and give you the tools to overcome unwanted thoughts.
A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere.
- Groucho Marx
