About Our Director: Carla Mae Leuschen

Carla Mae Leuschen is the founder and director of Strength in Heart Counselling, bringing over 20 years of diverse experience in mental health, research, and counselling. Her career is defined by a commitment to client-centered care, fostering connection, and empowering individuals, couples, and families to overcome life’s challenges and thrive.

Throughout her career Carla has held various roles that have shaped her approach to counselling. She worked as a researcher for the Saskatoon Police Service Chief’s Office, where she conducted extensive research and evaluations, providing evidence-based recommendations to improve community services. Her experience as a health program evaluator and as a psychiatric researcher in academic and clinical settings further honed her skills in data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and understanding complex human behavior. Carla’s counselling practice is, of course, also informed by her past 10 years of experience supporting people in therapy.

At Strength in Heart Counselling, Carla leads a team of dedicated professionals who share her holistic, client-centered approach. She is passionate about integrating evidence-based methods with innovative practices, including the exploration of non-ordinary states of consciousness, to help clients access deeper levels of healing and transformation. Carla is also committed to mentoring future mental health professionals. She works closely with practicum and senior student counsellors, providing guidance and support as they develop their skills and confidence.

Clinical Training

University education

  • Doctorate in Metaphysical Sciences, University of Metaphysical Sciences (in progress)

  • Master of Social Work (Advanced), University of Victoria, BC (2018)

  • Master of Social Work (Foundation), University of Victoria, BC (2016)

  • Master of Public Administration, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK (2012)

  • Bachelor of Arts (Hon.), Forensic Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON (2009)

PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

Leuschen-Mewis, C., Saskatoon Police Service. (2015). Police interactions with persons suffering from mental illness. Public Safety Canada: National Clearinghouse of Police Knowledge.

Bowen, R., Balbuena, L., Peters, E., Leuschen-Mewis, C. & Baetz, M. (2015). The relationship between mood instability and suicidal thoughts. Archives of Suicide Research, 19, 161-71.

Bowen, R., Balbuena, L., Leuschen, C. & Baetz, M. (2012). Mood instability is the distinctive feature of neuroticism. Results from the British HALS. Personality and Individual Differences, 53, 896-900.

Mela, M. & Leuschen, C. (co-author) (2012). Psychiatric diagnostic assessment and treatment of FASD in the forensic outpatient clinic (FOC). Presented at the 5th National Biennial Conference on Adolescents and Adults with FASD, Vancouver, BC.

Bowen, R., Baetz, M., Leuschen, C. & Kalynchuk, L. (2011). Predictors of suicidal thoughts: Mood instability versus neuroticism. Personality and Individual Differences, 51, 1034-1038.

Leuschen, C. (presenter) (2011). System Overload: The impact of “tough on crime” policies on the Canadian correctional system. Student poster session: Tansley Lecture, JSG School of Public Policy.

Duffy, A., Horrocks, J., Persson, G., Doucette, S., Leuschen, C. (co-author), James, T., Milin, R., & Grof, P. (2010). The relationship between substance use disorders and the early stages of bipolar disorder. AACAP’s 57th annual meeting in New York, NY.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

  • British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW) Registered Social Worker #14081

  • British Columbia Association of Social Workers (BCASW) #1007432

  • Ontario College of Social Workers (OCSWSSW) #842049