Under the clinical supervision of Erika Vargas, LMHC.
Leila (she/her) comes to Mantra Mental Health Counseling with experience providing strengths-based, trauma-informed care to adolescents and adults. Leila’s primary areas of focus include anxiety disorders, trauma, and depression. She is passionate about creating a space that feels compassionate, collaborative, and empowering, where clients can feel safe enough to explore both the challenges they carry and the strengths they already possess. Leila values the mind-body connection and brings a holistic lens to her work.
Leila completed her clinical internship at a small private school for grades 7-12. During her time there, Leila worked closely with adolescents navigating anxiety, depression, executive functioning challenges, identity exploration, interpersonal stressors, and adjustment-related concerns. She supported students in building coping skills, increasing self-understanding, and developing resilience during this pivotal stage of growth and self-discovery.
In addition to her work with adolescents, Leila has experience providing care at a partial hospitalization program (PHP) for adults, where she supports individuals presenting with a variety of mental health concerns. In this role, she provides individual and group therapy, crisis support, and collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to implement individualized treatment plans for clients navigating anxiety, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and trauma.
Leila uses a relational approach to therapy, prioritizing trust and genuine connection. She integrates tenets of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure-Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and solution-focused techniques. Leila believes in progress over perfection and works alongside clients to foster self-compassion, psychological flexibility, and meaningful change.
Leila treats individuals ages 14+ and provides in-person care at our Newton Centre office, as well as via telehealth. Outside of the office, Leila can be found cooking, trying new restaurants, traveling, hitting a work out class, cuddling with her cat Nala, and painting.
Notable Trainings + Certifications:
CBT School: Exposure-Response Prevention (ERP) for Mental Health Professionals
Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Certification
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Certification
Person-Centered Tech: Privacy Ethics and HIPAA Fundamentals; HIPAA Ethical and Standard of Care Issues for Teletherapy