About Jeri Lea

My mom often tells me that my fascination with babies and childhood began when I was still a very small child, following babies and strollers when I could. It would take decades for me to connect that fascination with my own origin story which included relinquishment, foster care and domestic adoption.

Over the past 30+ years that fascination led to a deep interest and study of attachment theory, infant and early childhood mental health, the relational neurosciences, child development, the brain/body connection and trauma.

It also led me to work with individuals, children and families in a wide variety of settings including early care and education, home visiting programs, nonprofit agencies, outpatient, community mental health, a community doula program, private consultation and clinical practice.

My approach as a therapist is relationship-focused and integrative, pulling from my knowledge of a number of therapeutic approaches including interpersonal neurobiology, narrative therapy, expressive therapies, mindfulness, self-compassion, Theraplay (Level 1 trained), play therapy, infant/child-parent psychotherapy.

My professional and personal development includes learning and unlearning around how we have been racialized, systemic oppression, able-ism and indigenous traditions and wisdom. My commitment is to be a lifelong learner and listener.

I also hold the unique combination of lived and professional experiences as an adopted person, adoptive parent and therapist.

I am grateful to have/have had the privilege of being mentored, coached and supported by a number of incredible clinicians whose presence and energy I now carry within me.

As a therapist and guide my top priority is to offer compassion, safety, curiosity and co-regulation. Over time it is my hope that my clients will begin to carry some of that felt sense that we create together, within them.