I received my master's and doctorate degrees in Counseling Psychology from the University of Saint Thomas Graduate School of Professional Psychology. I have over a decade of experience providing counseling services in a variety of settings including outpatient and in-patient residential treatment centers, an in-patient hospital setting, as well as a multiple college counseling centers. I practiced as a licensed psychologist at Johns Hopkins University Counseling Center and the University of Minnesota Student Counseling Services with a special focus on grief and loss. I began my private practice in 2019 and I am deeply grateful to be a part of this important work. I am honored to hold space for my clients as they create lasting, meaningful change and
genuine healing in their lives.
My goal is to create a safe and healing space where you can speak your truth alongside someone who truly cares about you, your wellness, your wholeness, and your authentic happiness. I believe therapy is most effective when conducted in an open, safe, and nurturing environment with respect given to the strengths, wisdom, and humanity of each client. I work from an integrative and holistic perspective, meeting each client where they are, and working collaboratively with clients to reach their own personal goals. My theoretical orientation is grounded in humanistic and existential foundations, with thoughtful integration of compassion focused, trauma-informed,
mindfulness and cognitive behavioral practices.
Jodi Leirness, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist (she/her)
A little about me
Professional Education and Experience
Foundations of my practice
I practice cultural humility, cultural sensitivity, and warmly welcome ALL people to my practice
I am a strong ally to the LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and AAPI communities
I continually strive to create a safe and supportive space for those in marginalized communities
I am committed to doing my own work as a white, cis, female and ally in the healing field
Core Values and Beliefs
ALL ARE WELCOME HERE
I believe that the essence of being human is to experience both the joys and the suffering that life brings. Allowing ourselves permission to process our thoughts and feelings helps us to experience, care for, and release the pain and suffering we often hold inside. It isn't until we are able to process our emotions that our bodies are able to release the emotional pain, suffering, or trauma and begin the work of healing.
I believe in holistic healthcare - that we cannot separate or underestimate the connection and importance between our minds and our bodies. I believe that creating intentional space in our own lives to care for ourselves in these ways leads to meaningful change and genuine healing.
Philosophy
I bring a warm and authentic style to our work together. I practice the art of deep listening and offer compassionate, nonjudgmental, supportive, insightful and in-depth care. It is important to me that you feel heard, seen, understood, and connected in our work together. I enjoy supporting clients in deepening their understanding of themselves, learning how to process and cope with their emotions rather than push them away, and living a life that aligns with their values and most authentic selves.
In the end my hope is to help you foster a gentle and kind relationship with yourself and others.
Therapeutic Style
I have particular interest in maternal mental health and holding sacred space for those experiencing grief and loss.
I enjoy working with women searching for balance and seeking space for themselves in their own lives. I also have an extensive history supporting college and graduate students navigating higher education and early adulthood.
I have extensive experience providing mental health therapy for issues including, but not limited to:
managing stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, self worth injuries, grief and loss issues, trauma and shame, loneliness, existential issues, identity exploration, women's health, parenting and relationship issues,
with a specific focus on well-being, balance, self-care, compassion, and self-acceptance.