Leia Mangan
Pronouns: she/her
Role: Clinical Intern Therapist
Locations: Collegeville & Virtually
Accepting New Clients: Yes
Hello, my name is Leia. I’m so happy you’re here.
It is normal and natural to feel nervous about reaching out. Engaging in therapy is a brave and kind act, and I offer a safe, welcoming, and comfortable space for us to explore the therapeutic process together.
My aim for our therapeutic alliance is collaborative engagement, non-judgmental listening, compassionate understanding and learning about you through a holistic, loving, and caring perspective. All that is needed is to be here in the present moment and allow one’s authenticity to shine through.
I look at what is happening mentally, emotionally, physically, interpersonally, and environmentally. I also honor every individual’s unique cultural background, and I acknowledge the intergenerational, historical, political, and societal contexts that an individual exists within. Every person is capable of greatness, is loved and lovable, is strong and resilient, and is ‘right’ just as they are. My hope is that through our work together, you can recognize those values within yourself.
My Counseling Participants Tend To:
• Try to hold it all together, and I help them learn it is okay to let go.
• Need support navigating traumatic experiences, familial and interpersonal relationships, and an understanding of self.
• Experience deep feelings, recognizing that being sensitive doesn’t make you weak; it makes you empathetic and strong.
• Show up with resilience, a sense of humor, and are able to engage coping and grounding skills.
The Specialties List In Clinical Terms…
• Childhood Trauma
• Trauma & Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)
• Depression & Anxiety
• Attachment Issues & Developmental Trauma
Therapy Services
Child & Play Therapy
(Sliding Scale)
Individual Therapy
(Sliding Scale)
Family Therapy
(Sliding Scale)
Group Therapy
What I Learned on Paper
In Theory
I engage therapy by acknowledging the full, unique, holistic picture of an individual. My top therapeutic approaches include Child-Centered Play Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, Multicultural Theory Based Therapy (incorporating Intersectionality, Decolonial Theory, and Indigenous-Based Interventions), and Mindfulness-Based Therapy (rooted in Buddhist Principles, Meditation, and Yoga Practices).
I am extensively trained in trauma work, holding certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neurodiversity Affirming Child Play Therapy, Polyvagal Theory and Trauma, and Complex Trauma, among many others. Through my continued training as a trauma-informed counselor and play therapist, I am working towards my goals of being a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). I believe therapy is an integration of insight, process, and relationships, and I draw upon these theories to create a deeply equitable, justice-based environment.
What Therapy with Me is Actually Like
In Practice
I engage warmth, empathy, and a welcoming nature in my tone and demeanor. I would describe my therapeutic style as person-centered, collaborative, non-judgmental, compassionate, culturally humble, equitable, and with a strong focus on social justice.
When working with children engaging in play therapy, I always allow the child to lead, and I will go at their pace. Building a warm and safe counseling relationship is a priority. While I will integrate directive, exploratory, mindfulness, and psychoeducational activities, I stay aware that I am in a facilitator role, not an authoritarian dominating the healing process. You are the leader of your own therapeutic healing, and I respect and honor this capability within you.
Why This Work Matters to Me
I have previously worked in early childhood education for over 20 years, and I have always aimed for my teaching to be supportive of the whole child. Diving into trauma counseling work and play therapy has been an extension and deepening of my teaching work.
One of my favorite quotes that arose from Latin American and Palestinian resistance movements is: “They tried to bury us, but they didn’t know we were seeds.”This to me means that no matter the obstacles, pain, or struggles we experience, we always have the possibility to grow anew. I would be honored to support your therapeutic journey and your growth.
