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Offices in Belmont, MA and in Cambridge, MA - Harvard Square

 

  • HOME
  • ABOUT DR. LEIGH
  • SERVICES
  • FEES & PRIVACY
  • COUPLES WORKSHOP
  • ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
  • CONTACT

  • MAKE APPOINTMENT

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    • HOME
    • ABOUT DR. LEIGH
    • SERVICES
    • FEES & PRIVACY
    • COUPLES WORKSHOP
    • ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
    • CONTACT
    • MAKE APPOINTMENT
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      • Licensed Clinical Psychologist
        Certified EFT Therapist & Supervisor
        Lecturer in Psychology,

        Harvard Medical School

         

         

        See schedule / Make appointment
      • ABOUT DR. LEIGH

        Licensed Clinical Psychologist

         

        "The point of compassion is not to eliminate suffering, but to lead a person to the truth so he [she/they] will be able to lead a life of truth." - H. Almaas

         

        I am a licensed psychologist and have been working with couples and individuals for over twenty years. I maintain a full-time private practice with my husband, Dr. Craig Malkin, in Belmont and Cambridge, Massachusetts. I'm also a part-time lecturer and clinical supervisor at Harvard Medical School, as well as an ICEEFT certified therapist and clinical supervisor in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. My clinical and research endeavors have been heavily influenced by my travels throughout Asia, where I experienced, first hand, just how powerfully culture and environment influence subjective experiences of relationships, emotion, and healing. I integrate a range of therapuetic perspectives in my work, but lean heavily upon emotion-focused, experiential interventions in practice. I welcome clients identifying with any sexual orientation, gender, race, ethnicity and class background; (my pronouns are she/her).

        Experience & Training

        EDUCATION

        2003 PhD Clinical Psychology, University of Massachusetts


        1992 BS Business Administration, University of Missouri

        CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

        2004 - Present

        Clinical Psychologist at YM Psychotherapy & Consultation, Inc., Cambridge, MA and Belmont, MA

        Part-time Lecturer in Psychology, Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School

          

        2006- 2008

        Newton-Wellesley Eating Disorders and Behavioral Medicine, Brookline, MA

         

        2003-2004

        Post-doctoral Fellow, Lahey Clinic, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine

         

        2002-2003

        Clinical Psychology Intern, The May Institute, Children's Services

         

        2000-2001

        Clinical Psychology Extern, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry

         

        1999-2000

        Behavioral Medicine Extern, Boston VA Medical Center, Medical Psychology Department

         

        1998-1999

        Clinical Psychology Extern, University of Massachusetts Boston, Student Counseling Center

        SPECIALIZED TRAINING

        Certified as an Emotionally Focused Therapy Therapist and Supervisor

         

        Level II training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy

         

        Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Treating the Eating Disordered Client with Multiple Problems

         

        Psychoanalytic Couple and Family Institute of New England, Two-year Certification

         

        Stress Reduction Program, Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society, UMass Memorial Health Care. Director: Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD

         

        Relaxation Response Training, The Mind Body Medical Institute, Director: Herbert Benson, MD

         

        Introductory Workshop in Clinical Hypnosis, The Cambridge Health Alliance, Behavioral Medicine Program

         

        Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, (AEDP), Level II training

        PUBLICATIONS

        Leigh, J., Shapiro, E., Penney, S. (2010). Developing diverse, collaborative leaders: An empirical program evaluation. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 17(4), 370-379.

         

        Shapiro, E., Leigh, J., Weiss, E. (2007). Toward culturally competent, gender equitable leadership: Assessing outcomes of women leaders in diverse contexts. In J. L. Chin, B. Lott, J. Rice, & J. Sanchez-Hucles (Eds.), Women and Leadership: Transforming Visions and Diverse Voices, p 88-105, Blackwell Publishing.

         

        Allensworth-Davies D, Leigh J, Pukstas K, Geron SM, Hardt E, Brandeis G, Engle RL, Parker VA. (2007). Country of origin and racio-ethnicity: Are there differences in perceived organizational cultural competency and job satisfaction among nursing assistants in long-term care? Healthcare Management Review, 32(4): 1-9.

         

        Pukstas, K., Parker, V., Brandeis, G. Hardt, E., Geron, S., Tyler, D. Leigh, J., Engle, R. (2006). Improving intercultural staff communication in the long-term care setting. Annals of Long-term Care, 14(8), 34-37.

      • SERVICES

        Specialty Areas

        • Individual & couples psychotherapy for adults (in-person or online)
        • Hold Me Tight workshops and intensives for couples (local and destination retreats available)
        • Clinical supervision and training in EFT for mental health professionals
        • Animal assisted therapy
        • Expertise in treating depression, anxiety, and relationship issues

        Approach To Therapy

        Whether I’m working with individuals or couples, I practice empirically-validated, theoretically grounded approaches to treatment, with an emphasis on helping you explore the underlying emotions fueling your behaviors. Although the particular intervention I use in a given moment may vary according to your individual needs, my approach is always aimed at helping you create more flexible ways of processing your inner world, and helping you make better use of your emotions to guide your choices.

         

        Therapy involves engaging in conversations aimed at helping you identify and transform your underlying emotional blueprints. I see my role as a process facilitator—collaboratively working with you to explore your inner experience, and helping you access the motivation and/or courage to modify the behaviors that are troubling you most. At the end of this process, you will be able to respond to the people and situations around you in a way that leaves you feeling in greater harmony with yourself and others.

         

        * A special note regarding couples work: I ask that couples schedule two back-to-back sessions with me whenever possible. This means we will meet for a total of ninety minutes. (Please schedule one session under each partner's name in order to receive potential out-of-network insurance benefits.) Real change requires that we have the time to safely bring difficult emotions alive in the room, and process them together in a new way. The extended time ensures I have sufficient time to help you experience a feeling of success and security before wrapping up for the day. I have found that longer sessions, even if less frequent, are more effective than shorter, more frequent sessions.

         

      • WORKING WITH JENN

        To schedule a meeting or see available times please CLICK HERE.

         

         

        Fees And Insurance​

        Fees for a 45-minute session: $250 for individuals, $320 for couples; (fees increase annually by $10).  A typical course of Emotionally Focused Therapy lasts 10-20 meetings, but can last much longer if an individual has experienced exceptionally adverse life events.

        Please note: I do not accept insurance. However, you may still be able to receive reimbursement if your plan offers out-of-network coverage for behavioral health: i.e. you submit payment to me at the time of service, I electronically send you an itemized receipt which you submit to your insurer for reimbursement.

         

        If this is something you would like to pursue, please contact your insurance company to confirm details about out-of-network coverage for behavioral/mental health, including coinsurance and deductible amounts. Lastly, insurers can refuse to pay for services if I do not include a diagnosis that indicates medical necessity for treatment. Please feel free to discuss with me as needed.

         

        Cancellation Policy: When cancelling, you must log into my on-line system, and self-cancel your appointment with greater than 48-hours notice--otherwise the full fee will be charged. Thank you for your understanding.

        Privacy

        The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.

         

        Exceptions include:

         

        • Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
        • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
        • If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
      • COUPLES WORKSHOP

        HOLD ME TIGHT

         

         

        What is Hold Me Tight?

        Hold Me Tight is an evidence-based, relationship enrichment program developed by Dr. Sue Johnson—an internationally recognized researcher and expert in couples therapy. This program teaches you and your partner how to move away from cycles of conflict, increase emotional responsiveness, forgive old wounds, and rekindle desire and affection. This is not a course in communication strategies—communication techniques are often inaccessible when partners are in the grips of strong emotion. Hold Me Tight will help you and your partner identify your patterns of negative interaction—and the underlying emotions that fuel them—so you can de-escalate the negative spirals that erode the bond between you. Hold Me Tight is designed to help you and your partner re-engage emotionally, and turn your relationship into a safe haven for each other. A list of research references and further resources can be found at iceeft.com

         

        "You both genuinely care about the folks you counsel, bringing your brilliant gifts of wisdom, empathy, kindness, insight and an authentic quest for the truth that is in the middle of it all… However things go with my partner and I, we both will always treasure our uniquely powerful and grace-filled weekend in Belmont, in the welcome safety of your good counsel."

         


        WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

         

        Hold Me Tight helps couples at any stage of a relationship who feel unable to find resolution to their moments of disconnection. It is most successful with couples who wish to establish a more secure emotional connection with one another, yet nevertheless, find themselves at an impasse in certain key moments. Hold Me Tight has excellent outcomes with a wide range of couples diverse in age, cultural background, and sexual orientation.

         

         

        "Excellent workshop. You work seamlessly and beautifully together. you create a safe haven and yet do a great job of keeping us on track. You both are excellent listeners and distillers of information and encapsulating our ideas/ramblings. You are so respectful, compassionate and wise. Thank you for being there with us and for us. Highly recommend this for others."



        WHAT WILL WE DO AT THE WORKSHOP?

         

        You are encouraged to read the book Hold Me Tight by Sue Johnson prior to the workshop. During the workshop, we will present findings from the love and attachment research in order to help you make sense of the cycles of disconnection couples often find themselves stuck in. We will also show video footage of other couples who represent the most common patterns of conflict. At regular intervals, we will ask you to break off from the group and engage in structured conversations with your partner regarding your particular cycle; the facilitators will support you during these private conversations. No one is required to share any personal experiences with the group.

         

        "Your combination of teaching and facilitating us in direct conversations was valuable, clear, and just the right balance. Your styles worked well together and your graciousness put me at ease. Thank you!"

         

        Who are the facilitators?

         

        Dr. Jennifer Leigh and Dr. Craig Malkin are both Instructors in Psychology at Harvard Medical School with private practices in Harvard Square and Belmont, Massachusetts. We have been together for over twenty-five years, and have experienced first hand the power this approach offers for keeping our bond strong.

         

        "Both my partner and I are so grateful that we got to have a couples workshop with you. We think you are both exceptionally gifted therapists… and however our relationship goes, the time spent with you has made us be more thoughtful about it."

         


        WHEN AND WHERE IS THE NEXT HOLD ME TIGHT WEEKEND WORKSHOP?

         

        To be determined. In the meantime please visit iceeft.com for other listings.

         

         

        "Practical and well presented tools to build your relationship. Thank you for your support and hospitality."



        PRIVATE COUPLES DESTINATION RETREATS

         

        Dr. Jennifer Leigh also offers all-inclusive, destination couples retreats, scheduled at a number of resort locations across the U.S. In order to inquire about scheduling a private couples intensive, please register as a new client and call Dr. Leigh at 617-359-9850.

         

         
        "You were both outstanding and I thank you so much. You work excellent as a team. You kept us on track when we diverged and I’m sure we won’t do as well on our own, but we have an excellent model to fall back on. Thank you!"

         

        "We can't thank you enough for giving us the space, and time, and safety to have such deep and honest conversations. Whenever we think of our couples workshop, it is with such great fondness and gratitude."
         
        "We made substantial progress while having the tremendous good fortune of having such excellent guidance from you. We both agree that our weekend with you was extremely valuable."
      • ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

        The following links are listed to provide you with additional online mental health care information and counseling resources.

        ADDICTION AND RECOVERY

        Alcoholics Anonymous

        Center for On-Line Addiction

        SAMHSA's Substance Abuse/Addiction

        SAMHSA's Treatment and Recovery

        Web of Addictions

        Psych Garden Addictions & Psychiatry Treatment

        SMART Recovery

        ANXIETY DISORDERS

         

        Answers to Your Questions About Panic Disorder

        National Center for PTSD

        Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Mayo Clinic

        International OCD Foundation

        Calm Clinic

        Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders

        ASSOCIATIONS AND INSTITUTES

        American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

        American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

        American Counseling Association

        American Psychiatric Association

        American Psychological Association

        Association for Psychological Science

        Canadian Mental Health Association

        International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy

        National Institute of Mental Health

        Mental Health America

        Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

        ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

         

        ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association

        Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, NIMH

        The Hallowell Center

        CHILD ABUSE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

         

        Casa Myrna
        Childhelp USA®

        Questions and Answers about Memories of Childhood Abuse

        The National Domestic Violence Hotline Website

        Emerge
        The Second Step

        CHRONIC FATIGUE

         

        Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

        DEPRESSION

         

        Bipolar Disorder News - Pendulum.org

        Depression and How Therapy Can Help

        Depression Test, Symptoms of Depression, Signs of Depression

        DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

         

        Asperger's Disorder

        NeuroWeb

        DIAGNOSIS

         

        DSM-V Resource Guide

        TRAUMA

         

        Boston Area Rape Crisis Center
        Cambridge Center for Change
        DBT Self Help

        DBT groups: Dr. Rima Saad

        The Trauma Center

        Victims of Violence

        DIVORCE MEDIATORS

         

        Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council

        Massachusetts Council on Family Mediation

        Portnoy Associates

        EATING DISORDERS

         

        Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

        MEDA

        JOURNALS AND MAGAZINES

         

        ADHD Report

        Anxiety, Stress and Coping

        Autism

        Childhood

        Contemporary Hypnosis

        Dementia

        Drug and Alcohol Review

        Dyslexia

        Early Child Development and Care

        Eating Disorders

        Educational Assessment

        Journal of Gambling Studies

        Journal of Happiness Studies

        Journal of Mental Health and Aging

        Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy

        Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology

        Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment

        Loss, Grief & Care

        Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities

        Metaphor and Symbol

        Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

        Personal Relationships

        Personality and Individual Differences

        Psychiatric Bulletin

        Psychology of Men & Masculinity

        Psychology Today

        Substance Abuse

        Trauma, Violence & Abuse

        LGBTQ HEALTH

         

        Fenway Health

        The Triangle Program at Arbour-HRI Hospital

        PSYCHOTHERAPY RESOURCES & DIRECTORIES

         

        Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) Institute

        CounsellingResource.com

        Emotion-Focused Therapy Clinic

        Internal Family Systems and the Center for Self Leadership

        International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples

        Mental Health Counselor Resources

        Mental Help Net

        PsychCentral.com

        MIND BODY PSYCHOTHERAPY

         

        Boston Behavioral Medicine

        Focusing-Oriented Psychotherapy, Dr. Joan Klagsbrun

        Cambridge Health Associates

        PARENTING

         

        Aha! Parenting

        Mindful Mother, Dr. Liz Torres

        PERSONALITY DISORDERS

         

        Dr. Craig Malkin, Author and Psychologist (and my beloved husband :-))

        Mental Help Net - Personality Disorders

        RELATIONSHIPS & EMOTIONS

        This Attachment-Style Test Can Tell You What Kind of Romantic Partner You Are

         

        Brene Brown on Empathy
        RSA Short: Brene Brown, Blame

        Love & bonding from infant to adult

        "I'm triggered": video on the neurobiology of relationships, with a side of camp :-)

        NSFW: Louis CK "just let the sadness come"

        Backwards Brain Bicycle - a great demonstration of the difference between explicit knowledge and implicit muscle memory. Enacting behavioral changes takes a long time and much practice.

        Affair recovery

        Book: "Not Just Friends" by S. Glass
        "How Enlightened Families Argue" comedy with a purpose :-)

        SUICIDE AWARENESS AND HOTLINES

         

        SAMHSA's Suicide Prevention

        Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

        Suicide: Read This First

        CLINICAL RESOURCES IN THE GREATER BOSTON AREA

         

        Arabic speaking therapist: Dr. Rima Saad

        Kendall Psychological Associates

        McLean Hospital

        New England Center for Couples and Families

        New England Emotionally Focused Therapy Community

        Psych Garden

        Therapy Training Boston

        Note: Dr. Jennifer Leigh is not responsible for the content, claims or representations of the listed sites.

      • CONTACT

        Offices in:
        Belmont, Massachusetts

        and

        Harvard Square
        12 Arrow Street, suite 210
        Cambridge, MA 02138

         

        Phone: 617-359-9850

        Click Here To Email Me

         

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