Description
Dr. Leah Oliver is a compassionate and dedicated licensed psychologist. She earned her doctorate from the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2017. Dr. Oliver completed her pre-doctoral training at the Ann Martin Center in Oakland, California, working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She then completed her postdoctoral training at California College of the Arts (CCA), where she currently serves as a psychotherapist and administrator of the Counseling department. At CCA, Dr. Oliver provides individual therapy sessions for students and offers consultation, workshops, and psychoeducational training for staff and faculty to support their roles in aiding students.
Dr. Oliver has collaborated with various local community groups to develop and deliver workshops that encourage critical thinking about self-care practices. She also offers training in social-justice and liberatory methods for providers caring for society’s most vulnerable. Her work includes partnerships with organizations such as Night Ministry, Bridge Live Arts, and East Bay Meditation Center (EBMC), where she co-founded The Multi-racial Deep Refuge Group in 2013.
Dr. Oliver specializes in culturally responsive and identity-affirming psychotherapy, working with a diverse clientele. She provides individual and group therapy for adults and teens (16+), with particular expertise in supporting first-generation and international students, artists, educators, and professionals. Dr. Oliver has a deep understanding of chronic relational trauma and the impact of parental drug and alcohol addiction.
Message to Clients
I use a relational-psychodynamic and liberatory approach to therapy, incorporating mindfulness techniques to help you build awareness of the connections between your body and mind. My approach is rooted in the belief that meaningful change begins with building trust in the collaborative process we will develop over time.
We will work together, guided by your lived experience and inner knowing, to enhance your self-awareness and empower you to live authentically. Therapy doesn’t always require specific goals; sometimes, the journey of figuring things out is filled with valuable surprises and insights.
We all come from unique micro-cultures, starting with our earliest experiences that shape our language and worldview. I honor the ways you choose to express your experiences and believe that the body has its own language too. I will support you in deepening your understanding of your various communication styles.
I recognize that we all have ways of relating and surviving that may no longer serve us but need to be honored and grieved before we can make changes. Building self-compassion is crucial as we work through this journey to uncover your essential self.
I provide online individual therapy for adults (18+) and teens (16+).