Leslie Doctor (she/her)

EMDR Therapy helps people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. When a person experiences trauma, that trauma stays trapped or stored in the body until the brain is able to make sense of it. When we have an unprocessed trauma stored in our body, it gets triggered and activated in the present. With EMDR we are moving towards an adaptive resolution in processing that memory to bring down the present day triggers and also that response.

Sandtray therapy is an expressive and projective mode psychotherapy of involving the unfolding and processing of intra- and inter- personal issues through the use of specific sandtray materials as a nonverbal medium of communication, let by the client or therapist and facilitate by a trained therapist. Sand therapy is the left brain’s liberation through the right brain’s processing. It boldly professes the unspoken by allowing both hemispheres to collaborate in sacred space.

Play therapy is based on the concept that play is a child’s natural medium of expression. The therapist provides a safe and protected space where the child’s brain can process unconscious material. The child is then able to communicate through actions without the need of words. The therapist is a witness and guide of this unfolding healing journey.

When working with child and adolescent clients, I work closely with parents in consultation while protecting client confidentiality. Through parent consultation, I help parents effectively shape their kids’ behavior while strengthening their relationship. I offer positive insights and practical tools.

I am experienced in supporting child and adolescents with a variety of issues, concerns and needs. I have advanced training in play therapy, expressive arts therapies and sandtray therapy - all great modalities to support work with children.

I am a neurodiversity affirming therapist who has a deep understanding of ADHD from a personal and professional perspective. I am an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider and an Autplay Therapy Provider.