Therapist Dr. Sarah Leclerc Photo

Dr. Sarah Leclerc, Psychologist

Stress, Anxiety Family conflicts Trauma, Abuse Self esteem, Motivation Depression
Video Phone Messaging

About me

Hello there!

I am a Haitian, feminist psychologist. I chose to be a mental health professional because I value providing a safe space for individuals, in which they can be themselves, and explore the complex nature of who they are and who they are becoming.

I love Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Buddhist Psychology. That means that we will explore lots of ways in which we can practice acceptance and commit to value-guided actions-- practicing acceptance around our thoughts, our feelings, our physical sensations, and still committing to, as the young kids say, living our best lives. For example, we can notice our difficult emotions in a kind/gentle/compassionate way. We can also notice that because of this difficult emotion, we're wanting to avoid/isolate (I'm looking at you, depression!). And, the challenge will be to still work on committing to engaging in what's important to us (e.g., going to see loved ones, working on an amazing presentation for school, doing some yoga moves, connecting to our purpose in this life). Acceptance and committed actions can be difficult things to practice, but mindfulness and self-compassion practices help wonderfully on that journey.

Outside of ACT & Buddhist psychology, being a feminist psychologist means that I keep in mind individuals’ cultures, history, and the various obstacles they may face (e.g., racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia). All of these obstacles impact mental health. I was reminded recently that sometimes it doesn't make sense to give individuals diagnoses; it makes more sense to diagnose these oppressive systems that we live in.

When experiencing oppression, it's so important to engage in healing and liberating work, which often entails individuals finding safe spaces in online and offline communities-- where they can be themselves, share their stories with others, share their dreams for a less oppressive future, remember their peers and ancestors who may have been taken away too soon, and share the music, writings, and arts they love.

I think all humans crave connections and my dream is for individuals to find connections and spaces in which they feel at home. Connecting with, being in tune with, and loving oneself can all enhance our ability to connect effectively with others. And the best way that we can connect more with ourselves is to practice self-care -- really being present as we eat, as we move our bodies, as we write, as we sing, as we connect with nature, as we breathe.

I am so looking forward to talking more with you!

Professional experience

10 yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Family conflicts Trauma, Abuse Self esteem, Motivation Depression

Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Anger management, Coping with life changes, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Money and financial issues, Multicultural concerns, Self-love

Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness Therapy, Somatic Therapy

Services offered

Video
Phone
Messaging

License information

NY Psychologist 022745

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Sarah Leclerc. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

Dr. LeClerk is amazing! She is warm, funny, and kind. I’ve been to therapists before and compared to others, she is really excellent at showing unconditional positive regard, but calling out things that need to be addressed. She’s very smart and understands the complexities of emotions and relationships, which has helped me process what I need to without feeling like I’m placing the blame on others. Highly recommend Dr. LeClerc!

Written on Aug 20, 2020 after therapy with Sarah for 4 months on issues concerning depression, and relationship issues

Hands down, the absolute best. Cannot say anything bad. She’s the most understanding, supportive, personable, kindest, insightful person ever! Only positive experiences! I feel indebted to her for all of her help and guidance with my personal growth.

Written on Jul 27, 2020 after therapy with Sarah for 10 months

Dr Leclerc is great! She’s an excellent listener with strong therapeutic skills. I’d recommend her in a heartbeat.

Written on May 11, 2020 after therapy with Sarah for 7 months

Dr. Leclerc listens and she’s attentive and I appreciate that.

Written on Mar 27, 2020 after therapy with Sarah for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes

Dr. Leclerc has been an amazing support system for me these past few months and I wouldn’t be where I was today without her.

Written on Mar 05, 2020 after therapy with Sarah for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue

Dr. LeClerc is the counselor that I have been looking for many years. She is able to help me to hold the space to grieve, work through old and current issues, and adeptly move between topics and personal histories that can be complex.

Also, it is clear that feminist counseling, critical race theory and systemic oppression inform her intersectional approach to all interventions. As a black lesbian mother, these are invaluable gifts and I am thankful for her guidance and support.

I wish there were more people in the world like her.

Written on Feb 20, 2020 after therapy with Sarah for 7 months