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. My focus is on assisting individuals in navigating life's challenges for positive change. 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. 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.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

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. Through cognitive, Adlerian, and person-centered therapeutic techniques, my role as a counselor is to assist the client to regain a sense of control, improve mental functioning, and identify distorted thinking patterns that may contribute to the situation.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

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. You know there is a problem, but you just can't seem to move passed it. You want to be happy but just can't seem to get there. My strength as a counselor is in helping you figure out the core of the issue and identifying your blind spots so that you can move through your situation and make the changes necessary for you to grow and move toward the life you want. Regardless of your history, you don't have to be a victim of your life's circumstances. You don't have to continue in the patterns of the past that are no longer working.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

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 and fostering positive change. 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. They are there to protect us and yet for some of us, sometimes hard 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.

About Leslie Capehart, Ph.D