Biography:
Leena El-Gammal is a student at the Columbia School of Social Work and MSW intern. Growing up as a daughter of immigrants in diaspora, she has experienced firsthand the stigma and lack of cultural understanding that often prevent individuals in immigrant communities from seeking mental health care. Her background has fueled a deep commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities, including discrimination, acculturation stress, language barriers, and a lack of culturally literate therapy.
Leena uses a person-based approach through strength-based practices, while taking a systemic lens to the effects a client’s culture, relationships, and environment have on one another.
She provides space to address the identity issues and dual nature of being part of two seemingly opposing cultures, breaking language barriers, stigma, and guilt — working with clients towards self-actualization, holistic healing, and a better understanding of themselves within their environments.
Clinical Focus:
Anxiety
Depression
Adjustment Problems (grief, loss, stress management etc.)
Life Transitions
Spiritual/Personal Development
Self-Esteem
Modalities:
Individual (Adolescents & Adults)
Marital Therapy
Family Therapy
Languages Spoken:
English
Arabic
Spanish
Turkish