Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Entry 300370California / United States

Leslie Garza

Leslie Garza, LCSW

California 3 years in practice

Continue with Leslie

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - relationships and life changes

Sheet 1

  • CBT methods
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Parenting support

About Leslie

Leslie Garza is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with three years of professional experience. She focuses on stress, anxiety, relationships, family and parenting concerns, self-esteem, coping with life changes, trauma and abuse, and grief. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing as her main approaches.

Leslie frames clients as experts on their own stories and looks for strengths to build on. Sessions center on clear goals and practical steps. She encourages small, doable changes and checks progress along the way.

In session she talks through current problems and helps people try different ways of thinking and acting. With CBT she identifies unhelpful thinking patterns and tests new behaviors. With Motivational Interviewing she helps people explore what matters and find personal reasons to change.

Leslie addresses relationship and family strains by focusing on communication and realistic problem solving. For parenting concerns she works with individual parents on strategies to reduce stress and increase consistency. For life transitions and grief she helps people name priorities and plan next steps.

Her style is straightforward and goal-focused. She supports clients in setting achievable targets and applying practical skills between sessions. To start, prospective clients are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.

Sheet 2

How her approaches shape remote sessions

Leslie uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. CBT typically involves setting clear goals, practicing skills between meetings, and reviewing what does or does not work. It is often used for anxiety, stress, and patterns that affect daily life.

She also uses Motivational Interviewing to explore a persons values and reasons for change. That approach focuses on listening, asking open questions, and helping people find their own motivation to take steps forward. It can be useful when someone feels stuck or unsure about change.

Finding the right mix of methods is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has helped or not helped in the past. Together they decide which techniques to try and adjust them based on progress.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Licensed professionals can adapt CBT exercises and motivational strategies to remote meetings so work continues between appointments.

Sheet 3

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Also works with

Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGrief

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational Interviewing

Experience

3+ years

Listed in

California

Languages

English

Sheet 4

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationships, family and parenting issues, self-esteem, coping with life changes, trauma and abuse, and grief.

What is her therapeutic style?

Her approach is goal-focused and practical, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to set steps and check progress.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has three years of professional work experience as a clinician.

What credentials and location apply?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with her?

She is not currently accepting international clients.

How are sessions scheduled and what does cost look like?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How does someone begin working with her?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the urgent help numbers.

Leslie Garza

Continue with Leslie