Lesley Hilp
Hello! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who offers compassionate, trauma-informed therapy for adults and teens. I specialize in anxiety, trauma, relationship concerns, and emotional regulation, and I use a variety of approaches to help clients better understand themselves and feel more confident in their lives.
I aim to create a space that feels comfortable and collaborative while offering strategies that are helpful and focused on meeting your specific goals.
My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can explore what you’re going through, build practical coping skills, and make meaningful changes. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I work alongside you to gain strength, understand patterns, and support lasting growth. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply looking for deeper self-understanding, I’m here to help!
First session
The first session of any therapy session can be intimidating and anxiety provoking especially if this is your first time in therapy. My whole therapeutic approach is focused on building rapport, making you feel seen and comfortable in the space and creating safety so you can explore concerns and goals you have throughout this process. Therapy can kick up difficult emotions but connecting with your provider should feel easy and safe.
Strengths
My therapeutic style warm, client-centered, and supportive. I aim to create a space that feels comfortable and collaborative while offering strategies that are helpful and focused on meeting your specific goals. I strive to be a safe and supportive figure who is easy to talk to. I aim to stay focused and present on your needs while highlighting your strengths.
Ideal clients
I've seen a lot of people in their 30s and 40s struggle with overwhelming anxiety and perfectionism, judging themselves unnecessarily and steeped in self doubt. On the surface, it might look like they have it all together but inside, they are struggling. This is a lot more common than you realize and it's not just happening in your own head. I have experience helping you break through those perfectionistic beliefs, whether they come from your own brain or your family of origin.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a primary framework in my work with anxiety and trauma-related concerns. I integrate mindfulness, cognitive defusion, acceptance, and values-based interventions to help clients develop a more flexible and compassionate relationship with their internal experiences. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts or emotions, I support clients in learning how to respond to distress in ways that align with their values and promote meaningful change.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I incorporate mindfulness-based practices in a trauma-informed and flexible way to support present-moment awareness, emotional regulation, and nervous system stabilization. This includes grounding, breath-based exercises, and body awareness practices that help clients observe internal experiences with greater clarity and self-compassion. Mindfulness is used as a supportive tool to increase distress tolerance and promote more intentional, values-aligned responses to challenging thoughts and emotions.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I incorporate Trauma-Focused CBT to help clients understand the connection between trauma, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I use psychoeducation, emotional regulation skills, and cognitive restructuring in a trauma-informed and paced manner to support symptom reduction, increased coping, and a greater sense of safety and empowerment.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 115706