Hello, I'm Dr. Leslie, an LMHC with 25+ years of experience and a background in diverse counseling settings, including clinical, private practice, and academia. Managing life's stressors can be challenging. There are many times in our life when we find ourselves stuck or overwhelmed, not knowing how to move forward. Depression, Anxiety, Relationship stressors, Self-Esteem Issues, Boundaries, and other issues can seem daunting and leave us feeling like a victim of life's circumstances. My focus is on assisting individuals in navigating life's challenges for positive change. As a counselor, I will encourage, support, challenge, and assist you in moving beyond your current situation by helping identify those beliefs or areas of your life - your blind spots - that keep you stuck repeating patterns that often are at the core of the issue. Using theories or techniques of cognitive psychology as well as other approaches, I will help you to identify the distorted thought patterns that no longer work for you and give you the tools necessary to grow and move beyond your current challenge.
During the first session, clients can expect an intake process where we delve into their background, current situation, and the reasons for seeking counseling. We'll explore their hopes, fears, and expectations of counseling. I provide an overview of what they can expect from me and the counseling process. It's an open space for questions or concerns. We discuss confidentiality, the frequency of sessions, and lay the foundation for the following sessions. The counseling relationship is essential to a successful outcome of counseling. The client is an active and equal participant in the counseling process. Therapy doesn't have to be daunting and miserable. The therapy process can be fun and empowering because it allows you to take an active role in your own life and create new possibilities. Prior to our first session , it is important to complete the Grow intake form and assessments. In order to meet with you, I will need a client to read and sign a consent form that I will send prior to our first appointment. I will need all these forms in order to meet with you. *Please me mindful that 24 hours advanced notice is required for cancellation. Cancellations with less than 24 hours and no shows will be charged at full rate. Please be on time. Client's 10+ minutes late, will have to be rescheduled and will charged.
My strength as a counselor lies in my genuine enjoyment of stepping into someone's unique experience, facilitating connections between various aspects, and assisting them in navigating their personal journey. I find fulfillment in uncovering blind spots, challenging perspectives, and providing alternative viewpoints. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of one's thoughts, emotions, and experiences, fostering personal growth and empowering individuals to navigate challenges with a newfound understanding.
In my practice, I am dedicated to providing support and guidance to a diverse range of clients, extending beyond those dealing with depression and anxiety. I have a special interest in working with the following populations and areas of focus: 1. Mood and Adjustment Disorders: If you are grappling with mood disorders, such as anxiety, depression or adjustment issues related to life changes, I am here to assist you in navigating these challenges. 2. University Students: I love working with university students, and have a lot experience working with students adjusting to university life, relationships and the academic stressors that accompany life as a college student. 3. Boundary Issues: The beauty of the boundary. Boundaries are there to protect us and yet, they can be difficult to identify and difficult to set. Let me help. 4. Finding Your Voice - Assertiveness: If you're looking to enhance your assertiveness skills and find your voice in various aspects of life, my approach includes empowering individuals to express themselves confidently and assertively. 5. Christian based counseling available upon request.
Our core beliefs shape how we interpret any particular event and, subsequently, the emotions that follow. We repeat patterns that keep us stuck because we continue to interpret events in ways that reinforce our core and, often faulty, beliefs. My job is to have an objective eye and help you identify these the beliefs and interpretations that keep you stuck.