About San

My name, San, is pronounced as ‘Sun’. I was born in the Netherlands but have lived in Australia for 20+ years. I use she/her pronouns.

I am passionate about working in relationship with others, to allow each perspective to be heard, valued and taken seriously. I believe in connecting with warmth and care, balancing honesty with a gentle, kind and non-judgemental attitude.

I love people in all their differences and support each individual to explore their own unique way of being in this world, with all its challenges and rewards. I invite you to embrace a journey of self-discovery and growth in a supportive environment where your voice matters.

San Leenstra MA FT, AThR

Experience

I have many years experience working with children, youth and their families as well as adults who have experienced trauma. I have worked in Mental Health Services for 7 years, Disability/Behaviour Intervention Support for 11 years and Trauma Counselling for 7 years and am a trained EMDR and IFS practitioner.

With over 20 years’ experience working therapeutically in mental health, disability and trauma treatment, I have worked with families who have children and young people with a variety of disability diagnoses as well as people who have experienced trauma. I have a passion for working with neurodivergent people and work with people of all ages.

I specialise in working with:

  • Children, Young People and their carers/families

  • Parents; providing parenting support/coaching

  • BPD, anxiety and depression, Complex Trauma, PTSD

  • People recovering from abusive relationships

  • Adults healing from childhood trauma

  • Adults, children and young people with disabilities/Neurodivergent (e.g. ASD, ADD, ADHD, ID)

  • Positive Behaviour Support for families with children engaging in problem behaviours

Qualifications

I believe in the power of creativity and am a Registered Art Therapist (AThR), I also hold a Masters’ degree in Family Therapy.

I have extensive experience in providing staff training, trauma informed clinical supervision and reflective practice and have delivered conference presentations across Australasia.

Memberships

I hold professional clinical membership with ANZACATA (Australia, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association) and am a member of GRRAT (Group of Registered Regional Arts Therapists)

I hold professional clinical membership with AAFT (Australian Association of Family Therapy) and am a member of the BFT (Bendigo Family Therapy group)

I am a professional clinical member of PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia)

I am also a member of the MHPN (Mental Health Professionals Network)