Leah Lappan, MA, LPC - Clinical Supervisor
Phone: 616-426-9034, ext. 727
Email: llappan@secondstorycounseling.com
MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Western Michigan University
Life is constantly changing and challenging. At times, it can feel difficult to keep up. As a counselor, my goal is to help my clients identify ways they can tap into their strengths to better navigate these challenges. My hope is to help empower each client to create lasting, meaningful change. I specialize in the treatment of substance use disorders, trauma/PTSD and grief. I also have extensive experience in mood disorders. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them explore their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs to change behaviors and work toward building resilience to thrive in their day to day.
When I'm not working, I'm lucky to have a retired racing greyhound named Shelly, who gets the majority of my attention outside of work. I love to travel, get together with my friends, and relax with a nice crossword puzzle at the end of the day. I love to cook and bake-especially if I can do this for others.
My Approach
My goal is to cultivate a relationship with each client to ensure they feel heard, valued, and understood. My approach is tailored toward what each individual client needs, however, my foundation is rooted in empowering clients to use their strengths when navigating the difficulties life may bring. I utilize CBT to assist clients in understanding thinking patterns and behaviors to bring about change. I find great value in psychoeducation for all my clients. Whether this is regarding a diagnosis, coping skills, symptoms, relationship dynamics, etc I know being educated can help empower. I also use mind-body interventions to assist clients in feeling more connected with themselves.
What You Can Expect
I aim to give each client a space to feel safe. I work with each client on creating goals to address what is keeping them stuck. It's an honor and privilege to be able to go along on this journey of change and self-discovery with my clients.