Profile / United States
Leslie Garza, LCSW
California
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Stress and Relationships
See online therapy options- CBT based methods
- Motivational interviewing
- Practical skill building
About Leslie
Leslie Garza is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with three years of professional experience. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, parenting challenges, self-esteem issues, grief, trauma and abuse, and major life changes.
Leslie focuses on concrete steps people can try between sessions. She listens to the problem, highlights strengths, and works with each person to test new ways of thinking and acting. Sessions emphasize clear goals and practical skills rather than abstract theory.
Her approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to help clients notice unhelpful thoughts and find workable next steps. Conversations cover patterns that keep problems going and small experiments to see what changes help. Progress is tracked with specific, measurable goals.
Leslie treats people as the experts on their own lives and centers their priorities when planning work together. She pays attention to motivation, readiness for change, and small barriers that make new habits hard to keep. The tone in sessions is straightforward and action focused.
People who prefer structured sessions with clear tasks and regular check-ins tend to fit well with this approach. Before booking, confirm current session options and scheduling details so they match day-to-day needs.
How Leslie Uses CBT and Motivational Interviewing Online
Leslie uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and test the thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going. CBT sessions focus on identifying unhelpful thoughts, trying small behavioral experiments, and tracking what changes help reduce symptoms like anxiety or stress.Motivational Interviewing is used to clarify goals and increase readiness to change. It helps people weigh pros and cons, build motivation, and set realistic next steps when making life changes or addressing low motivation and self-esteem.
Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process. Leslie will work with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences, and she adjusts plans based on what is working in practice. Expect regular check-ins about progress and concrete tasks to try between sessions.
Session formats are not specified in the provided biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, shorten commutes, and allow for quicker check-ins during a workday or between appointments. They also make it possible to use screen-shared worksheets and to practice behavioral experiments in real-life settings without extra travel.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, parenting, self-esteem, grief, trauma and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She uses a practical, goal-focused style that emphasizes noticing thoughts and trying new behaviors between sessions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has three years of professional experience as a clinician.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions arranged and what about cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.