LMFT, 1 years of experience
New to Grow
Greetings! My name is Leslie Bartholomew and I am excited to get to know you and help support your road to healing and change. Although I have achieved licensure fairly recently, I have about 14 years of therapeutic experience in a vast array of populations (individuals, teens, children, young adults, couples, foster youth, unaccompanied minors and migrant families). My passion derives from providing a safe and accepting environment to prepare clients to undergo healing and achieve a full and balanced life. I particularly enjoy giving back to the Latino community which I am a part of and an advocate for equality and a world free from discrimination and abundance of acceptance. My goal is to help you feel seen, heard, and empowered to reach your personal goals.
Think of the first session as sitting down to talk about how best I can help you, in a comfortable setting, your favorite drink next to you, a blanket for comfort, and a reliable Wifi connection :) I gather information about your history, and give the client the opportunity to share what they are ready to share for me to best help them. Assessments sometimes do include questions that are somewhat intrusive but necessary in order for me to best help. I will always respect your time, be clear on the process and bring the supportive energy when sometimes clients may not have in that moment. I also want you to be clear with what you can deliver as far as your baseline of healing and change, your fears, your doubts, and I will do my best to put those reservations at ease as best as possible. Don't worry, you've already done the hardest part and that's make the appointment and come. Your healing and safety is my top priority. We both communicate effectively and honestly, and it will pave the way for a successful experience.
I'd say my down to earth and approachable nature, my energy, and my ability to reflect what clients are giving and me receiving to tailor it to how they best receive therapeutic feedback. The most effective strategy I have is to be a gentle challenger to promote progress when sometimes clients are in limbo, and provide the empathy and empowerment to give room for clients to grow organically.
My ideal My ideal client would be the one that is ready to embrace the challenge of change, ready to commit to themselves and recognize that receiving help is just as difficult than giving it at times. I'm down to earth, easy to talk to and use humor, realism and compassion to connect to the most hesitant of clients. I work best when clients are ready to prioritize themselves and their mental health with consistency and action.
I find that an evidence based modality gives clients the reassurance that it is the most commonly effective and used orientation to address most mental health disorders that is vetted and effective. I use it in all domains and populations as it has served best to implement change of behavior for positive outcomes.
I feel that each client I serve has unique learning styles, love languages and methods to recieve information and feedback that is most effective and understood to them. I implement various interventions and treatment strategies to give the client a unique and personalized treatment plan for their path of healing.