
Leah Gastanaga, MS
Hi, I’m Leah Gastanaga, MS~
Are you struggling to find meaning or purpose in life? Are you going through a major transition and feeling overwhelmed? Do you find yourself battling anxiety, depression, or trauma? Would you like to develop practical tools to navigate life’s challenges, rediscover your purpose, and move from simply surviving to truly thriving?
As a therapist who has also benefited from therapy, I can empathize. One of my core goals is to help clients not only survive but thrive. I believe that while we are each the expert of our own experience, we all need support at times to move forward.
I strive to provide a nonjudgmental and empathetic environment where you feel seen, heard, and understood. Whether you’re working through trauma, searching for purpose, or navigating life transitions, I’m here to help you build effective, personalized tools to manage life’s complexities.
My approach is centered on the therapeutic relationship, and each session is tailored to meet you where you are and guide you toward where you want to go. I find it deeply fulfilling to help others make meaningful changes and discover their inner resilience.
My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, parenting support, and substance use recovery. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities, including solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and person-centered counseling. Every technique we use is carefully selected to meet your unique needs and goals.
I’m a proud graduate of Nova Southeastern University, where I earned a Master’s degree in Psychology/Mental Health Counseling. I’ve worked in the mental health field for over 12 years—both as a counselor and as the owner of a treatment center. My journey into this field began after volunteering at a behavioral health center, which inspired me to shift paths from law school to mental health and counseling.
Though I was born in New York, I’ve spent most of my life in Fort Lauderdale. I share my life with a wonderful significant other and our beloved rescue dog. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, staying active, attending arts-related events, reading about psychology, and spending time with loved ones. I also volunteer with Abandoned Pet Rescue, where I find joy in helping rescue dogs.