I have been practicing 35 years as a Clinical Licensed Social Worker providing mental health and behavioral counseling services to children and adults in a variety of outpatient. inpatient, school and medical settings. Some the presenting issues for which I have experience and additional training include addressing delayed effects of trauma, developing adaptive replacement coping skills, decreasing effects of anxiety/depression, family of origin and relationship issues, coping with grief & loss, increasing motivation, self esteem/confidence, managing chronic pain, decreasing phobic/avoidance behaviors, ADHD, autism and stress management.
When starting therapy, one of my top priorities is to create, as quickly as possible, a therapeutic relationship of mutual respect that provides a safe & nurturing environment honoring the courage it takes to venture into the unknown, share private information and to be willing to try some new things.
My style of therapy is based upon a wellness model that honors the whole person emphasizing that a balance between and within multiple spheres of human needs is the basis for mental and emotional wellbeing. So you can expect that in the first session, I will be asking you to share current and historical information about each one on these areas: Social, Emotional, Mental (thinking processes), Physical, Spiritual. From there together we will define areas that are causing you to seek counseling. I also work from a client centered model, which means we work as a collaborative team. Decisions about goals and priorities are decided upon by you with my professional feedback/ clarification assisting you in exploring/defining the issue and its priority.
From there we will be begin developing a plan to address those in the most meaningful way. Out of my tool box of interventions, I will recommend the evidence based ones that will be most effective. I will explain the intervention and how it works so you can make an informed decision about that course of treatment. The interventions that I have used extensively in my practice and for which I have engaged in on-going training include but limited to: Cognitive & Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (CBT & DBT), trauma informed interventions, Solution Focused Therapy, Gestalt, Grief Counseling, Family Therapy, Client Centered Therapy. In addition I have experience & knowledge of psychopharmacology.
Therapy is a very dynamic process which needs to be able to adapt to a need for a change in direction. In order to keep to ensure the plan can adapt to your needs, each session we will be evaluating those earlier treatment goal decisions to refine or move in position of priority redefining treatment goals as needed. Also, we will process your experiences & results of outside assignments that occur between sessions. The pace, depth and direction of sessions will be up to you with my therapeutic feedback and support.
If this describes what you think will be a good match, I look forward to meeting you on line and support to take next steps so moving forward.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain illness and disability, Codependency, Dissociation, Family of Origin Issues, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Impulsivity, Intellectual Disability, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders , Phobias, Postpartum Depression, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
TX LCSW 12701
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Lesa Leavelle. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Lesa is wonderful! I think she is a great fit for me and I look forward to working with her.
Written on Apr 02, 2024 after therapy with Lesa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
Lesa has been a Godsend!! I needed immediate help with dealing with an ongoing situation that was too difficult for me to handle anymore on my own. I was no longer able to resolve the horrible emotional state this situation was continually putting me in.
From the first visit with Lesa, she lead me to a better understanding of the situation and the why of my reaction to it. She is equipping me with tools to help my situation and also, in general, helping me understand myself and how to better my way of thinking! It’s added such clarity and reward! This all happened in a short time which is even more impressive!!
Lesa, I thank you for giving me hope and understanding!!
Written on Mar 16, 2024 after therapy with Lesa for 8 months on issues concerning addictions
Lesa is awesome!
Written on Mar 11, 2024 after therapy with Lesa for 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Lesa, is great, she remembers so many small details that we have discussed over the last 6 months. I feel very fortunate to have her as my therapist. We connect very well and that is super important to have that with a therapist. I feel very comfortable with Lesa#
Written on Jan 05, 2024 after therapy with Lesa for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and coaching
I have had a few sessions w/ Lesa & I really like her. She’s very attentive & I believe she understands my primary areas of concern and what I need to heal from.
Written on Dec 14, 2023 after therapy with Lesa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Lesa is a wonderful therapist. She listens, asks questions, responds with solid advice and teaches me new ways to build my coping toolbox.
She has a sweet voice and she is very easy for me to talk to.
The process of healing is hard. But, for me, Lesa makes it seem easy with her graceful approach. She makes me feel like i am not alone in my journey of healing.
Written on Dec 06, 2023 after therapy with Lesa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd