Leigh Gordon, LCSW

Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen. – Brené Brown This powerful quote captures the heart of what therapy is about: creating a space to show up as you are, face life’s challenges, and grow. Today, more than ever, we are seeing a staggering rise in anxiety, depression, and trauma in our society. It is crucial for people of all ages to develop skills and build resilience to navigate these difficulties. Therapy offers a supportive environment to cultivate these tools, master skills, and feel empowered to live a more fulfilling life. As a psychotherapist in Sarasota, Florida, I provide a warm and gentle space for teenagers and adults to address challenges such as anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders. My approach combines evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Mindfulness-Based Therapy (CMBT). Every therapy plan is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring that our work together is both effective and personalized. With over 30 years of experience, my journey in mental health began with an undergraduate degree in psychology and clinical social work from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. While there, I developed the first sexual abuse hotline for children, a project that continues to inspire my commitment to creating safe spaces for healing. I earned my master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of Houston and have dedicated my career to helping clients build resilience and lead more empowered lives. Outside of my practice, I find joy in cooking, gardening, being in nature, and exercising—activities that ground me and bring balance to my life. If you’re ready to take the first step toward growth and healing, I invite you to reach out. Let’s explore together if this might be the right fit for you.