about me
Hi, my name is Kyla Leonard (they/them) and I am a Rehabilitation Psychologist in Minnesota. I provide assessments for psychological diagnosis and therapy. I specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, and identity exploration. I often work with people who have medical diagnoses and disabilities. As a fat, bisexual, genderqueer, and polyamorous psychologist, I have a strong interest in providing body neutral, queer, trans, poly, and kink-affirming therapy. I provide letters of support for gender-affirming care.
I approach my work with a humanistic perspective and emphasis on liberation. This approach means:
I have unconditional positive regard for everyone I work with
I look for areas of strength and personal growth in each person
I work to understand a person within their unique cultural context (age, disability, religion, ethnicity/race, income, sexual orientation, indigenous heritage, national origin, gender, veteran status, etc.)
I emphasize the role of oppression, empowerment, and interconnectedness in healing
In my free time, I enjoy going on walks with my dog, biking on the greenway, and learning to sew!
Qualifications
I am a licensed psychologist in the state of Minnesota (LP 7241). I offer services through virtual telehealth.
I completed my BS at the University of Miami. I achieved my MA & PhD at Northern Illinois University. My graduate training and research was primarily focused on the impact of trauma and tailoring clinical care to LGBTQIA2S+ people. My pre-doctoral internship was at the Tampa VA Hospital with emphasis in combat trauma, sexual trauma, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. I am completing my 2-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Minneapolis VA with specialty rehabilitation training in chronic pain, spinal cord injury, neurorehabilitaiton, and hospice/palliative care.
I also have proficiency in working with people who are transgender, gender expansive, and/or nonbinary. Through lived experience, research, and clinical training, I am able to provide space for affirming identity exploration.
When we start working together, we will become a collaboraitve team to understand your treatment goals and find a plan to reach them. I value being a warm, dependable, and capable presence with you. I hope to connect soon!
I am happy to answer any questions you have about me, my qualifications, and my approach to therapy at any time during our work together! You can call/text, email, or send a contact form on the website to schedule a free 15-minute phone call.