Leigh Montgomery, born in South Africa, is married to a Pittsburgh native, has twin boys, loves travel, photography, animals and chocolate!
Leigh received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology, from Chatham University In Pittsburgh, PA.
Leigh started out working with children on the spectrum, with ADHD and the related behavior issues. Leigh felt incredibly grateful for all the beautiful (and tough) lessons she learnt from her young clients. With this foundation, Leigh then worked for a Pittsburgh based substance abuse agency for almost 6 years and discovered her real passion was working with adults. Leigh then went on to open up her Private Practice in 2018.
Specialties:
Anxiety: Anxiety is a natural response from our bodies to keep us safe. When this instinctual part of our brain takes over during distressing situations, it is often hard to make decisions and see the options available to us. Together we will work on building your coping skills – helping you notice how your body responds to anxiety and help you control your repetitive thoughts. Cognitive restructuring and mindfulness techniques will help you lean into your anxiety. Small changes can make a big difference in the way you interact with your world. As anxiety is a survival instinct, it is important to realize that anxiety will never be completely eliminated. We will however work to reduce it to a manageable level.
ADULT ADHD: ADHD doesn’t just disappear when you turn eighteen. For most adults it lingers and can cause a lot of disfunction in your day to day functioning. Constantly being late, missing deadlines, job loses, poor relationships and being impulsive are some of the symptoms that can derail your life. Behavior modification and in some cases medication can help get you to the point where these symptoms can be managed. There is a lot of misinformation out there about adult ADHD, so I highly recommend using www.additiude.com as a trusted resource for getting your information.
Multiple Sclerosis Support:
As an MS Partner in Care, I am interested in helping individuals and their loved ones deal with newly diagnosed autoimmune disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis. New illnesses can often be life changing, and very scary realities to embrace. I will meet you where you are: If you are grieving your old self, we can do this together. We can face the fear and uncertainty that comes with this disease. But in time we will move toward a place where there is once again hope and you can strive toward living your best life. I do offer online counseling as an option to those who may not be able to physically come into the office.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
I have seen many clients hopeless and overwhelmed because of the loss of finances, relationships, and housing due to addiction. I have also seen many clients turn their lives around, find hope, and live sober, happier lives. My passion is working with individuals and their families struggling with addiction. If you are ready to make changes in your life and start reengaging and living in the present, then please get in touch. Even if you aren’t ready, we can work together to see what can help you get closer to wanting change.
“One reason people resist change is because they focus on what they have to give up instead of what they have to gain” ~Rick Godwin~
I’ve been working in the substance abuse and addiction field for almost 6 years, and every day I am impressed with the strength I see in my clients. The road to recovery and sobriety is a journey, one that will test your every resolve. But you will have me by your side, helping you navigate the challenges. I have created a safe space for you to come and talk. You are an individual with a unique story, so I tailor my approach to suit you. Together we will work on finding ways to rebuild a life you don’t feel the need to escape from.
There is hope. You do not have to struggle alone! Whether you feel that you occasionally abuse drugs and/or alcohol, or have crossed over into addiction, you can make the changes necessary to rebuild your life. It starts with acceptance. Acceptance that you need help, that you can’t continue the way you have been.
“One day, or day one? You decide! “ ~ UNKNOWN~
I am a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), which requires a Masters degree and 2000 hours working in the addiction field.
MAT Counseling Requirements:
I provide psychotherapy for those using Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT). MAT is FDA approved medication used to treat addiction, such as Methadone, Naltrexone or Buprenorphine. Part of the MAT program requires that the client receive psychotherapy or counseling on a monthly basis, so that the entire individual is being treated. The number of therapy hours vary based on the medication you are receiving. Please note that your medication will need to be administered through a qualified physician.
Substance abuse rarely occurs in a vacuum. Many individuals may have a co-occurring condition, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, ADHD or PTSD, to name a few. Often individuals use the substance to cope, mask their pain or to escape from the discomfort felt from the cooccurring conditions.
MULTICULTURAL CONCERNS
Having lived in South Africa, Scotland and now the U.S. I am very accustomed to dealing with change and adjusting to unfamiliar situations and cultures. In this practice all cultures are celebrated. I work with multicultural clients struggling to transition into new situations.
Online counseling: Once I have established a relationship with you, I am able to offer HIPPA compliant online counseling. This can be a great addition to our in person sessions. When you are traveling or under the weather we can switch our sessions to online. Currently due to COVID all sessions will be held online until further notice.