Dr. Sarah Leclerc Verified Provider

Hello there!

I am a Haitian, feminist psychologist. I chose to be a mental health professional because I value providing a safe space for individuals, in which they can be themselves, and explore the complex nature of who they are and who they are becoming.

I love Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Buddhist Psychology. That means that we will explore lots of ways in which we can practice acceptance and commit to value-guided actions– practicing acceptance around our thoughts, our feelings, our physical sensations, and still committing to, as the young kids say, living our best lives. For example, we can notice our difficult emotions in a kind/gentle/compassionate way. We can also notice that because of this difficult emotion, we’re wanting to avoid/isolate (I’m looking at you, depression!). And, the challenge will be to still work on committing to engaging in what’s important to us (e.g., going to see loved ones, working on an amazing presentation for school, doing some yoga moves, connecting to our purpose in this life). Acceptance and committed actions can be difficult things to practice, but mindfulness and self-compassion practices help wonderfully on that journey.

Outside of ACT & Buddhist psychology, being a feminist psychologist means that I keep in mind individuals’ cultures, history, and the various obstacles they may face (e.g., racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia). All of these obstacles impact mental health. I was reminded recently that sometimes it doesn’t make sense to give individuals diagnoses; it makes more sense to diagnose these oppressive systems that we live in.

When experiencing oppression, it’s so important to engage in healing and liberating work, which often entails individuals finding safe spaces in online and offline communities– where they can be themselves, share their stories with others, share their dreams for a less oppressive future, remember their peers and ancestors who may have been taken away too soon, and share the music, writings, and arts they love.

I think all humans crave connections and my dream is for individuals to find connections and spaces in which they feel at home. Connecting with, being in tune with, and loving oneself can all enhance our ability to connect effectively with others. And the best way that we can connect more with ourselves is to practice self-care — really being present as we eat, as we move our bodies, as we write, as we sing, as we connect with nature, as we breathe.

I am so looking forward to talking more with you!