Leandra Hallis, M.A., D. Psy., Psychologist

Published on by Evolution Psychology Center

I am a clinical psychologist committed to providing neurodiversity affirming mental health care. In recent years there has been a movement involving neurodivergent communities (Autistic, ADHDers, etc.) and allied health practitioners focused on challenging the deficit-based medical model. Rather than treating mental health conditions and neurological differences as inherent problems and pathologies to be “cured”, the neurodiversity affirming model values neurodiverse traits and behaviors as integral parts of one’s identity and lived experience. I support this alternative model. At the same time I recognize that neurodivergent people and their families face daily challenges navigating a dominant neurotypical society.

As a white, cis gendered, non-disabled therapist I am aware that my own social positionality does not give me full insight into others lived experiences and daily struggles that may be linked to systemic racism, ableism, transphobia and other forms of oppression.

I have been a member of the Ordre des Psychologues du Québec (OPQ) for over 10 years. I also have extensive experience working in psychology, family medicine and psychiatric clinics, including the Douglas Mental Health University Institute’s Mood, Anxiety and Impulsivity Disorders program. I have worked as a research coordinator at the Addictions Unit of the Montreal General Hospital and have experience designing and leading group therapies for depression, addictions and personality disorders.

Leandra’s specialties include:

  • Depression and other mood disorders
  • Anxiety (OCD, GAD, Panic, PTSD, etc.)
  • Trauma and difficulties with emotional regulation
  • Anger management
  • Chronic Pain
  • Self-Esteem

Professional Membership:

  • Member of the Ordre des Psychologues du Québec since 2006 (#10752-06)

Education:

  • Doctor of Psychology degree (PsyD) from the Université de Sherbrooke (2017), Montreal.
  • Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Lakehead University (M.A.) (2005), Thunder Bay, Ontario.
  • B.A. in Psychology from McGill University (2002), Montreal.

Training:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy conferences and training workshops
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy conferences
  • Addictions Assessment
  • Neurodiversity Workshops and Conferences

 

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