Leia Charnin

Dr. Leia Charnin, affectionately known as the "nerd sister" in her family, brings a unique blend of passion, expertise, and a touch of whimsy to her role as a licensed psychologist at ChangeWell Psych. With a name that sparks conversations (yes, like Princess Leia!), Dr. Charnin has cultivated a multifaceted career that spans clinical practice, research, speaking engagements, training, and even podcast hosting.

At the heart of Dr. Charnin's practice is a deep fascination with human behavior and development. Her research background, which includes explorations into stereotype and prejudice formation, the impact of bias on career choices, and trauma-informed care models, has shaped her core value as a social justice advocate. This foundation allows her to prioritize equity and observe human experiences through a multicultural lens, ensuring a nuanced and inclusive approach to therapy.

Dr. Charnin's expertise is particularly valuable for eager-to-engage teenagers and adults grappling with a range of challenges. Her areas of specialization include anxiety (with a focus on performance, health, and social anxiety), trauma (especially relational trauma), stress management and burnout related to work and career, relational development, navigating changes and transitions, emerging adulthood issues, diversity and cultural identity concerns, and LGBTQIA+ issues. She is skilled in LGBTQ Affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma treatment.

Her impressive educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, where her dissertation explored implicit race bias and ethnocultural empathy. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Charnin's extensive training encompasses intensive trauma therapy techniques, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Somatic Attachment Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Her professional journey includes a post-doctoral fellowship specializing in PTSD and BPD at VA Boston Healthcare System and a pre-doctoral internship at the University of Delaware Counseling Center.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Charnin is committed to education and advocacy. She is a Safe Zone Trainer for LGBTQ+ awareness and ally education, a certified Question, Persuade, Refer suicide prevention presenter, and a member of the Charlotte Transgender Healthcare Group. Her research and presentations, covering topics such as group counseling assessment and trauma-informed care in college settings, demonstrate her ongoing commitment to advancing the field of psychology.

When she's not immersed in her professional pursuits, Dr. Charnin finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. She delights in every dog she encounters, embraces the outdoors as an avid hiker, and nurtures her lifelong love for live music – a testament to the "band nerd" that still resides within her. This blend of professional expertise and personal passion creates a warm, relatable presence that clients find both comforting and empowering as they navigate their mental health journeys.