Leah Gatti
she/her
Occupational Therapist
“If you want to do anything, do it now, without compromise or concession, because you have only one life.”
~ Gao Xingjian
Occupational Therapy is often a misunderstood profession, yet it can be a powerful catalyst for change. A core principle of our profession is to enhance functional independence in daily activities of living. Therefore, we define “occupation” as any activity that brings purpose or meaning to our lives, encompassing areas such as self-care, leisure activities, employment, and even engagement within our personal and broader community contexts. Occupational Therapy treatment focuses on the intersection between a person, their environment, and their occupation (i.e., activities that matter most to them). Consequently, our therapy sessions may extend beyond the clinical setting into real-world environments, providing clients with opportunities to practice learned strategies in their everyday contexts.
As a Registered Occupational Therapist with more than ten years of clinical experience, I have practiced in both community and rehabilitation environments, focusing primarily on adults with trauma- and anxiety-related disorders, including first responders. My professional interests center on supporting individuals recovering from trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions to regain a sense of purpose and engagement in life.
In addition to formal training in Prolonged Exposure Therapy, my therapeutic practice integrates modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, all within a goal-directed framework. My practice is also informed by my own involvement in long-distance trail running, recognizing the positive impact of exercise on mood regulation and general well-being. Clients often describe my approach as direct; however, I always strive to incorporate both humour and positivity within the recovery journey as they are core to who I am as a person.
If you choose me to be part of your care team, I look forward to walking alongside you.
Services Offered
- Individuals (Adults)
Education Background
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (McMaster University)
- Bachelor of Arts (Distinction) in Psychology (University of Alberta)
Areas of expertise
- Anxiety
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Communication Skills
- Depression
- Motivation
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Phobias
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (and other trauma-related disorders)
- Self-Esteem
- Sleep
- Stress & Time Management
- Traumatic Psychological Injury
- Workplace Reintegration
- Workplace Stress and Burnout