Meet the Therapist: Dr Leiya Lemkey

Dr Leiya Lemkey is an online psychologist

What attracted you to becoming a therapist?

I have always been fascinated by the mind and human behaviour, and pursuing psychology felt like the perfect way to explore this interest. I've completed an undergraduate degree, Master's, and Doctorate in Psychology, and I continue to learn and grow in the field. I find this career incredibly rewarding, particularly when I see my clients achieve their goals and overcome adversity.

Where did you train?

I completed my Doctorate at the University of Birmingham and have worked in various clinical roles within the NHS and private hospitals.

Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practice?

I often draw upon dialectical behaviour therapy DBT skills and approaches because I believe everyone can benefit from principles that focus on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. These skills are practical, accessible, and ones I often use myself!

My clinical work incorporates an integrative approach, combining elements from different therapeutic models to help clients achieve their goals. I have specialist training in DBT, EMDR, and Prolonged Exposure PE therapy for PTSD.

How does your therapy help with symptoms of one of your areas of expertise?

I am trained in EMDR, an evidence-based treatment for trauma and PTSD. EMDR can effectively address trauma-related symptoms such as flashbacks, irritability, sleep difficulties, hyperarousal, and dissociation.

What sort of people do you usually see?

I typically work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma-related symptoms. I also support clients with stress management issues, low self-esteem, and relationship difficulties. I work with adults and also children.

Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude?

I've observed an increase in burnout among my clients, which appears to be linked to the Covid-19 pandemic and its ongoing impact.

What do you like about being a therapist?

I enjoy helping people and working flexibly to support my clients in achieving their goals. Seeing their progress and resilience makes this career deeply fulfilling.

What is less pleasant?

At times, it can be emotionally challenging to hear about the painful and traumatic experiences my clients have endured. To manage this, I reflect on these topics in my own clinical supervision to process them effectively.

How long have you been with Welldoing, and what do you think of us?

I'm new to Welldoing and am still familiarising myself with the platform. It seems to offer a wealth of experienced therapists and resources. I particularly appreciate the CPD sessions.

What books have been important to you in terms of your professional and personal development? Do you recommend books to clients?

Yes, I often recommend books to clients. Here are a few that have been significant to me:

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
• Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
• Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

What do you do for your own mental health?

For my mental health, I enjoy spending time in nature and going for long walks with family and friends. I also play golf in the summer and enjoy tennis.

You are a therapist in Cambridgeshire but currently meet with clients online. What's your consultation room like?

I currently see clients online. My virtual space features a minimal and calming background to create a comfortable and supportive environment.