Nelsery De Leon, LMFT is founder and clinical supervisor at Growth Journey; an independent mental health treatment center providing therapy services virtually (across Pennsylvania) and in-person sessions in Philadelphia. As a bilingual (Spanish and English) 1st generation immigrant (born in the Dominican Republic) who identifies as Afro-Latina, Nelsery is known for bringing compassion, vibrancy, and enthusiasm into her therapy practice, supporting marginalized populations (including 1st generation immigrants/their parents, ethnic/racial minorities, and adult survivors of relational and/or immigration-related traumas). Nelsery brings a wealth of knowledge from her experience treating couples, families, and individual adults in the minority community.

The guiding philosophy at The Growth Journey is rooted in understanding that we, as human beings, all matter. We all laugh, we all cry. We all lose people we love, and experience losses. No matter what country or political context, on a deep and fundamental level, we all share desires to experience joy, to better understand ourselves, and to feel a sense of belonging within our families and communities. The Growth Journey aims to support your unique path to lasting wellness and self-awareness; to empower your achievement of lasting healing, harmonious relationships and personal success as you take action to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma- letting go of any parts of your past experiences that no longer serve you. 

Achieving forgiveness towards those who trespassed against you is not for their benefit- it’s for your own peace. Re-establishing connection with estranged family members, learning skills to becoming better parents, and learning how to show up more authentically in all areas of life (without forgetting where you came from) is not only possible, it’s very much within reach. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. If you’re ready to look inward with the help of a caring professional who will send you back to your ancestors, we look forward to supporting you as you embark on your own Growth Journey.

Nelsery earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Temple University, and then completed her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, graduating from La Salle University. After her graduate coursework and subsequent licensure as an LMFT, Nelsery founded The Growth Journey, where she currently provides inclusive/culturally-sensitive therapy services to underserved minority populations, while providing clinical supervision to the up-and-coming generation of pre-licensed psychology professionals.