Leslie Schwartz, LPC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides individual, family and group counseling for children, adolescents and adults. I graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development and I received my Master’s in Humanistic Psychology from the State University of West Georgia. I have experience providing counseling for children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings such as: a residential program, partial hospitalization program, out patient mental health clinic, schools and homes where intensive family intervention counseling was provided. A particular interest of mine is incorporating the expressive arts in my work with children and adolescents. I believe that play and art are a familiar and comfortable language for children. When children do not have the words to express their thoughts and feelings, play therapy and art therapy serve as alternative means for communication and expression. My approach to counseling when working with adults is best suited for those seeking personal growth and change as well as a desire for a deeper understanding and exploration of self.
In an effort to describe the services I provide I will share some of my beliefs and values connected to the counseling process:
- As a counselor I want to support individuals in their quest to be true to themselves and the people they love, while learning tools to help make coping with life’s demands a little easier.
- I want to help others identify the obstacles that exist as barriers to self love, self confidence, self esteem, fulfilling relationships with others and personal goals.
- I strive to create an environment where the client feels heard, acknowledged, and appreciated. Just knowing that someone hears and appreciates your truth can be empowering.
- I value personal experience, honesty, vulnerability and growth.
- I approach each individual person with respect and fundamental equality.
- Each individual has worth, dignity and the capacity for self-direction if given an empathic, non-judgmental, supportive environment.
- I avoid putting people into categories and pigeonholes because I believe that the individual is always more than a category.
- I would like to support and assist others with understanding that life is a process and change is inevitable.