Compassionate Developmental Therapy

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Leslie Maitri Canniff specializes in the treatment of conditions that can affect mood and behavior, and helps adults cope with the challenges of life.
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Leslie K. Maitri Canniff Psychotherapist, LCMHC, LCAS, C.H.T. In Charlotte, N.C.

As a holistic psychotherapist, Leslie has over 25 years of experience working with adults in both clinical hospital settings and private psychotherapy practice. She has developed expertise in working with adult women with autism and managing a variety of clinical issues, and is especially interested in helping her clients to integrate and heal traumatic memory, including attachment/childhood trauma.

Leslie is a Certified Hakomi Therapist and has Advanced training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. As a practitioner, she trusts that if she can assist her clients into their present-moment somatic experience, then the client’s own awareness will facilitate whatever change or next step needs to occur. Leslie maintains her own Mindfulness and Self-compassion practice as well as an ongoing commitment to her personal growth and healing journey.
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Areas Of Expertise

Specializing in Somatic Psychotherapy which is effective in the treatment of and healing of trauma and trauma related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, personality disorders, panic disorders, and other diagnoses.

Leslie is also deeply passionate about giving adult women with autism a chance to thrive in life. Because the condition often gets misdiagnosed in adult women, this group rarely receives the support needed to flourish. Leslie’s knowledge enables her to guide those with autism to overcome the contending symptoms.
  • Empathic listening and comforting.
  • Teaching clients skills such as deep breathing, mindfulness, thinking exercises, and more to help calm a stressed nervous system.
  • With non-judgmental curiosity, analyzing present issues.
  • Analyzing the influence of the past on the present so that it can be healed.
  • Helping clients change maladaptive behaviors and thinking patterns.
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"Leslie offers her presence, wisdom, and loving nudges toward action. Long term and short term goal setting, stilling overactive thoughts to be in coherence with breath, heart, are a few of the profound lessons learned. Leslie offers skills to practice beyond sessions, and support throughout. I'm so grateful to have met Leslie on this journey called Life!"
"I have been going to Leslie for 6 years now and have truly benefited from our sessions together. She has always displayed kindness and compassion and I have never felt judged. She has given me many ideas and strategies to help improve my mindset. Not only this, she offers a new perspective I may not have originally seen before. I have seen many therapists, but none compare to her. She is very comforting and welcoming and always takes interest in what I have to say and is dedicated to making me better. I strongly recommend her!"
"I have known Leslie for almost 20 years, when she first was starting her work. She approaches her work with a spirituality that does not have to presume a religious tone however she was able to incorporate my faith into our work. Leslie is an old soul with a sweet smile."
"I have been grateful to have Leslie as a guiding light and wise companion through some challenging times. Highly recommend."
"In session, Leslie validates and fiercely defends my needs as an autistic woman, helping me realize and take my own needs seriously. She is in my corner - fully embodying what it means to advocate. Leslie has the understanding and experience to gently cut to the heart of the matter. I leave her office feeling affirmed, heard and encouraged. Where I am is always good enough, and hope for better is just on the horizon."

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