Therapist Profile

My Approach to Helping

Change and growth are often preceded by some difficulty, personally or in relationship. I congratulate your willingness to get support in overcoming the challenges you are facing.

My intention is to assist you in living from genuine strength and authenticity. I will help you resolve problems and achieve happiness. In our work together, you will discover that difficulties and obstacles in life are often blessings for in reality we grow through adversity. This process of growth liberates energy bound in unresolved issues, so that energy can be used to create a life of your own design.

I employ a learning paradigm. A learning paradigm does not presume anything wrong with you -- it simply presents things you can learn to make your life more easeful and productive. It is also a paradigm that works when you are willing to take responsibility for healing the issues yourself.

I utilize a spiritual psychological approach that is based on the understanding that our true essence is spiritual and that our body, mind and emotions are vehicles for spiritual expression. This essence is present in every moment and we have the opportunity to connect with and respond to its guidance.

You will discover that every psychological limitation or difficulty provides a special kind of opportunity -- to see where you have lost touch with essential aspects of your being and to recover these lost parts of yourself. Once recovered these energies can be directed toward creating a life that is rich and satisfying.

COUPLES:
I help distressed couples improve their lives, shifting from behaving like enemies to becoming allies in each other's lives, so you are better able to successfully and happily share life together.

Let me tell you a secret. Just because you can't figure out how to do this on your own doesn't mean your doomed. Before we get married no one teaches us how to have a healthy, successful relationship. Some couples figure it out on their own. But when there is a lot of stress, which sometimes looks as ordinary as children to care for and both partners working, it can be hard to learn how to do this.

Counseling works because you can learn what you need to know to give your relationship the best chance of not only surviving but thriving.

More Info About My Practice

I am a Board Certified Professional Counselor and an experienced teacher, coach, and guide. I have been helping people since 1986 and am the founder of Living by Design offering services to assist you in achieving life changing, positive outcomes.

I have supported individuals and couples create greater harmony and fulfillment in their lives. I specialize in working with adults and couples who are dealing with a variety of issues related to relationship issues, personal direction, authenticity and learning how to give and receive love.

I earned my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Santa Monica, with an emphasis in Spiritual Psychology and my Bachelor's from Northwestern University. I also have a Master's of Theology in Practical Spirituality.

In addition to ongoing training to enhance and support my work, I have completed two intensive training programs in coaching and am a cetified ontological coach. My approach draws from almost thirty years of study in traditional and non-traditional programs in the art of coaching, psychology, ontological design, and communication, as well as more than thirty years of personal spiritual practice.

I am an experienced professional and have been in private practice for over 20 years with offices in Chicago and Geneva, IL.

WHAT CLIENTS SAY:

"I was depressed and stuck thinking what I needed was to find an idea and make it happen. I see that is not what it is about. It's about finding out who I really am and living from my essence, bringing my creativity into the world. Leslie helped me realize that I don't have to wait for other people in order to be myself. I feel empowered and in charge of the direction of my life. I have made great strides, and it's been worth the effort! --Leslie B.--Artist and Business Manager

"Leslie helped me to focus on what I wanted to change in my life and taught me the skills and techniques to do it." --Frank N.-- Restaurant Manager

"I now have a greater understanding of myself and my needs in love, work and friendship. I am living a more balanced, nurturing lifestyle integrating these areas of my life." --Patty D.-- Advertising Marketing Director

"It is truly a gift for me to have you in my life...I feel heard and honored in your presence." --Therese T.-- Flight Attendant

"I am more at peace, more relaxed, more accepting and more care-full with myself. I have my life back." --Mary Ellen M.-- Nurse

"I have learned to say yes to myself, to put myself ahead of everyone else. I used to think that being a good person meant that I was to save the world, devote my life to a good cause and sacrifice my well being in the process. I was miserable, out of sorts with my husband and tired all the time. I now realize that the way to make the world a better place is to learn to be a happier person and in this way I contribute to the greater good by adding more joy and peace to the planet. I am now doing work I love, and have more than enough time to enjoy family and myself. Things are good in my world." --Maria L.--V.P. Informational Services School Board

There are more testimonials at my website:
http://www.living-bydesign.com