Lesley Shapiro
Holding dual licensure as an LMFT and LPCC, I work with adolescents, adults of all ages, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, school and career concerns, major life transitions, grief, and stress. My background in both mental health and education allows me to understand the different challenges that can arise across the lifespan—from adolescence and young adulthood through midlife and older adulthood. My approach integrates evidence-based therapies, including CBT and DBT-informed strategies, to help clients manage difficult emotions, change unhelpful patterns, strengthen relationships, and develop practical skills they can use in everyday life. I also provide CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) for clients struggling with racing thoughts, disrupted sleep, and persistent insomnia. I strive to create a warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel understood while also gaining concrete tools for meaningful change. Whether you are facing anxiety or depression, relationship or family concerns, school or career decisions, loss, or a significant life transition, therapy can provide both support and a practical path forward.
First session
Think of our first meeting as an easy, low-pressure introduction where you can speak openly without fear of judgment. We will talk about what has been on your mind lately, explore your day-to-day routines and challenges, and clarify what feeling better looks like for you. Most importantly, it is a chance for you to see if our connection feels right. You will walk away from our first session feeling supported, heard, and with an initial sense of hope and direction for the road ahead.
Strengths
What stands out in my work is the perspective that maturity and real-world experience bring to the room. I combine a warm, friendly demeanor with an intelligent, structured clinical framework, allowing us to quickly get to the heart of what is holding you back without losing sight of practical solutions. Clients appreciate that I bring a calm, wise, and grounded presence to sessions—especially when life feels chaotic or overwhelming. You can count on thoughtful insight, clear feedback, and a steady environment focused on tangible emotional and relational growth.
Ideal clients
My ideal client isn't defined by age or life stage—I genuinely enjoy and have extensive experience working with people across the entire lifespan, from young adults finding their footing to seasoned adults navigating later-life chapters, as well as couples and families. My ideal client is simply someone who feels ready for change, even if they aren't quite sure where to start. Whether you are dealing with everyday anxiety, career transitions, relationship friction, sleeplessness, or physical fraility, what matters most is a willingness to show up, be curious, and partner together to build practical tools for a more balanced life.
Origin story
was drawn to this profession because I know firsthand the power of effective therapy. Years ago, my own time in therapy helped me confront, work through, and permanently resolve issues that felt insurmountable at the time. Experiencing that level of growth and emotional freedom sparked my passion to help others achieve the same. Having experienced the process as a client, I approach every session with empathy, zero judgment, and a commitment to helping you untangle heavy burdens and realize meaningful, lasting change.
Ongoing work together
Our ongoing sessions are a collaborative partnership where we balance meaningful conversation with practical skill-building. Equally important, we consistently pause to talk openly about how our work together feels, giving you dedicated space to be completely honest about what is clicking, what needs adjusting, and any emerging hurdles. Alongside these conversations, we use brief check-ins and questionnaires completed between sessions to objectively track symptom relief, sleep improvements, and overall well-being. You’ll know you’re making progress not just through the data, but when daily stressors feel manageable, communication improves, you are sleeping more soundly, and you begin responding to old triggers with steady confidence.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
It’s completely natural for our minds to slip into self-critical or catastrophic loops when we're under stress, but living in that headspace is exhausting. In our work, I use CBT to create a gentle, supportive space where we can untangle those automatic thoughts together. We explore how your internal dialogue impacts your daily mood and relationships, distinguishing between real problems and anxious assumptions. Rather than demanding forced optimism, we focus on what is honest and constructive—giving you tangible tools to quiet internal noise, regain perspective, and feel anchored in your daily life.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 159922
- NevadaLicense 5225-R
- VirginiaLicense 0717002560