Hello! My name is Leslie Powers; I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW26401) in CA. Originally from upstate New York, I have lived in Northern California since 2003 where I have raised 3 children (currently ages 24, 22 and 15). I love spending time in nature, especially hiking and paddle boarding. I have a passion for dance, especially social dancing. I studied martial arts in my youth including competing in the sport of taekwondo; more recently I began studying with a focus on practical self-defense. I am a seeker of truth, a lover of philosophy, and an activist for freedom. I see my therapeutic work as a life’s calling, and my purpose is to guide others towards improved self-confidence, happy relationships, thriving holistic health and relief from the pain of unprocessed trauma. I look forward to meeting you.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Most sessions begin with a check-in with an opportunity to identify your wins and challenges as well as updates on life events and goals. Clients have the opportunity to guide conversation to issues of present importance for them. We will look at life history and may identify areas where past trauma continues to create chaos or ‘stuckness’ in your current life. I will share education about the effects of stress, trauma and unmanaged emotion, and provide approaches to deep healing of unresolved issues. I will introduce mindfulness and grounding skills. I encourage the follow-through of tasks in between sessions, as this will clearly bring you the most success. I offer reflective feedback and may summarize issues and dynamics. Additionally, as needed and appropriate, we may do other techniques for healing from trauma (such as EMDR or Internal Parts Work). I highlight your strengths and guide you toward increased personal empowerment. I invite you to identify goals, both long and short-term, and to check in on them routinely. We will highlight tasks that will help you move in the direction you really want to go. We will monitor progress and identify and problem-solve challenges along the way. We keep persevering in the direction of your happiness. I support and coach the ongoing development of self-care habits (such as ample sleep, exercise, mindfulness and healthy eating).
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) IFS (Internal Family Systems) CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) DBT Informed (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) Trauma-Informed Somatic Work Mindfulness/Grounding Practices Person-Centered, Compassion Oriented Therapy Task Centered, Solution Focused Methods
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My approach is uniquely holistic, compassionate and strength-based. My therapeutic style honors the unique potential, expression and purpose of each individual I work with. I integrate a variety of treatment modalities with a trauma-sensitive, and person-centered approach while offering unconditional positive regard and practical problem-solving.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Trauma processing. Women's Issues. Life Satisfaction. I am a particularly good fit for individuals who are motivated to do deep work and who are prepared to make healing changes in their lives.