Dr Leah Batty-Hibbs
Registered Member MBACP
Contact information
- Phone number
- 01325 643325
Supervisor - Darlington
Features
- Concessionary rates
Availability
Please contact me for my current availability.
I provide remote sessions (only) via Zoom.
About me and my therapy practice
As a British-American PhD-level Counsellor Educator, Supervisor, and Psychotherapist, I bring over 15 years of international experience facilitating the learning, professional development, and reflective capacity of counsellors across the U.S. and U.K. My work is grounded in trauma-informed practice, neurodivergence advocacy, and multicultural and anti-oppressive approaches to counselling and supervision. I specialise in supporting the development of ethical, reflective practitioners who can work confidently with complex presentations while remaining anchored in their values, wellbeing, and professional identity.
My supervision style draws on Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, which aligns closely with the phenomenological and integrative foundations of my therapeutic practice. Supervisee's are encouraged to engage in experiential activities, reflect collectively on emerging themes, integrate relevant theoretical frameworks, and apply these insights to their evolving clinical practice. This iterative cycle supports deep, embodied learning within a relational setting.
In addition, my supervisory framework is informed by Hawkins and Shohet’s Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision, which conceptualises supervision as a systemic and multilayered process involving attention to the client, the therapist’s interventions, the therapeutic relationship, the therapist’s internal process, the supervisory relationship, the supervisor’s internal process, and the wider organisational and sociocultural context (Hawkins & Shohet, 2012). The model enables learners to explore all seven modes collectively, enhancing their capacity to engage systemically, relationally, and reflexively. Working through these modes as a group deepens supervisory insight beyond what didactic instruction can offer; instead, wisdom and competence emerge through relational attunement, shared reflection, and embodied experience.
Practice description
With more than 15 years of experience, I draw from integrative approaches, attachment theory, creative arts therapy, mindfulness, and evidence-based interventions, while always centring compassion, cultural humility, and collaboration. I work with high-performing and neurodivergent adults, clinicians, and leaders who want to heal from trauma, reclaim their sense of self, and move toward meaningful change.
Clients can expect a balance of warmth, creativity, and direct guidance. Sessions are tailored to your goals and may involve reflective dialogue, somatic awareness, creative expression, or skills-building strategies.
My work extends beyond the therapy room through consulting, teaching, and podcasting, always with a focus on equity, inclusion, and reimagining mental health care.
Alongside individual supervision, I also provide consultancy, training, and curriculum development for counselling programmes and organisations seeking to embed trauma-informed and inclusive practices. Whether I am supporting a trainee in their first placement, guiding an experienced practitioner through complex casework, or advising an organisation on systemic change, my focus is always on collaboration, integrity, and professional growth.
My first session
In our first supervision session, we will spend time getting to know each other and clarifying your needs, stage of development, and professional goals. I view supervision as a collaborative and supportive relationship, where you can bring both successes and challenges into a safe, non-judgemental space.
I will invite you to share information about your current practice setting, client work, and areas where you would like more support, guidance, or challenge.
Together we will agree on expectations, boundaries, and preferred ways of working so the supervision feels tailored to you. Depending on your training or organisational requirements, we may also review competencies, ethical frameworks, or assessment criteria to ensure your supervision is fully aligned with professional standards.
By the end of the first session, you will have a clear sense of how I work as a supervisor, what you can expect from our time together, and an initial plan to support your development as a reflective and ethical practitioner.
The use of the title Dr in this directory listing relates to the member’s doctorate qualification. However, this does not imply a general medical qualification.
What I can help with
ADD / ADHD, Anxiety, Bereavement, Body/somatic therapy, Child related issues, Coach Therapist, Coaching supervision, Depression, Health related issues, Identity issues, Leadership coaching, LGBTQ+ counselling, Life coaching, Loss, Menopause, Neurodiversity, Personal development, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy related issues, Relationships, Self esteem, Sensory impairment, Sex-related issues, Sexual identity, Sexuality, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma, Women's issues, Work related issues
Types of therapy
Creative therapy, Existential, Humanistic, Integrative, Person centred, Solution focused brief therapy
Clients I work with
Adults, Older adults, Organisations, Trainees, Young people
How I deliver therapy
Long term sessions, Online therapy, Short term sessions
Languages spoken
English
Therapist - Darlington
Features
Availability
Please contact me for my current availability.
I provide remote sessions (only) via Zoom.
About me and my therapy practice
As a British-American PhD-level Counsellor Educator, Supervisor, and Psychotherapist, my practice integrates clinical expertise, educational leadership, and lived understanding of navigating systems across the U.S. and U.K. I bring over 15 years of international experience training, mentoring, and supporting counsellors. I specialise in trauma-informed therapy, neurodivergence advocacy, and supporting individuals and professionals facing burnout, identity shifts, or systemic barriers. My work is grounded in trauma-informed practice, neurodivergence advocacy, and multicultural approaches to counselling and supervision.
I draw from integrative approaches, attachment theory, creative arts therapy, mindfulness, and evidence-based interventions, while always centring compassion, cultural humility, and collaboration. I work with high-performing and neurodivergent adults, clinicians, and leaders who want to heal from trauma, reclaim their sense of self, and move toward meaningful change.
Clients can expect a balance of warmth, creativity, and direct guidance. Sessions are tailored to your goals and may involve reflective dialogue, somatic awareness, creative expression, or skills-building strategies. My work extends beyond the therapy room through consulting, teaching, and podcasting, always with a focus on equity, inclusion, and reimagining mental health care.
The use of the title Dr in this directory listing relates to the member’s doctorate qualification. However, this does not imply a general medical qualification.
Practice description
Alongside psychotherapy and coaching services, I provide individual and group supervision. I also provide consultancy, training, and curriculum development for counselling programmes and organisations seeking to embed trauma-informed and inclusive practices. Whether I am supporting a trainee in their first placement, guiding an experienced practitioner through complex casework, or advising an organisation on systemic change, my focus is always on collaboration, integrity, and professional growth.
My first session
The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and establish a foundation of trust. We will explore your story, current challenges, and goals, while also identifying your strengths and resources. I use this time to collaboratively create a plan that feels manageable, culturally responsive, and aligned with your needs.
Before the session, you may be invited to complete a brief intake questionnaire to help guide our work together. This allows us to make the most of our time and begin with clarity and focus. The initial session may also include psychoeducation about trauma-informed practice, neurodivergence, or stress responses, empowering you with knowledge from the start.
You will leave the first session with a sense of direction, next steps, and an understanding of what working together will look like. Whether you’re seeking long-term therapeutic support, short-term coaching, or professional consultation, the first session sets the stage for a collaborative and empowering process.
What I can help with
ADD / ADHD, Anxiety, Bereavement, Body/somatic therapy, Child related issues, Coach Therapist, Coaching supervision, Depression, Health related issues, Identity issues, Leadership coaching, LGBTQ+ counselling, Life coaching, Loss, Menopause, Neurodiversity, Personal development, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy related issues, Relationships, Self esteem, Sensory impairment, Sex-related issues, Sexual identity, Sexuality, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma, Women's issues, Work related issues
Types of therapy
Creative therapy, Existential, Humanistic, Integrative, Person centred, Solution focused brief therapy
Clients I work with
Adults, Families, Groups, Older adults, Organisations, Trainees, Young people
How I deliver therapy
Long term sessions, Online therapy, Short term sessions
Languages spoken
English