Office of Student Life
Counseling and Consultation Service

Leisha Chiles, PsyD

  • Title: Embedded Clinical Therapist, College of Dentistry
  • Phone: 614-292-5766
  • Email: chiles.14@osu.edu

Therapeutic Style:

I strive to create an environment where students feel they have a protected space to explore the reasons that brought them in. I approach my work with students utilizing an intersectional lens that considers the identities and life factors that contribute to a student’s experiences. My goal is to work collaboratively with students to address present-moment concerns and empower them to set goals, create meaning, and foster growth. I deeply value each therapeutic relationship that is developed in my office. At the root of my therapeutic style I am integrative, which means that I draw from various theoretical frameworks to address each individual’s needs. This is important because we all carry our own unique experiences, cultures and histories, in addition to the identities we may share with others. Specific theories that inform my work include: Interpersonal Process, Multicultural and Feminist Psychology, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy.

Supervision Style: 

My supervision style is informed by developmental theory and rooted in interpersonal and feminist/multicultural modalities. I strive to create a safe and supportive space for trainees to explore clinical challenges and their developing professional identity. Much like the therapeutic relationship, the supervisory relationship sets an important foundation for growth that is built on trust and transparency. This sets the stage for a relationship where feedback can be shared freely so that both supervisee and supervisor can continue to grow and develop their skills. I believe in meeting the supervisee where they are in their clinical ability while also challenging them to sit with the discomfort of implementing new techniques or interventions so they can continue to develop their clinical skills. I deeply value participating in the clinical training of students and feel honored to provide supervision and support on their journey.

Professional Interests:

I am passionate about suicide prevention, promoting diversity and multiculturalism, and social justice issues. My clinical focus has included working with mood disorders, anxiety, experiences of racism and oppression, LGBTQ students, trauma, health-related concerns, identity development, grief and loss and relationship concerns.

Groups and Liaison Roles:

I am the Embedded Clinician for Ohio State College of Dentistry. I facilitate a Graduate Group.

Educational Background:

I am a licensed psychologist. I completed my undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies at The Ohio State University. My master’s and doctoral degrees are both in clinical psychology conferred from the University of Denver (Graduate School of Professional Psychology). I completed a doctoral internship at the University of Denver Health and Counseling Center. Postdoctoral work focused on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) at the Boulder Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies and psychological assessment (ADHD, LD, and Personality) at two separate sites in Boulder, CO and in Denver, CO.

Personal Interests:

I enjoy photography, spending time in nature, playing pool, seeing live music, being with family and friends, playing with my dogs and traveling.

My Pronouns:  

She/Her/Hers