Helping you move toward a more grounded and fulfilling life.
A place to explore, heal, and grow at your own pace.
Leslie Penni, LICSW, CCTP
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Massachusetts. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice from the University of New Hampshire and my master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Boston University. I work with adolescents and adults and value creating a space where clients feel understood, supported, and able to explore what’s bringing them to therapy at their own pace.
I received specialized forensic training while working at the Suffolk County and Norfolk County Juvenile Court Clinics as an employee of Massachusetts General Hospital. In this role, I conducted comprehensive assessments and worked directly with individuals and families, providing intervention around mental health, substance use, trauma, risk, and parenting and family issues.
My clinical work is grounded in an understanding of relationships and attachment. I help clients explore how early emotional experiences shape the way they connect with others and view themselves. Many people notice patterns in their relationships that feel difficult to change; together, we work to better understand these patterns, process emotional wounds from the past, and move toward more secure and fulfilling ways of relating.
My areas of expertise include the assessment and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, depression, anxiety and OCD, trauma, and relapse prevention. I have completed advanced training in perinatal mental health and am particularly passionate about supporting individuals and families during pregnancy and the postpartum period. I also have experience working with first responders and healthcare professionals, supporting them in managing stress, processing secondary trauma, and prioritizing self-care.
As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and EMDR-trained clinician, I use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients reprocess distressing memories and unresolved emotional wounds that may be keeping them feeling stuck. This approach supports the brain’s natural ability to heal, helping reduce the intensity of past experiences and allowing for greater emotional clarity and a stronger sense of safety.
My approach is integrative, collaborative, and strength-based. As a certified 200-hour yoga teacher, I also incorporate a mind-body perspective, recognizing the connection between emotional and physical well-being. I am committed to providing culturally affirming, responsive care in a safe and supportive environment where clients can work through challenges, build resilience, and develop healthier, more meaningful relationships.
HOW IT WORKS