About Leslie
Counseling Approach
Contact Me
Common Questions
If you've arrived at this site, chances are that something in your life is not as you wish. You know there is a problem but you just can't seem to move past it. You want to be happy, but just can't seem to get there. My approach to counseling is deeply rooted theories and techniques of cognitive psychology, also called cognitive behavioral therapy. To summarize however, I'm here to help you figure out the core of the issue, to help you identify your blind spots in order that you can move through your situation and make the changes necessary for you to grow and have the life you want. You don't have to be a victim to your life's circumstances. You don't have to continue in the patterns of the past that are no longer working.
Click on the 'contact me' link and send me your name, email, and a brief description and I will promptly be in touch with you. I will send you the information and necessary forms to get started. Counseling sessions can be scheduled 6 days a week. You have the option of skype sessions, email correspondence or telephone sessions.
My Guiding Ethical Principles
I follow or adhere to the APA or ACA code of ethics as dictated by state licensure. I act on your behalf and my underlying ethic is to do you no harm. Any particular questions you might have, I am happy to address in as much detail as you would like.
What I Usually Need to Know to Help
In the broadest terms, the elements that are important for me to know about you, are the key life events that you feel have shaped you into who you are. While we certainly will discuss your past, the focus is more on how you perceived or interpreted events of the past and how those interpretations and your responses to those events are shaping your present and dictating your future. I will be able to get a sense of your general outlook on the world and start to identify patterns of thought and behavior that are consistent through out your life. Generally speaking, the details of your story aren't as important as the way you have interpreted and responded to the life events and let them shape your outlook on life.
On the Fence About Going to Therapy?
Therapy doesn’t have to be daunting and miserable. The process of therapy can be fun and empowering because it allows you to take an active role in your own life and create new possibilities. It’s normal for people to fear or dislike opening up and feeling vulnerable with a counselor. It’s important to remember however, that as a counseling, I'm not here to judge you, but rather to support, encourage and guide you as you navigate through a troubled area of your life. If a you are contemplating therapy yet ambivalent about it, I’d challenge you to give it a try. Get the most out of your life. You have nothing to lose. Read the advantages and disadvantages in FAQ to Online Counseling.
My Role as a Therapist
Through cognitive, Adlerian and person-centered therapeutic techniques, my role as a counselor is to assist you to regain a sense of control, to improve your mental functioning and to improve your reality adjustment. As you deal with the repercussions of past events, your situation may seem overwhelming. You may describe the situation as hopeless or resign yourself to the idea that your current misery will continue indefinitely. These negative expectations tend to be fulfilled as you situations in order to validate your beliefs. These beliefs or thoughts become automatic and contribute and maintain the feelings of helplessness. These thoughts become patterns that are repeated time and time again. My job is to have an objective eye and help you identify these automatic thoughts and the role they play in your current situation.