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Leo Gkimisis

Leo Gkimisis

(he/him)

LPCC
11 years of experience
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Virtual

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (CA) For the past decade, I have been diligently offering counseling services to individuals seeking transformative life changes or simply seeking solace in processing their emotions and thoughts. My focus has been on guiding clients toward personal growth and emotional well-being through compassionate and insightful support. I was drawn to a career as a therapist by a deep-rooted desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. Witnessing the immense potential for personal growth and healing that can be achieved through therapy, I felt a strong calling to be a facilitator of that transformative process. The opportunity to provide support, guidance, and empowerment to individuals facing challenges and seeking to improve their well-being is what truly drives me. Seeing clients overcome obstacles, gain insight, and experience positive change reinforces my passion and commitment to this meaningful work.

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

I ensure that every client receives a cordial and warm reception upon their arrival. During the initial visit, I conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand the underlying reasons for seeking therapy. This session marks the start of collaboratively developing a personalized treatment plan, tailored to meet the individual's unique needs and goals.

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

My client focus encompasses a diverse range of individuals, including those within the LGBTQ+ community. I specialize in working with adults who experience mild to moderate mood disorders, providing tailored support to address their unique emotional needs. Additionally, I have extensive experience assisting adults dealing with substance use disorders, offering comprehensive guidance and interventions to foster their recovery and well-being.

About Leo Gkimisis

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

As the therapist, my approach is called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and I use it to help people with their emotional struggles. First, I get to know them and what's important in their lives. Then, I teach them to pay attention to their thoughts and feelings without trying to get rid of them. I also help them set goals based on what truly matters to them and guide them to take steps to achieve those goals. It's like helping them accept their feelings, even the tough ones, and using those feelings to lead a better, more meaningful life.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

When I use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I work with people to help them change their thoughts and actions to feel better. We start by talking about their thoughts and how those thoughts can affect their feelings and behavior. I help them identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive and realistic ones. Then, we work on changing their actions and behaviors to improve their mood and well-being. It's like rewiring the way they think and act to make their lives happier and less stressful.

Motivational Interviewing

In my role as a therapist using Motivational Interviewing (MI), I help individuals make positive changes in their lives, especially when they might be unsure or hesitant. I listen carefully to their thoughts and feelings, without judgment, to understand their concerns and goals. I then guide them in exploring their own reasons for change and the importance of those changes in their lives. Instead of pushing or telling them what to do, I use a collaborative and supportive approach to help them find their motivation and build confidence in making those changes. It's like helping them discover and fuel their own motivation for a happier, healthier life.