Leela Kausch, MA, LMSW

Counseling services for those whose lives have been affected by chronic illness, with a specialty in type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Helping you achieve your health goals, overcome obstacles, and learn how to redefine your life
Call: 734-904-0066 to make an appointment today

About

Philosophy
  • Leela Kausch is a licensed social worker in the state of Michigan, USA who has lived with type one diabetes since the age of 15. Leela's early experiences of learning to love and accept herself and her chronic illness have paved the way for a life time of self discovery. Living with a health condition which requires daily maintenance is not easy, but barriers to health success can be overcome if the emotions surrounding these obstacles are able to be explored in a supportive, safe and loving environment. Leela strives to provide a haven where telling one's illness story, exploring fears, and overcoming obstacles can be a reality for those experiencing chronic illness of all types.

  • Leela attended the University of Michigan School of Social Work where she specialized in adjustment to illness counseling and medical social work. Leela also holds a Master of Arts degree in Blindness and Low Vision Studies from Western Michigan University, where during her studies she specialized in Diabetic Retinopathy and low vision adaptations necessary for diabetes management. She is the former director of DiabetiVision, a counseling and teaching practice founded to help those experiencing diabetes and vision loss.

  • Leela believes that it is possible to live life with a medical condition that is filled with adventure, success and joy. Because the mental health component of chronic illness management is often overlooked, those who live with diabetes and other health conditions can find it difficult to access these positive aspects of life. Leela uses cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy,  and a strengths-based approach to assist adults to navigate the complicated world of emotions that can accompany chronic illness management tasks.

Education and Credentials
  • Master of Social Work, University of Michigan, Medical Social Work
  • Master of Arts, Western Michigan University,  Blindness and Low Vision Studies
  • Licensed Social Worker in the state of Michigan since 1992 (LMSW)
  • Member, National Association of Social Workers
  • Member, American Diabetes Association, Professional
  • American Diabetes Association Mental Health Provider Certification

Professional Background/Previous Social Work
  • Bereavement Coordinator, Ele's Place Ann Arbor
  • Director, DiabetiVision
  • Medical Social Worker at Michigan Medicine
  • Medical Social Worker at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor
  • Volunteer Crisis Counselor, Crisis Text Line



Services

Leela's main area of expertise is in assisting adults whose lives have been affected by type one and type two diabetes and the complications which can arise as a result of long term life with this health condition. Leela also welcomes anyone who would like to explore how any type of chronic illness has impacted their mental health. In-office 55 minute therapy sessions utilize cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and an exploration of one's chronic illness story to assist clients with the following:

  • Adjustment to a new diagnosis
  • Grief and loss as it relates to chronic illness
  • Depression as it relates to health issues
  • Diabetes burnout
  • Diabetes distress
  • Fear of diabetes complications
  • Fear of hypoglycemia
  • Navigating diabetes technology choices
  • Changing health behaviors
  • Loving one's pancreas, loving one's self
  • Loving one's body, embracing changes
  • Managing the effects of chronic health issues on the family
  • Loving someone with diabetes, including yourself

Fees and Insurance

Fees

$145 per 55-minute session

Reduced fee services are available on a limited basis with proof of financial hardship

Payment

Major credit cards, checks, cash or Venmo are accepted for payment

Insurance

Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Medicare

Cancellation policy

24 hours notice required to change or cancel appointment without charge (734-904-0066)


Resources

BOOKS ABOUT DIABETES

The Diabetic Health Journal by Lauren Bonjiorno

Bright Spots and Landmines: The Diabetes Guide I Wish Someone Had Handed Me by Adam Brown

The Book of Better: Life with Diabetes Can't Be Perfect. Make it Better by Chuck Eichten

The Type 1 Life: A Road Map for Parents of Children with Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes by Jessica Freeman

Prevention and Recovery from Eating Disorders in Type One Diabetes by Ann Goebel-Fabbri

Diabetes Burnout: What to Do When You can't Take It Anymore by William Polonsky

Sugar Surfing: How to Manage Type 1 Diabetes in a Modern World by Stephen Ponder and Kevin McMahon

Think Like a Pancreas by Gary Scheiner

DiabetesMine comprehensive book list can be found here:

https://www.healthline.com/diabetesmine/best-diabetes-books-reviews-diabetesmine#1 

HELPFUL DIABETES WEBSITES

Beyond Type 1 (Uniting the global diabetes community)

www.beyondtype1.org 

Beyond Type 2 (Connection and resources for those with T2D)

www.beyondtype2.org

Juicebox Podcast by Scott Benner

www.juiceboxpodcast.com 

TuDiabetes (An on-line community of people touched by diabetes)

www.tudiabetes.org

Connected in Motion (Outdoor adventures for adults with T1D)

www.connectedinmotion.ca

Integrated Diabetes Services (The worldwide leader in remote consulting for insulin users)

https://integrateddiabetes.com/

FUN DIABETES PRODUCTS TO RE-ENERGIZE YOUR DIABETES ROUTINE

https://www.myabetic.com/ 

https://society6.com/s?q=popular+diabetes+type1diabetes

https://www.oneand2.com.au/

https://www.thediabeticsurvivor.com/ 

https://www.zazzle.com/diabetes+stickers

https://www.redbubble.com/shop/diabetes+stickers

LINKS TO ARTICLES ABOUT DIABETES AND MENTAL HEALTH

Diabetes Distress:    https://beyondtype1.org/what-is-diabetes-distress/

Anxiety and Diabetes:  https://beyondtype1.org/anxiety-diabetes/ 

Diabetes and Eating Disorders:  https://beyondtype1.org/help-loved-one-type-1-diabetes-eating-disorder/ 

Diabetes and Stress:  https://beyondtype1.org/stress-why-and-how-you-should-reduce-it/ 

Parents of kids with T1D:  https://beyondtype1.org/self-care-never-selfish-parents-kids-diabetes/ 

LOCAL ANN ARBOR MICHIGAN  RESOURCES

St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Diabetes support group: meets every other month. Call AA Endocrinology for info: 734-434-4430

Michigan Medicine T1 Diabetes support group: meets once per month. Call MEND clinic for info: 734-998-2475

Michigan Medicine T2 Diabetes support group: meets once per month. Call MEND clinic for info: 734-998-2475

Living Well with Illness Workshops: www.narrativedimensions.org. Call Janet Greenhut, MD for info: 734-730-1543

Ann Arbor Center for Eating Disorders: www.center4ed.org. Call 734-668-8585 for more info

LOCAL STATE OF MICHIGAN RESOURCES

Camp Midicha (Diabetes Camp for Children and Youth)

http://www.diabetessolut1ons.org/camp-midicha/ 

American Diabetes Association-Michigan Chapter

https://www.diabetes.org/community/local-offices/michigan 

Juvenile Diabetes Research Fdn (JDRF) Michigan SE Chapter

https://www.jdrf.org/michiganeast/ 




Contact

  • 2370 E Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
  • 2022: Currently telehealth only

Compassion for yourself begins with inquiry

Working together, we can create new beliefs, new pathways, and new realities in your life

Contact Leela for more information 734-904-0066 leelakausch@outlook.com