Leah Arthur, LCPC
Masters of Science in Clinical/Community Mental Health
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor To make an appointment with Leah, please call 630-570-0050. You can also email [email protected].
Specializes In:Anxiety, Depression, Lifestyle Changes, ADHD, Trauma, Worry/GAD, LGBTQ+ Support, Relationship Concerns, Self-Esteem
Ages Served: Adolescents, Young Adults, Adults, Older Adults |
Professional Experience
I attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, and a minor in Leadership Studies. During my time there, I gained valuable knowledge in understanding human behavior, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Seeking practical experience, I had the opportunity to work with diverse populations. I supported teens and young adults with developmental disabilities, providing guidance and promoting their well-being. I also served as a shelter advocate at a domestic violence shelter, offering crucial support to survivors. Later, I worked on a behavioral health unit for a local hospital where I was able to provide support to adult populations.
To advance my career, I pursued a Master's degree in Clinical/Community Mental Health Counseling at Western Illinois University. This program provided comprehensive training and valuable experiences that shaped my therapeutic approach. During my studies, I completed an internship at a community mental health center, where I worked extensively with individuals, families, and groups. This then became my full time job and allowed me to address a wide range of presenting problems and develop a deep understanding of client complexities.
To advance my career, I pursued a Master's degree in Clinical/Community Mental Health Counseling at Western Illinois University. This program provided comprehensive training and valuable experiences that shaped my therapeutic approach. During my studies, I completed an internship at a community mental health center, where I worked extensively with individuals, families, and groups. This then became my full time job and allowed me to address a wide range of presenting problems and develop a deep understanding of client complexities.
Specializations and Treatment Approach
I currently treat:
ADHD
Trauma
Anxiety
Depression
Worry/Generalized Anxiety Disorder
LGBTQ+ Support
Relationship Concerns
Lifestyle Changes
Self-Esteem
I am a licensed professional clinical therapist (LCPC), and working with me you can expect a therapeutic approach that is supportive and tailored to help you meet your unique needs and goals. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a key component of the change process. In our sessions, I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can feel seen, heard, and supportive. I work with a diverse range of clients including teens, emerging adults, adults, and older adults. I am especially passionate about working with individuals facing challenges related to ADHD, trauma, anxiety, LGBTQ+ issues, and lifestyle changes.
As a therapist I draw upon a range of evidence based therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of each individual. My approach is eclectic and includes Humanistic Therapy, Dialectical-Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). I’ve often joked how the field is just loads of acronyms, so I’m going to break these down a little bit more for clarity of what it would be like to work with me.
Humanistic Therapy
No acronym for this one! This approach emphasizes the importance of genuine, empathetic connections, with unconditional positive regard. This allows for the creation of a safe space in which clients can explore their authentic selves, increase self-compassion, and tap into personal growth.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is an invaluable resource, heavily skill based and has four main areas. Through DBT, I guide clients in developing mindfulness skills (which allows us to work with our brain and work to control our attention and awareness), emotion regulation techniques (what am I feeling, how can I express it in a safe and helpful manner), distress tolerance strategies (how we manage intense emotions), and interpersonal effectiveness (advocacy skills, boundaries, communication skills). This comprehensive approach fosters personal growth and empowers individuals to build more fulfilling lives.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
By exploring the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, I help clients develop insight and practical skills to navigate life's challenges. Together, we examine and reframe unhelpful thought patterns, empowering individuals to make positive changes and achieve their goals.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
For clients struggling with trauma, anxiety, or distressing memories, I offer EMDR, a specialized therapeutic technique. EMDR helps individuals reprocess traumatic experiences, reducing their emotional impact and fostering healing. By integrating bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tactile sensations, with targeted therapy, clients can work through past traumas and find resolution.
These treatment approaches represent a comprehensive toolkit that allows me to tailor therapy to each client's unique circumstances and therapeutic goals. I view therapy as a collaborative process, and together, we will identify the most effective strategies and techniques to facilitate your personal growth and positive change.
ADHD
Trauma
Anxiety
Depression
Worry/Generalized Anxiety Disorder
LGBTQ+ Support
Relationship Concerns
Lifestyle Changes
Self-Esteem
I am a licensed professional clinical therapist (LCPC), and working with me you can expect a therapeutic approach that is supportive and tailored to help you meet your unique needs and goals. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a key component of the change process. In our sessions, I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can feel seen, heard, and supportive. I work with a diverse range of clients including teens, emerging adults, adults, and older adults. I am especially passionate about working with individuals facing challenges related to ADHD, trauma, anxiety, LGBTQ+ issues, and lifestyle changes.
As a therapist I draw upon a range of evidence based therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of each individual. My approach is eclectic and includes Humanistic Therapy, Dialectical-Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). I’ve often joked how the field is just loads of acronyms, so I’m going to break these down a little bit more for clarity of what it would be like to work with me.
Humanistic Therapy
No acronym for this one! This approach emphasizes the importance of genuine, empathetic connections, with unconditional positive regard. This allows for the creation of a safe space in which clients can explore their authentic selves, increase self-compassion, and tap into personal growth.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is an invaluable resource, heavily skill based and has four main areas. Through DBT, I guide clients in developing mindfulness skills (which allows us to work with our brain and work to control our attention and awareness), emotion regulation techniques (what am I feeling, how can I express it in a safe and helpful manner), distress tolerance strategies (how we manage intense emotions), and interpersonal effectiveness (advocacy skills, boundaries, communication skills). This comprehensive approach fosters personal growth and empowers individuals to build more fulfilling lives.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
By exploring the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, I help clients develop insight and practical skills to navigate life's challenges. Together, we examine and reframe unhelpful thought patterns, empowering individuals to make positive changes and achieve their goals.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
For clients struggling with trauma, anxiety, or distressing memories, I offer EMDR, a specialized therapeutic technique. EMDR helps individuals reprocess traumatic experiences, reducing their emotional impact and fostering healing. By integrating bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tactile sensations, with targeted therapy, clients can work through past traumas and find resolution.
These treatment approaches represent a comprehensive toolkit that allows me to tailor therapy to each client's unique circumstances and therapeutic goals. I view therapy as a collaborative process, and together, we will identify the most effective strategies and techniques to facilitate your personal growth and positive change.
About Me
What are your professional and personal values?
Consistency - I have found consistency to be one of my highest values. Consistency allows for trust and stability which makes for a more impactful therapeutic relationship. Also, I feel like it offers the space for us to continue to try and grow as we build on skills to create the life we want.
Adventure - To me, adventure is a captivating aspect of life that can be so transformative in both the therapy space as well as in daily life. I feel that adventure embodies the spirit of exploration, curiosity, and stepping outside the comfort zone.
Creativity - I feel like creativity can show up in so many areas of life, certainly the traditionally artistic areas, but I have found that it is a dynamic process that allows us to tap into and explore imagination, intuition, and can lead to deeper exploration. I’ve also found that sometimes a creative outlet is a wonderful way to make sense of our stories and emotions.
Humor - I find that humor can be a good coping skill, and I think it can allow for more authentic connections. Life can get pretty he twice and sometimes humor is the thing that allows us to find moments of lightness, navigate challenging situations, and offer perspective. Also, I have to say that I love a good pun.
Connection - People are meant to have supports, fulfilling relationships are part of the human experience. Brene Brown once described connection as “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment..” and this can be an incredibly transformative experience to have in therapy.
What are some adjectives you would use to describe yourself and why?
I would describe myself as creative, mindful, curious, enthusiastic, and determined. I enjoy finding exploring and finding new solutions or perspective to obstacles and setbacks. I feel that by cultivating mindfulness, we improve our clarity and emotional resilience while being able to enjoy the present moment. I consider myself to be a life-long learner, which fuels my curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring new avenues, and for personal and professional growth.
What led you to decide that you wanted to be a therapist?
I had thought about becoming a therapist during my undergraduate training, but ultimately decided that I wanted to work “in the field” for a bit to gain experience and some perspective.
The turning point for me came while I had been working with clients at a domestic violence shelter. After our goal planning sessions, they thanked me for listening to them and for giving them my time. They explained that they felt time was one of the most important gifts you could give another person as you are actively investing in something that you can’t get back. This experience was poignant for me, as what they said had felt true. And really, it highlighted for me how impactful it can be to have people who believe in you, and how transformative that can be. Shortly after this experience I enrolled at WIU and continued my journey to becoming a therapist.
What are some of your favorite self care activities?
I firmly believe in the importance of self-care because, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”. I believe that to show up for others, we have to show up for ourselves too! I really enjoy getting to spend time outdoors, I find it especially grounding (pun intended!) and rejuvenating. Sometimes this looks like waking up early for obstacle course racing, sometimes it’s taking time to find a comfy spot to read under a shady tree, and sometimes its putting on some Taylor Swift while going on a hike!
I also really enjoy creative outlets, lately I’ve really been into watercolor painting, baking, and taking care of my plants- with some good music to dance to in the background.
What is your favorite quote/some of your favorite quotes?
“In other words, when you think about your goals, don't just consider the outcome you want. Focus on the repetitions that lead to that place. Focus on the piles of work that come before the success. Focus on the hundreds of ceramic pots that come before the masterpiece.” - James Clear
This is one of my favorite quotes because I think it really helps to illustrate and break down what the change process can look like.
What’s the most profound, meaningful, or interesting thing you’ve learned or experienced as a mental health professional? Why do you love being a mental health professional?
In the various roles I’ve had, I am always honored to be able to witness the power of change in individual’s lives. Change can be profound and unexpected, feels to me like evidence of our humanness, resiliency, and adaptability.
I think what makes this one of the most meaningful things I’ve learned in therapy is that I believe that this process and capacity for change resides within all of us. I believe that therapy gives use the opportunity to explore our inner landscapes, challenge limiting beliefs, and develop new perspectives- all of which gives us a change to reclaim our stories.
Consistency - I have found consistency to be one of my highest values. Consistency allows for trust and stability which makes for a more impactful therapeutic relationship. Also, I feel like it offers the space for us to continue to try and grow as we build on skills to create the life we want.
Adventure - To me, adventure is a captivating aspect of life that can be so transformative in both the therapy space as well as in daily life. I feel that adventure embodies the spirit of exploration, curiosity, and stepping outside the comfort zone.
Creativity - I feel like creativity can show up in so many areas of life, certainly the traditionally artistic areas, but I have found that it is a dynamic process that allows us to tap into and explore imagination, intuition, and can lead to deeper exploration. I’ve also found that sometimes a creative outlet is a wonderful way to make sense of our stories and emotions.
Humor - I find that humor can be a good coping skill, and I think it can allow for more authentic connections. Life can get pretty he twice and sometimes humor is the thing that allows us to find moments of lightness, navigate challenging situations, and offer perspective. Also, I have to say that I love a good pun.
Connection - People are meant to have supports, fulfilling relationships are part of the human experience. Brene Brown once described connection as “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment..” and this can be an incredibly transformative experience to have in therapy.
What are some adjectives you would use to describe yourself and why?
I would describe myself as creative, mindful, curious, enthusiastic, and determined. I enjoy finding exploring and finding new solutions or perspective to obstacles and setbacks. I feel that by cultivating mindfulness, we improve our clarity and emotional resilience while being able to enjoy the present moment. I consider myself to be a life-long learner, which fuels my curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring new avenues, and for personal and professional growth.
What led you to decide that you wanted to be a therapist?
I had thought about becoming a therapist during my undergraduate training, but ultimately decided that I wanted to work “in the field” for a bit to gain experience and some perspective.
The turning point for me came while I had been working with clients at a domestic violence shelter. After our goal planning sessions, they thanked me for listening to them and for giving them my time. They explained that they felt time was one of the most important gifts you could give another person as you are actively investing in something that you can’t get back. This experience was poignant for me, as what they said had felt true. And really, it highlighted for me how impactful it can be to have people who believe in you, and how transformative that can be. Shortly after this experience I enrolled at WIU and continued my journey to becoming a therapist.
What are some of your favorite self care activities?
I firmly believe in the importance of self-care because, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”. I believe that to show up for others, we have to show up for ourselves too! I really enjoy getting to spend time outdoors, I find it especially grounding (pun intended!) and rejuvenating. Sometimes this looks like waking up early for obstacle course racing, sometimes it’s taking time to find a comfy spot to read under a shady tree, and sometimes its putting on some Taylor Swift while going on a hike!
I also really enjoy creative outlets, lately I’ve really been into watercolor painting, baking, and taking care of my plants- with some good music to dance to in the background.
What is your favorite quote/some of your favorite quotes?
“In other words, when you think about your goals, don't just consider the outcome you want. Focus on the repetitions that lead to that place. Focus on the piles of work that come before the success. Focus on the hundreds of ceramic pots that come before the masterpiece.” - James Clear
This is one of my favorite quotes because I think it really helps to illustrate and break down what the change process can look like.
What’s the most profound, meaningful, or interesting thing you’ve learned or experienced as a mental health professional? Why do you love being a mental health professional?
In the various roles I’ve had, I am always honored to be able to witness the power of change in individual’s lives. Change can be profound and unexpected, feels to me like evidence of our humanness, resiliency, and adaptability.
I think what makes this one of the most meaningful things I’ve learned in therapy is that I believe that this process and capacity for change resides within all of us. I believe that therapy gives use the opportunity to explore our inner landscapes, challenge limiting beliefs, and develop new perspectives- all of which gives us a change to reclaim our stories.
Professional and Educational Additional Experience
EMDR Training Course Integrating EMDR into your Clinical Practice (EMDRIA Approved - EMDR International Association)