What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.40
About Leslie Cates
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Identity
Gender
FemaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Leslie Cates
My name is Leslie, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana with over 9 years of experience providing counseling and psychotherapy. I have worked with clients facing depression, anxiety, stress, life changes, self-esteem, codependency, addictions, relationship issues, PTSD, and grief and loss. I have also helped many who have struggled with childhood trauma and abusive relationships. I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling in December 2016 in New Orleans, LA, and hold a Master?s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
My counseling style is warm, gentle, and interactive. I treat each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, avoiding judgmental attitudes or labels. However, I believe in challenging clients to reject complacency so we can work together to achieve growth. I approach therapy from a client-centered perspective, meaning you determine your goals and direction, and I tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique needs. I conduct therapy through a strengths-based lens and draw on multiple modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I aim to help clients change thoughts and perspectives to become more realistic and encouraging while emphasizing purposeful acceptance and willingness to change. I also use interventions from Cognitive Processing Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy to help clients process trauma and manage difficult emotions.
In my spare time, I enjoy being outside in nature, spending time with family, listening to music, and loving on my three pets. I practice mindfulness and Compassion-Focused Therapy techniques to manage my anxiety and pain condition, helping me decrease stress and enjoy the present moment more fully.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Going through therapy with a therapist can be a very beneficial experience for individuals who want to work through their mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being. Here are some steps you can take to make the most of your therapy experience:
- Find the right therapist: The first step is to find a therapist who is a good fit for you. Look for someone who specializes in the type of issues you want to address and whose style matches your preferences. I hope I can be that person for you.
- Set clear goals: It's important to have clear goals for therapy so that you and I are on the same page. In our first session, we will discuss your goals and work together to create a treatment plan that outlines the steps you will take to achieve those goals.
- Try to be open and honest with me about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I am here to help you, and I can only do so if I have a clear understanding of what's going on.
- Trust the process: Therapy can be a long process, and it's important to trust that the work you're doing with me will pay off in the end. It's also important to be patient and not expect instant results.
- Practice self-care: In addition to attending therapy sessions, it's important to practice self-care on a regular basis. This may include activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
- Keep an open mind: Finally, it's important to keep an open mind and be willing to try new things. As your therapist, I may suggest different techniques or approaches that you haven't tried before, and it's important to be receptive to these suggestions.
Remember, therapy is a collaborative process between you and me, so be sure to communicate your thoughts and concerns along the way. With the right mindset and a willingness to work, therapy can be a transformative experience that helps you achieve your goals and improve your quality of life.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
In-network insurances
Aetna
Cigna
Emblem Health
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University of Louisiana, Lafayette, Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy
NPI number
1336672112
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.40
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
5 reviews
Most relevant
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
How soon can I make an appointment with Leslie Cates?
Generally, Leslie Cates has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Leslie Cates's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Leslie Cates accepting new patients?
Leslie Cates generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Leslie Cates's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Leslie Cates accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Leslie Cates is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Leslie Cates online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Leslie Cates using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Leslie Cates work with?
Leslie Cates works with ReachLink.
What are common reasons for patients to see Leslie Cates?
Leslie Cates frequently sees patients for Anxiety, Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Leslie Cates on their profile.
What languages does Leslie Cates speak?
Leslie Cates speaks English.