Leanne Fessler MA RCC  

Leanne is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who specializes in perinatal mental wellness, including support for those "wishing" to become parents, "waiting" to become parents and "new" to being parents (for the first, second or third, time!). 

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In the hopes of serving her community better, Leanne has been developing an innovative Perinatal Wellness Collective consisting of integrated professionals (see www.southrockperinatal.com for more).

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Professional Experience

Prior to this specialization, Leanne has been providing counselling support to individuals and families since 2005 for a variety of concerns including; grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship stress, work/academic stress, major life transitions and more.  She has worked extensively with adults, children, teens and young adults in community and educational settings such as Chimo Community Services, Family Services of Greater Vancouver, the Vancouver School District, UBC Counselling Services, as well as her own/others' private practices.  Having child therapy as a previous focus in her career, Leanne has an in-depth understanding of children's needs, real life parenting challenges and the importance of parental relationships.

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Professional Training

After completing her MA in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Leanne has continued to develop her training,  She has completed advanced training specific to perinatal mental health concerns and group support through organizations such as Postpartum Support International (PSI), University of British Columbia, the IPT institute (Interpersonal Psychology), and Maternal Mental Health Now.   Other approaches she draws upon from her training include: Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Music-Integrated Therapy (MIT), Expressive Arts and Play Therapy methods, Changeways Depression Treatment Program, Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), Satir and Somatic Transformation (somatic based trauma therapy).

 

Personal

Leanne enjoys spending time being active outdoors (as often as possible!) on her own or with her husband and two incredibly energetic children.  An avid music lover, she frequents musical events and writes/composes songs once school lunches are made and they have gone to bed!

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