Rachel Leese
Hello there! My name is Rachel. I have been working in the social service/mental health field for around ten years and have been a therapist for three of those. Some of the other things I enjoy are reading, crochet, and spending time with my three dogs.
One of my favorite hobbies is practicing yoga and I strive for a similar vibe- calm, relaxing, and mindful- with my approach.
I cannot wait to help you in your journey to wellness and clarity.
First session
Therapy is scary! You are taking a huge step, whether it is establishing care after previously being in services, or attending therapy for the first time. There are some forms and intake questions to complete. Our first session will be mostly focused on building that alliance and trust. We may not get into everything you have come in for, and that's okay, as long as you leave your session feeling seen and heard. It may feel a little awkward or uncomfortable. This is completely normal and it is my job to facilitate a sense of ease.
Strengths
My goal is to embrace comfort, empathy, and compassion in my practice. The therapeutic bond is the most important aspect of therapy. One of my favorite hobbies is practicing yoga and I strive for a similar vibe- calm, relaxing, and mindful- with my approach. But I am also a person who will challenge clients and be assertive if needed. I will meet you where you are. I consistently seek training for the most prevalent symptoms in those clients I help- currently this includes PTSD- and have skills from a variety of therapeutic modalities.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is one that is ready to pursue changing their internal and external lives. Therapy is a partnership. If you work towards a shared goal using tools developed in session you will have more success. The concerns I am most experienced working with include anxiety, depression, and trauma. Tasks assigned between sessions, such as keeping a mood log or practicing grounding, can also help you achieve your goals. I am perfectly happy being there just to talk but it is also important to understand mental health treatment is greatly influenced by your commitment to active change. We will work on practicing radical acceptance while also nourishing a growth-oriented mindset.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common modality I use in my practice. CBT is about learning the power of our thoughts and the ability to change our lives by altering negative thinking patterns. One concept is the cognitive triangle: changing your thoughts about a situation leads to feelings which lead to behavior. If we interrupt this cycle then more positive outcomes can come to fruition.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy is about learning to be aware, mindful, and able to sit in distress. DBT can help develop better interpersonal communication, provide a more realistic view of the world, and promote balance within ourselves.
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma is often a part of our lives in one way. This can influence the way we learn, grow, and interact with ourselves as well as the larger world. I am able to support you through this journey and practice compassion through a trauma-informed lens.
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Licensed in
- IndianaLicense 34012150A