Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Individual and Couples counseling. Emotional pain should not be carried alone. I have a warm, gentle and empathetic approach. I help clarify, challenge unhealthy thoughts and guide you towards overcoming your anxiety or depression. Working through issues can be both challenging and rewarding as you discover your strengths, build self-esteem, and gain new skills to reach your goals.

I can imagine you are feeling lost—perhaps struggling with your sexuality or your sexual behavior. Maybe you have a secret that you are keeping or you have just been found out by your wife, husband or partner. Perhaps your spouse or partner is threatening to leave you unless you get help. Maybe you are in a sexless relationship and you feel justified in turning to porn or an affair. It could be that you have struggled all your life with your sexual identity and you feel trapped in a prison of what others think you ought or should be. Maybe you are the one who has been betrayed and you feel isolated and desperate for answers!

I have a well-rounded understanding of the processes of learning, behavior, social, physical, neurological, and mental theories that create unique individuals and families. I combine listening, guidance, feedback, and support with a passionate genuine energy to promote the therapeutic relationship that assists in achieving your goals. I have experience with virtually every age group as well as those that deal with disability, illness, addiction, loss, relationships, and complex upbringings. I understand, appreciate, and respect the uniqueness of each individual and strive to provide tools to increase awareness and an identity that's genuine to alleviate mental anguish and distress.

Are you ready for a change in your life? Are you tired of feeling depressed and anxious? Let me guide you through the healing from your past through a compassionate and nonjudgmental therapy. I offer a safe and supportive environment to foster healing, offer you hope, and help you learn new skills to live a better life.

"The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence." I believe everyone deserves someone who is present, patient, open, non judgmental, and willing to listen and hear you. I am here to support you and to be present with you throughout your therapeutic journey. Overwhelming feelings can surface a different times in our lives, and needing support through those moments is not a sign of weakness but a sign of being human. If you are struggling with communication, not feeling heard, feeling stressed, not knowing what to do, feeling alone, or feeling exhausted by all the none stop thoughts in your head... I am here for you.

Have you been telling yourself that you want to make changes and improvements to your self care, but been putting it off? It is easy to get in the habit of prioritizing other people's needs and wants ahead of your own. It can be a relief to find a nonjudgmental and approachable counselor to discuss your situation with. I have been counseling adults and couples for over fifteen years now, and have learned that therapy is once a week, at best. Practicing the changes you want to make to improve your life between sessions is essential to your growth.

Sometimes we find ourselves reacting to a situation in a manner that is not like us, then we wonder "Why did I just do that?" I believe you have the answer, and I can help you find it. In our sessions, we will work collaboratively to establish a path toward clearly-defined goals. My approach is two-pronged: you will learn and practice practical skills you can use immediately, then we will take a close look at how your past experiences shape your long-term self-perceptions, which influence the decisions you make today. Visit my website and access my blog where you can find more information about my research-based approach.

I mostly employ insight-oriented approach to psychotherapy. I believe, SELF-ACCEPTANCE is the first step in the path of happiness, I will help you accept yourself and experience making right choices. I use the power of now and mindfulness to help you tend to your emotions, thoughts, and sensations that occur in the present moment. I believe nothing is perfect, and relationships are complex. I will welcome the opportunity to work with you in understanding and improving your life.

In these unprecedented times, you might find your insecurities and self-doubt bothering you again, leaving you worried and in knots all the time. Your anxiety might have hit the roof. You might be thinking to yourself that you are a slave to your past and nothing can set you free. You might blame yourself for being you. You are still searching for practical tools that you can use every day to manage your emotions and get back to your authentic version. You are tired of your diagnosis and want to move beyond it.

I have a passion for wholeness and feel honored to walk alongside those who have experienced trauma, those who want to grow and those who just feel stuck - whether it's from an abusive past or present, grieving a loss, the immobility of anxiety or depression, coping with life transitions such as retirement, or working through the heartache of a troubled relationship. I work with men and women, young adults through older adults, and couples. I facilitate groups, and EMDR for trauma. I value spiritual growth and health and can include a spiritual focus.

I began counseling individuals, couples, and facilitating group therapy in a community clinic in 1999, and later practiced therapy for several years with the Meier Clinics (formerly Minirth Meier, and New Life Clinics), where I worked extensively in their Day Program with patients suffering from a wide variety of relational, emotional, and psychological problems. After becoming licensed in 2005 I opened my private practice. I've been leading weekly therapy groups for men struggling with sexual addiction since 2003, as well as occasionally traveling with New Life Ministires' "Every Man's Battle" workshops.

My approach assumes that my clients are the best judges of what they need, that significant and lasting change can take place in every session, and that anyone can learn ways to create a more productive, purposeful, and passionate life. I love collaborating with my clients in creating and sustaining the changes they wish to make and surprising them with how quickly and deeply these changes can manifest. I have a broad range of experience with challenges clients may face, and have in-depth experience with trauma, teens, men's issues, and challenge of creating purpose and meaning.

Therapy Works! You CAN feel better, let me show you how it can happen for you. You can be the best version of yourself, and I am here to help you do it. We will create a unique plan for how to get what you need. We will gently peel back the layers and uncover your most authentic self. Depression, anxiety, fear and doubt don't have to rule your life. I cherish my relationship with my clients, and strive to offer a space that is welcoming to all and a "judgement-free zone". I have a deep passion for community and inclusion and welcome everyone, I am polyamorous/non-traditional lifestyle informed and friendly.

Adolescent/childhood misbehaviors; Disorganized; Overwhelmed by anxiousness; Burdened by sadness; Frustrated by relationships; Held-Back by negative self talk; Troubled by anger? I appreciate you taking valuable time to read my profile. It is very understandable that at different times in your life it is helpful to have support especially during times of stress. I am a specialist in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; DBT is very skill based helping to create new habits and positive change. We will also, when you choose to call, work together to process past experiences that often contribute to current struggles, unhelpful thought patterns, and habits that keep you feeling unfulfilled.

In searching for a therapist, you have taken the courageous first step towards emotional freedom. Whether it is to cope with the challenges of everyday life, overcoming negative or traumatic life experiences, or learning how to work through difficult relationships, I am here to help you achieve a happy healthy future. I work with individuals of all ages including children and adolescents. I strive to provide a safe place where you and/or your child can explore confusing feelings, improve communication, learn to problem solve, and develop healthy boundaries for healthier happier relationships.

**I am not currently accepting new clients** Are you having moments you feel discontent... those times you recognize that you hide parts of yourself from others, aren't fully expressing yourself or living openly as you would like? Maybe painful experiences from your past keep you from having the relationships and life you desire? If you're ready to make a change toward living more authentically, I'd like to help. I offer a compassionate, safe, and accepting connection in therapy that can help you begin to feel less emotional pain, less dwelling on the past, and less fear about the future.

Leslie earned a B.A. degree with honors in Sociology and Political Science in 1986 and in 1996 completed a Master's in Education with a specialty in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco. Since 1998 she has offered cutting edge and integrative therapy to clients in her private practice-New Bridge Counseling Services. In 2005 she became the Executive Director of LifeSTAR Sacramento Counseling Agency bringing the LifeSTAR network program to the greater Sacramento area.

As a collaborative practitioner, I work closely with clients to look empathically at their experiences to find meaning while utilizing humanistic, psychodynamic and experiential techniques to change the emotional triggers of trauma or decisions we make about ourselves. Therapy is an interactive and dynamic process, affecting the way a person views him or herself. Everything we do makes perfect sense and to change what we do requires understanding why it makes sense. I work in a way that honors the parts of self that are protective, joyful and nurturing while acknowledging the value of how the individual develops.

“Change Your Thoughts and You’ll Change Your World”. My goal is to offer and provide support within the therapeutic relationship that allows for you to gain insight on discovering your needs. I believe everyone needs support but struggles with how to ask for help. In my practices I provide the time and space for you to feel heard, supported, and most importantly I provide empathy. Empathy is a powerful word as it defines the ability to sense other people’s emotions, coupled with the ability to imagine what someone might be thinking or feeling. I always try to create a warm, heartening, and empathetic environment with every client.

Do you want a positive change in your life, one that you would be content and at peace with? Do you constantly worry about almost everything every day? Do you have a job that is so stressful that you are having trouble sleeping and eating? Do any of the questions listed above impact your relationships with your family, significant other, and/or friends? These are all the common issues I deal with in my practice. I also see clients with past abuse/trauma, domestic violence, and anger control problems. I welcome anyone from all cultural backgrounds to utilize my services.