My Story
Leah Babaran
Hello there! I’m Leah.
I am a licensed professional counselor, art therapist, and creator based in Cleveland, OH, born and raised in the heart of the US in the Kansas City, MO metropolitan area. I graduated with my Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology, with a concentration in Health, and a minor in Studio Art from Baylor University in 2019, and graduated with my Masters of Arts in Counseling and Art Therapy from Ursuline College in 2023.
Maarte
Maarte
As a Filipino American, I’ve thought long and hard about what it means to be “Filipino” and “American.” For years, I grew up feeling I needed to be one or the other to truly belong, or that I was not “Filipino enough” or “American enough” by the many stares or glances or comments about what I did from people; just for being me, I was “other-ed.”
In my undergraduate career, I had the wonderful opportunity to join my school’s Filipino Student Association, where I learned I didn’t need to separate my two identities of Filipino and American; I can be both AND be accepted for being my authentic self.
Fast-forward to today, I’ve been so grateful for the opportunities to work with many Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) individuals and groups that have helped me redefine what it means to be “Filipino” or “Asian.”
My identity is what I make it to be, not what others say or define or label me as. I am able to define what it means to be me.
Maarte Therapissed is a space and way for me, and others in similar situations, to find peace in knowing (or not knowing) who I am or who I choose to continue being. I’ve learned that it is perfectly okay not knowing exactly who I am because that’s what life is about: it is figuring out who that person is and what he/she/they are capable of and using those gifts in whatever way he/she/they see fit.
Whether you are 6 or 106, come as you are and be your authentic self, as you have a safe space with me!
As a counselor/art therapist/creator, I love getting the chance to help people have those “ah-ha” moments when they work through self-exploration and healing through previous grief, trauma, stress, and/or relationships or any challenges life has to offer.
I am here to provide a multicultural perspective, utilizing a holistic approach to therapy to support each client with the tools to reach their unique goals in their healing journey. I provide counseling and art therapy, and I practice through Person-Centered approach, Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, with some CBT and DBT.
The human experience is very challenging and I want to support my clients and those around me with the tools and resources to gain self-awareness and introspection so that they can regain control and bring creativity back into their lives.
Ready for some support to begin or continue your healing journey? Email me today or fill out the contact form!
First and foremost,
I am an artist.
My mediums of choice are painting, digital design, and photography (both digital and film).
Take a looksie!
Take a looksie!