What is Stride and Thrive?

I created Stride and Thrive Therapy to support people who want something deeper than traditional therapy – something more connected, embodied, and rooted in real life.

As both a licensed clinical psychologist and a certified personal trainer, I offer a unique, integrated approach to wellness. I’ve worked in community clinics, forensic settings, and hospitals for nearly 15 years, specializing in complex trauma, severe mental illness, and neuropsychological assessment. As many of my past clients had been confined to hospital beds and prison cells, I felt stuck on how to best help them heal. But my own healing journey is what inspired this practice. Through the support of psychedelic assisted-therapy, I became grounded more fully in my body, found my path and purpose in life, and developed a profound appreciation for nature and the interconnectedness of all life.

As a mother, I also deeply understand the mental load many women carry. The constant multitasking, identity shifts, and hormonal transitions can be overwhelming. That’s why I offer therapy that respects your time, your roles, and your need for space to breathe and move.

At Stride and Thrive, we might walk and talk, sit under the trees, or practice grounding exercises in the open air. This is about healing in a way that feels natural and lasts.

Leanne Ekstrom, PhD