About Leeya
(Supporting you through fertility, loss, and early parenthood)
My name is Leeya Schachter and I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#11837) who specializes in fertility struggles, pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, donor conception, and perinatal mental health. I offer virtual counselling sessions to individuals and couples in Greater Vancouver and throughout British Columbia.
I have worked in the social services for 20 years and as a Registered Clinical Counsellor for the last 12 years. Throughout my career, I have supported clients of diverse age and backgrounds who were struggling with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-esteem and body image, health and aging, trauma, and communication and relationship challenges.
In 2022, after facing my own infertility, undergoing fertility treatment, and then experiencing postpartum mental health struggles, it felt crucial to shift the focus of my practice and to use my personal experience to support others going through similar challenges. I understand how debilitating and isolating these experiences are and feel passionate about providing clients a space where they feel unconditionally supported and understood.
My Approach
My approach is inherently person-centred (Rogerian) and I believe that the therapeutic relationship between me and my client is key for counselling to have an impact. I collaborate with my clients, welcome feedback, and view us as teammates working together to make the experiences of infertility, fertility treatment, or postpartum depression and anxiety feel more manageable. I am eclectic in my approach and incorporate aspects of Emotion-Focused Therapy, Narrative, Adlerian, Mindfulness, and Existential theory dependent on client need and wishes.
The experience of infertility triggers an array of complex emotions and is an experience that is difficult to fully grasp unless a person has lived it themselves. I feel grateful that I can use what I learned “on the inside” of my fertility journey, and that clients can begin therapy knowing that I understand their emotional experience and also the language that comes with it (You won’t need to explain IUI, ICSI, TTC, TWW, letrozole, HSG, and HCG to me). It is truly a privilege to work in this field and to walk alongside individuals who demonstrate such resilience, mental fortitude, and wisdom as they navigate these challenges. There’s a saying in the fertility community “the worst club with the best members.” I look forward to being a part of your “club” and helping you navigate the complex emotions, difficult decision-making, and to find more effective ways to cope with the uncertainty and helplessness that are interconnected with this journey. If you’re ready for support, you’re welcome to book a first session or free consultation to ask any questions or see if we’re the right fit.
