Leslie Ulanday
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who supports adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, perinatal mental health challenges, and life's many transitions. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC) and my Bachelor's degree in Sociology from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), which helped shape my understanding of both mental health and the social and cultural experiences that influence who we are. As a biracial Filipino American therapist, I also recognize how culture, family expectations, identity, and generational experiences can shape our mental health. Whether you're navigating the pressures of being a millennial or Gen Z adult, figuring out your next chapter, setting boundaries with family, experiencing career burnout, or simply trying to make sense of adulthood (because let's be real, no one has it all figured out!), I'm here to help you work through it.
Life doesn't come with a manual, but you don't have to figure it all out alone.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. Therapy doesn't have to feel intimidating or overly clinical. I want you to feel comfortable showing up exactly as you are, whether that means laughing, crying, venting, or sitting with the hard stuff. Using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), grief-informed care, and strengths-based practices, we'll explore patterns, build practical coping skills, and work toward meaningful change. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected to yourself while creating a life that feels authentic to you, not just what others expect of you.
First session
In our first session, you can expect a calm, supportive space where you feel free to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. I'll take time to get to know you, your story, what's been weighing on you, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. I approach each session with empathy, curiosity, and without judgement, so you can feel safe being your authentic self. There's no pressure to have it all figured out. This is your space, and we'll move at a pace that feels right for you.
Strengths
What sets my work apart is my ability to blend clinical expertise with genuine human connection. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in leadership, program development, and direct clinical care, I bring both depth and practicality into the therapy space. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all-approach as each session is tailored to you, integrating evidence- based practices like CBT and Motivational Interviewing with a compassionate, strength-based lens. My background supporting diverse populations, combined with my ability to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment, allows clients to feel truly seen while also gaining the tools needed to create a real, lasting change.
Ideal clients
I am best positioned to serve adults and older adults seeking individual therapy to navigate life transitions, grief, anxiety, depression and identity shifts. I work well with clients who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, yet are open to self-reflection and meaningful change. Many of the individuals I support are motivated to better understand themselves, improve emotional regulation, and build healthier coping strategies. My approach is especially supportive for those processing loss, adjusting to new roles, or seeking to reconnect with a sense of purpose and balance in their lives.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a core modality in my clinical practice to help clients identify and reframe maladaptive thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and behavioral challenges. Through structured interventions such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and skill-building, I support clients in developing healthier coping strategies, improving emotional regulation, and achieving measurable treatment goals. My approach is collaborative, culturally responsive, and tailored to each client's unique experiences and needs.
Motivational Interviewing
I utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) to support clients in exploring and resolving ambivalence toward change. Through a collaborative, nonjudgemental approach, I use techniques such as open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmations, and summarizing to enhance clients' intrinsic motivation. This approach allows clients to build confidence, strengthen commitment to their goals and make meaningful, self-directed changes.
Grief Therapy
I provide grief therapy using a compassionate, client-centered approach to support individuals navigating loss, life transitions, and complex bereavement. I help clients process emotions, make meaning of their experiences, and develop adaptive coping strategies. My work integrates evidence based approaches while remaining sensitive to cultural, familial, and developmental factors influencing the grief process.
Strength-Based
I use a strength-based approach to empower clients by identifying and building upon their existing resilience, skills, and resources. I support clients in recognizing their capacity for growth and change while collaboratively developing goals that align with their values. This approach fosters confidence, autonomy, and sustainable progress in treatment.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Asian / Asian American
White
Woman
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Perinatal Mental Health
Other specialties
Chronic Illness
Coping Skills
Crisis Intervention
Fertility & Reproduction Issues
Grief
Health/Medical Issues
Life Transitions
Parenting
Postpartum
Suicidal Ideation
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Individual Therapy
Licensed in
CaliforniaLicense 135372