Meet Dr. Leah Taylor | Integrative Mental Health Specialist, Healer & Embodiment Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Leah Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Leah, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

Work life balance is something that is incredibly important to me and something that I help support clients in finding for themselves. At this point as I am building my business while working a full-time job, my work life balance is different than it will be when I am fully self-employed.

For me, it is mostly about expectation. I expect to put in more work right now as I am laying the foundation for the future, which will include more spaciousness in my schedule for life to happen. Since I know that is the case, the balance feels better.

Balance is not about things being equal, it is about how things feel. Setting realistic expectations for right now helps me to not feel as overloaded in the work department as I may feel otherwise.

With that said, I always listen to my body. If I begin to get frustrated or can’t think clearly. I walk away and take a break. Sometimes that is for 10 minutes, sometimes longer.

I also make sure that when I am spending time with my family it is quality time where I am as present as possible.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I help women and men who are ready to take an active role in their health and healing. It has become clear that we cannot rely on our medical system to do this for us. We have to learn to do this for ourselves. This includes focusing on healthy lifestyle practices such as stress management, physical activity, restorative sleep, quality connections with others, a spiritual practice, having a purpose, and healthy eating.

Sometimes people come to me with a chronic condition or chronic pain and it’s imperative for them to learn how their mind-body connection works, how to manage their stress, and how to practice intuitive self-care. Sometimes people are more proactive, understanding that their health is their most important asset and wanting to learn how to take impeccable care of themselves now.

I tend to help a lot of caregivers and people pleasers that have consistently given to everything and everyone else and are now deciding to commit to themselves. I help them follow through with this commitment and all aspects that come with this shift – setting appropriate boundaries, saying no, remaining committed to themselves consistently, creating new healthy behaviors, and releasing past behavior patterns. This includes education, healing, and appropriate mind-body techniques that have been scientifically validated to create positive change.

The ways that people can work with me include online group programs, masterminds, and 1:1 coaching.

I also have a live music movement class called Embodied Groove, designed to enhance embodiment, self-awareness, connection, and positive emotions while decreasing stress and trauma symptoms.

What sets me apart from others is my authenticity, the fact that I fully walk my talk, and I never teach anyone anything I haven’t tried for myself. I use what I teach on a daily basis to keep myself aligned, balanced, and clear on my priorities and where I am going.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in CA, so this is for CA – I would take them up north, hiking in the Marin Headlands, exploring Point Reyes National Seashore, and winetasting in Sonoma, specifically Purple Pachyderm, Les Claypool’s winery. I would take them up to Guerneville to see the redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Preserve, to the Sonoma Coast beaches, and for dinner and sunset at River’s End restaurant. Of course, we would have to hit a live music show at The Fillmore in SF where I would take them upstairs to the poster room to check out all of the iconic rockers that have graced the iconic stage. If we had time, I would take them down the coast to Big Sur and Esalen for the weekend to relax, rejuvenate, and connect deeply with our spirits and the natural world.

I used to live in Winter Park CO – If I was back there, I would definitely take them skiing/snowboarding at Winter Park and Mary Jane, soaking at Hot Sulpher Springs, sightseeing at Rocky Mountain National Park, and dinner at Hernado’s Pizza Pub. If Bucket’s is still there, we’d have to stop in for a beer and a game of pool.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Aaron, deserves a huge shoutout! He is the cooker, the cleaner, and the rock of the family. He keeps the ship tidy and nourished so I can put my focus on creating meaningful and impactful work in the world. My parents Jaan and Frank Ferree also get a huge shoutout! They have always encouraged me to follow my heart and given me space to find and forge my own way. Lastly, my business mentor Jocelyn Kelly Reid and my embodiment mentor Heather Munro Pierce. Without their encouragement, guidance, and mentorship I would not be the successful, vibrant woman I am today.

Website: drleahtaylor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drleahtaylor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inneralignment

Image Credits
1 – In Her Image Photography 2 – Must Have Media 3, 4, 5 – Faridunia Visuals & Design 6 – Alan Schekter