Dr Leah Clyburn

Since beginning my journey as a Clinical Psychologist, I have been fortunate to have worked in a variety of settings, including a Mental Health Day Treatment program for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, a Mental Health Outpatient program, and a University Counseling Centre. I have been in Private Practice since 2005 and developed Dr. Leah Clyburn & Associates in 2012.

I am committed to evidence-based practice and am continually updating my skills and knowledge of the most empirically-validated approaches to therapy. Although I have strong foundations in Cognitive-Behavioural and Mindfulness approaches, I also have training and expertise in EMDR and ACT. I also tailor the treatment to the individual needs and preferences of the client. I have particular interest in anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety/shyness, specific phobias, panic disorder and agoraphobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

I completed my Masters in Gerontology, as well as all coursework for a PhD in Health Studies and Gerontology at the University of Waterloo. I then switched gears to pursue a specialization in Clinical Psychology and completed a PhD in Clinical Psychology at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. I was fortunate to be able to return to my home province of Nova Scotia and gained invaluable training as a predoctoral intern at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. I have also been fortunate to receive several national and local scholarships research grants, and awards. I am committed to being a scientist-practitioner and am passionate about staying up to date on the most recent research developments. I currently have over 15 articles in peer-reviewed journals, books, and book chapters in various areas of mental health assessment and treatment.

I believe the benefits of therapy depend on a strong therapeutic alliance grounded in trust, authenticity, and connection. I have a down-to-earth style and it is important that my clients feel comfortable and free of judgment. I believe it is a privilege to be witness to my clients’ journeys through self-discovery and transformation. They have been my greatest teachers.