Lesa Leiden

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I hold a PhD in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling, and I bring both clinical expertise and genuine compassion to the work I do with couples and individuals. I work with couples and individuals who are struggling with relationship conflict, communication breakdowns, life transitions, stress, anxiety, and the painful patterns that keep them feeling stuck.

Many of the people I work with are thoughtful and capable, yet find themselves repeating the same arguments, shutting down during conflict, or feeling misunderstood by the person they love most. Individuals often come to therapy wanting relief from anxiety, self-doubt, or relationship struggles that feel bigger than they expected.

I am passionate about this work because relationships shape the quality of our lives. When communication improves and thinking patterns shift, confidence grows, connection deepens, and life becomes more manageable.

If you're ready to stop repeating the same patterns and start creating healthier ones, I would be honored to work with you.

My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and practical. I integrate Solution-Focused Therapy, Gottman Method principles, and Cognitive Behavioral approaches (CBT and REBT) to help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface — and to give you real tools to improve communication, manage emotions, and shift unhelpful thought patterns. I believe that human struggle is universal, but your path doesn't have to be a mystery. I love seeing the "lightbulb moment" when a couple finally learns to speak each other’s language or an individual realizes they have the power to change their mental narrative.

In our first meeting we’ll move beyond the surface. We will identify your specific "cycle"—the patterns of thought or behavior that keep you looping—and set clear, achievable goals. You can expect a balance of deep empathy and direct feedback. You’ll leave our early sessions not just feeling validated, but with a clearer understanding of the "why" behind your struggles and a roadmap for the "how" of your healing.