Meet Leah Welde
MSW (she/her)
Specialties: child, teen, and young adult mental health; emotional & behavioral dysregulation, neurodivergence, anxiety & OCD, parental stress
My name is Leah, and I work with children and families who are navigating anxiety, OCD, neurodivergence, developmental trauma, and dysregulation. I also work closely with parents and caregivers who may be feeling exhausted, stuck, or overwhelmed.
I appreciate the complex inner worlds of children, as well as the many ways behavior communicates what words cannot. Children who are experiencing big emotions, overwhelm, or moments of shutdown are often doing their best to express needs that haven’t yet been fully understood. I view behaviors (even the tricky ones) as meaningful attempts at communication, and I approach these behaviors with curiosity and compassion.
Because I see children as part of a larger family system, I know that caregivers are essential to the therapy process itself. I recognize that parents are often holding a great deal at once, including a deep and unwavering love for their child, alongside anxiety, frustration, and self-doubt. My goal is to cultivate a space where you feel respected and understood, not only as a parent, but as a whole person. Similar to my approach with children, I aim to meet parents with curiosity, warmth, and genuine care so that we may forge a path forward together.
My work is informed by attachment theory, psychodynamic perspectives, as well as training in child-centered play, sand tray, ERP, and Theraplay-informed approaches. I regard therapy as a deeply human, vulnerable, and meaningful process, and I believe that healing happens within the safety of a trusted therapeutic relationship. I look forward to supporting you and your family on this journey toward a more confident and connected life!
Fee: $175/50 minute session
Credentials and Training
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the state of PA- Supervised by Stephanie Drabble, LCSW
Master of Social Work- Temple University
Theraplay®- Level 1- The Therapy Institute
Child-Centered Play Therapy – The NIRE Institute
Sandtray Therapy – Main Line Play Therapy
Fostering Cultural Humility in Play Therapy with Black and Latinx Youth – BMH Connect
Trauma, Brain, and Body: Conceptualizing Play Therapy from the Bottom-Up – Dr. Renee Turner
Intro to AEDP – AEDP Institute