About Leah

So many adults and teens are overwhelmed. There are expectations from parents, spouses, friends…

Unfortunately, this stress often leads to feeling disconnected, anxious, and distracted. Then that brings on self-doubt, criticism, and a general sense of “Who am I?” and “What is my purpose?” no matter what age you are.

What you might need is to slow down, gain clarity, identify what you really want, and find your voice.

I’m Leah Niehaus and my gift is finding people’s strengths and helping them to see those strengths for themselves. Then one can learn to build more connections and make choices that are more aligned with one’s values.

My background in social work helps me bring a practical, down-to-earth approach to therapy. Yes, we’ll dive deep into developing insight and noticing patterns that are impacting you negatively, but we’ll also explore real solutions you can use in your everyday life.

We can talk about whatever is causing you stress. Nothing is off-limits and there’s no judgement here. Instead, we get curious about the patterns that impact your relationships and your life.

My challenge is to hear what you are saying and what you’re not saying as well so that you can live your most authentic life.

I’m the same person in the therapy room that I am in my family room.

You can count on me to bring my genuine self to our time together. I’m a fellow traveller on this journey called life and have likewise experienced many ups and downs.  I am grateful for the opportunity to bear witness to your unique experience and observe your growth.

A little about me in every day life:

I’m a proud wife and mom of three kids. I love animals and have three dogs and one cat. I love the beach, reading, music, swimming, tennis, cooking, and consider myself a small town girl….AND I love my profession as a clinical social worker!

A little about me in professional life:

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Pepperdine and Masters in Social Work from CSULB.

My background includes community mental health, working in public child welfare with foster youth, and psychiatric social work at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital. I have been in private practice in Hermosa Beach for 19 years and opened a group practice seven years ago.

I’ve been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2003 and love working with women, teens, and young adults. I’m also a frequent guest speaker and writer on topics related to parenting and adolescents and offer clinical supervision and Associate positions for unlicensed professionals. I am a CAMFT Certified Clinical Supervisor and a Certified Group Psychotherapist. I was recently recognized by the City of Hermosa Beach as the “Best of Clinical Social Work 2023.”

I am an Ambassador for South Bay Families Connected and sit on a local Student Mental Health Task Force through Beach Cities Health District. I have served on Social Emotional Wellness committees and am currently on the Manhattan Beach USD Medical Advisory Board. I belong to many professional organizations: California Society for Clinical Social Work, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Clinical Social Work Association, American Group Psychotherapy Association, & Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles. I am particularly interested in adolescents/young adults, inspired parenting, group therapies, and clinical supervision. I am active in the AGPA Public Outreach committee to broaden knowledge of the benefits of group therapies, am a Certified Group Psychotherapist, and a CAMFT Certified Clinical Supervisor.

Most importantly, connecting with people is my favorite thing to do, and I’d love to help you learn to like yourself again.

Click below to schedule your free phone consultation and see how we can work together.

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