Shani Leichter
She/Her/Hers
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC Master of Arts, MAShe/Her/Hers
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC Master of Arts, MAShani Leichter is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts, where she works with young adults, women, and couples. Many of her clients are dealing with major life transitions including coming out, grief, transitioning to adulthood, or shifting family dynamics. They may also be working through identity exploration, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, anxiety, or struggling with body image. She is particularly passionate about supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their families.
Shani is trained in person-centered and emotionally-focused therapy. The foundation of her work is the development of strong therapeutic relationships with her clients. Shani focuses on helping her clients notice and name patterns in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This approach supports clients in being able to better understand themselves and their relationships. Shani’s clients tend to be insight-oriented and motivated to engage in the therapeutic process.
Shani's style is warm, non-judgmental, patient, and highly attentive to issues of social justice. When clients first start therapy, she takes great care to establish a counseling space where they feel safe, supported, respected, seen, and heard regardless of background. Shani deeply values the trust that her clients place in her when things are hard and is grateful for the opportunity to be of help in their times of need.
Shani received her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. Prior to entering private practice, she worked at a public four-year high school serving adolescents with a variety of life experiences and challenges. Shani offers counseling in a convenient virtual setting. She is often accompanied by her dog, Jake, who has been known to make occasional appearances in sessions. Should he ever happen to overhear anything, he promises to uphold the highest level of confidentiality.
Women's issues - Therapy tailored to common concerns among women; providing a safe and understanding space to address life challenges, stressors, and questions around identity as a woman
LGBTQIA, gender, and sexuality topics - Exploring topics of sexuality, gender, and identity; coping with discrimination and oppression; navigating relationship, family, and cultural challenges
Identity development - Understanding, accepting, and strengthening one’s sense of self through the exploration of family, work, and personal values; addressing issues such as, race, class, gender, and sexual orientation, in the context of self experience
Life transitions - Coping with difficult or impactful life changes, such as moving to a new area, relationship transitions, child rearing, or career changes; learning self-care to better manage resulting stress
Body image - Development of skills for handling negative thoughts about physical appearance; building habits of more positive self-talk and self-perception.
Adolescent mental health - Working with adolescents, teenagers, and parents on social, academic, and/or emotional challenges throughout teenage years; addressing anxiety, family conflicts, peer relationships, school stress, transition to college, social media pressures, self-esteem, hopelessness about the future, emotional disregulation
Shani Leichter is not in-network with any insurances.
Read about the benefits of seeing an out-of-network provider here.
Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.
Years of Experience: 9 years
Reaching Wellness LLC, Owner/Therapist, 2021 - Present
Newton Public Schools, Counselor (9-12), 2014 - 2021
Lesley University, Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School and Community Specialization, 2014
Massachusetts: 12776
English