Leif Moa-Anderson (He/him)

Existential

I studied philosophy before I studied psychology and do believe that the existential conundrums of the human condition are at the root of all our struggle. However, I know that I know nothing. So, I will not tell you what to do, for I have no answers, however, I also have no judgments. I will only help you see through the haze of feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and constructs, and accept was is.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

When I took a certificate program in CBT, I realized that this it is how I automatically and already approached therapy. This is very useful for changing behaviors, which is part of what therapy is about, and I find it useful because sometimes he have to work out the old habits, even once our mind has already changed.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT was born out of CBT and mindfulness, both of which I have studied separately. Getting certified in DBT, thus, seemed natural. I don't do the strict protocols of DBT, which is a group therapy, but I use a lot of the principles frequently.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural part of existence, in fact, you need it! However, not all anxiety is useful and too much can be a really big problem. However, we can learn to manage anxiety and help keep it to a functional level. I have helped many clients with OCD, social anxiety, hoarding, and PTSD driven phobias. I use mindfulness based CBT to address the behaviors, a systems perspective to address the thoughts, and a Existential/Humanist approach to address the deeper anxieties we all share.

Codependency

There is a theory that all psychologic issues stem from attachment wounds and that everyone one has attachment wounds. Now, I'm not sure if that is really true, but no ones parents were prefect. I have helped with deep attachment issues such as, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and chronic codependence. Your attachment wounds may not be that severe, but they are may still be negatively affecting your relationships in ways you don't realize.

Relationship / Marriage Issues

Whether you are a part of a couple (or poly) or just come in by yourself, or maybe it's about platonic or work relationships, this has been the main focus my academic studies. My Masters degree is actually in Systems Psychology, which is basically the perspective that an individual's psychology is driven, at least in part, by all of the systems with which they are connected or even have been connected. I have helped many clients improve their relationships with themselves and others.

Men's Issues

I have participated in several men's groups and was elected leader of the men's group at my graduate school my second year. I have spent many years working through my own issues with masculinity and have found comfortable place with it, but I know from personal experience that the journey is not easy. Cultural ideas about masculinity are changing and much of what used to be taught about being a man is now seen as negative, but it is still possible to be a good man and I can help with that.

Personality Disorders

If you have been diagnosed with a personality disorder and have received enough treatment for individual outpatient therapy to be appropriate, I may be able to help you. I have experience helping people with Borderline Personality Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Personality. I highly recommend at least one full round through a Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) group course, which takes six months, before individual therapy.