Hi, I’m Leander. I’m a registered psychologist at Melbourne Wellbeing Group, and am currently completing my clinical registrar program, and my PhD in Clinical Psychology. I’m originally from Switzerland, and speak fluent Swiss-German, German, and English.
I like to work collaboratively with young adults and adults, and use an open, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach to create a therapy environment where you can feel safe to explore and openly discuss your feelings, thoughts, concerns, and goals in life. I am passionate about creating a trusting relationship with my clients, where I can help you foster a sense of self-compassion, increase your self-awareness and to support you build on skills that will help you make positive changes in your life.
I have experience working with a range of concerns, such as anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), mood disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder), relationship and social concerns (e.g., romantic relationship issues, peer conflict), emotional difficulties (e.g., emotional dysregulation, anger management, self-esteem, adjustment issues), substance use concerns, and other concerns (e.g., perfectionism, sleep issues, stress management).
I also have a special interest in working with individuals who struggle with their sexual and/or gender identity (e.g., questioning sexuality/gender, coming out difficulties, gender dysphoria, etc). As part of my PhD, I’m researching the effects of marginalisation within the male gay-community on mental health outcomes.
I like to use an individually tailored multi-modal approach, using evidence-based therapy approaches, such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Schema Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy.