ABOUT
LEIGH COFFEY
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR
Before I started the Social Well-Being Center (SWBC), I helped people in a range of settings: community mental health centers, a college, and a hospital. Social anxiety and loneliness were hidden and unspoken issues affecting many of the people I met.
I’ve seen clients relying on alcohol to survive first dates and holiday parties, only to be hit with awful cringe attacks the next day, mortified by what they said or didn’t say.
I’ve worked with clients who had a terrible time jumping into the conversation during work meetings, even when they knew they had important feedback to offer.
I’ve talked to students who forfeited a quarter of their grade rather than raise their hand and participate in discussions or present in front of the class.
I’ve had patients dread their return home from the hospital because they were facing an empty house and a bare social calendar. They had no one to share coffee with on Saturday mornings or someone they could call if they needed emotional support.
This is why I started the SWBC - to help people move beyond social anxiety and loneliness and develop the confidence to create the friendships, romantic partnerships, and social support they long for.
There are many reasons you might feel anxious and lonely right now-a recent move, a break-up, remote work, a habit of overthinking and self-doubt, (not to mention years of social distancing!). As your therapist, I will help you develop the skills to connect more deeply with yourself and others.
A vibrant, well-connected life is totally within your reach.
Training & Experience
Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clemson University
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist
Over 10 years of professional counseling experience
My Approach
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) techniques. We may talk a bit about how you got here, but we’ll focus more on how you want your life to be different. We’ll collaborate to identify goals that reflect your best hopes and find solutions that will immediately improve your life.
All sessions are conducted through a secure video platform.
It takes courage to be honest about how you are feeling. Counseling is an opportunity to help you overcome whatever keeps you from developing meaningful connections.