Leslie Cates , LPC

Leslie Cates is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Louisiana with 10 years of clinical experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, relationship challenges, trauma, and life transitions. She earned a Master of Arts in Counseling in December 2016 in New Orleans, LA, and has since worked with individuals facing issues such as childhood trauma, abusive relationships, codependency, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and caregiver stress.

Her approach is warm, interactive, and grounded in respect and compassion. Working from a client-centered perspective, Leslie supports each person in setting their own goals and shaping the direction of therapy. She uses a strengths-based, solutions-focused lens and draws on evidence-based methods to tailor treatment to individual needs. Common techniques she integrates include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to shift unhelpful thinking patterns, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to cultivate purposeful acceptance and value-driven action, and interventions from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy to help process traumatic experiences and manage intense emotions.

Leslie emphasizes practical skills and meaningful change while avoiding stigmatizing labels. She invites those ready to pursue healing and greater life satisfaction to reach out for supportive, goal-oriented care.

Therapeutic approaches blended for effective online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people clarify their values and take meaningful action even when difficult thoughts and feelings are present. It is often used for stress, anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes by encouraging willingness and purposeful behavior. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person in the room - the therapist follows the client’s lead, offering empathy and support while the client sets goals and direction. This approach is helpful for building self-esteem, improving relationships, and navigating transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors; it is commonly applied to anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and many stress-related concerns.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Leslie Cates works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies over time to support progress. Licensed professionals and therapists aim to tailor care rather than apply a one-size-fits-all model.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate schedules, mobility, and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, try different formats, and access support from home or other convenient locations.