My work has been shaped by years at sea and decades of supporting families through birth and recovery, which led to the creation of WAVE.

Leigh William

Welcome. I am Leigh William, psychologist and integrative therapy MSc, certified Yachtmaster ASA, ocean therapist IPHM, and certified retreat facilitator IAOTH. I am the creator and founder of WAVE, a water based therapeutic approach developed to support nervous system regulation and emotional wellbeing, particularly after periods of stress, illness, or major life transition.

I am also the founder of the nonprofit organization PALs, a humanitarian initiative supporting women and children facing extreme distress. This work focuses on helping people reach safety, experience recovery through community, and rebuild their lives with dignity and care.

On this site, you will find information about the healing process, links to articles and books I have written, and research relating to psychology, trauma, and integrative therapy. You will also find a timeline of my professional training and lived experience, along with testimonials from people I have supported in many roles over the years, including earlier work as an educator, birth and parenting specialist, doula, and midwife assistant.

The year 2026 marks a period of growth and direction in my professional life. Alongside continued research and writing, my focus is on developing and piloting WAVE as a practical model of support that can be used in real world settings. I am also preparing for further academic study and publication as part of this work.

My path has been shaped by both professional practice and personal experience, including recovery from a late stage cancer diagnosis in 2015. This has deepened my commitment to work that supports resilience, emotional regulation, and human connection.

I believe healing happens in relationship, with ourselves, with others, and with the stories we carry. This space reflects that belief and the work that continues to grow from it.

You are welcome here.

  • Psychologist and Integrative Therapist MSc

  • Founder of WAVE, a Water Based Healing Modality

  • Certified Yachtmaster and Ocean Therapist

  • Certified Women’s Retreat Facilitator for Land and Sea Experiences

  • Member, International Association of Therapists

  • Human Development, Birth, and Parenting Expert, MSc

  • Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula and Midwife Assistant

  • Author, Humanitarian, and Advocate for Women and Families

Schedule a time to speak with Leigh

What is Integrative Therapy?

Integrative therapy is a personalized approach to counselling that draws from different therapeutic models to meet your individual needs. Rather than using a single method, sessions are shaped around you, combining practical tools with deeper reflective work to support your emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing.

This approach looks at the whole person, including thoughts, feelings, behaviors, relationships, and life experiences. Therapy is flexible and collaborative, with space to adapt as your needs change and to work together in a way that feels supportive and empowering.

Integrative therapy may include
• Cognitive approaches to explore and shift unhelpful thought patterns
• Behavioral strategies to support change in habits and responses
• Psychodynamic work to understand past experiences and relationships
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques to support emotional regulation

It can be helpful for anxiety, depression, trauma, self esteem difficulties, relationship challenges, stress, and issues around substance use.

Important Disclaimer

This site is offered as a supportive and reflective space and is not a substitute for medical care, psychiatric treatment, crisis intervention, or emergency services. Reading this website and/or any engagement with Leigh directly or indirectly does not establish a therapeutic or clinical treatment relationship, nor does it replace support from a licensed medical or mental health provider where such care is required.

If you are currently experiencing acute psychological distress, thoughts of self harm, or are in immediate danger, please contact your local emergency services or a trusted crisis support provider in your country without delay.

By visiting or subscribing to Leigh’s website, you acknowledge and accept responsibility for your own wellbeing and understand the scope and limitations of this offering.

We cannot out sail the sea.
It will change us,
undo us,
teach us how to begin again.
So we travel together -
anchored in care,
guided by love,
always homeward.

Leigh

What the Sea Knows