New to Grow
Hello, my name is Leslie and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have my Bachelor's in Psychology from UCR and Master's in Social Work from CSUSB. I have experience working with individuals through all spans of life from childhood to end of life. I currently work with individual adults who are navigating depression, postpartum experiences, life transitions, work-related stress, and questions around spiritual well-being. I understand that even the most capable people can feel overwhelmed, disconencted, or unsure of their next steps in life- and reaching out for support is a meaningful first step toward change.
I start my first session by collecting some basic information and history. From there I allow for you to disclose what brings you to therapy. What led you to make this appointment with me? What do you wish to accomplish or gain from therapy in general? We set goals according to what YOU want to accomplish in our time together. I allow you to ask questions about myself as well to see if we are a good fit, and more importantly, I allow you space to process the courage it takes to take the first steps towards change via therapy.
I find taking an empowering approach with all my clients has the most and best affect on their progress in therapy with me. By being firm, while warm and understanding, I find that clients are receptive to my feedback while feeling heard and challenged in a therapeutic way.
I work well with adult individuals who may be going through any life transition such as new job, loss of job, graduating school, dropping out of school, and those who are having a difficult time adjusting to any life changing event. I also work well with any adult women going through any perinatal or postprtum mental health issues. I work well with individuals who may want to connect Christian beliefs into their mental health treatment for anxiety, depression, or grief.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I utilize ACT method with clients to assit them in adapting to challenging circumstances in their life that are out of the control to change. I utilize this method to empower them with tools needed in adjusting to life challenges as appropriate.
Christian Counseling
I utilize Christian spiritual practices like prayer, Scripture, and theological principles with well known CBT, TF-CBT, and attachement theory to assist clients with their mental health, emotional, and relationship concerns. I am to find an approach that treats client's mental health, emotional, and relationship challenges from a faith-centered, holistic perspective, aiming for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize CBT interventions to assist clients in identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that may be causing them issues within and outside of their mental health.
Grief Therapy
I utilize grief interventions for clients who not only may have lost a loved one in their life, but who are also having a difficult time grieving an old life, previous relationship, or job.
Motivational Interviewing
I utilize Motivational Interviewing interventions throughout all modalities with clients in order to help them be empowered in utilizing change as a tool and superpower in their mental health journey.