Leslie Cates , LPC

Leslie Cates is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Louisiana with 10 years of experience offering counseling and psychotherapy. She earned a Master of Arts in Counseling in December 2016 in New Orleans, LA, and has since worked with people facing a wide variety of life challenges.

Throughout her career Leslie has supported clients dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, low self-esteem, codependency, addictions, relationship difficulties, PTSD, grief and loss, and the effects of childhood trauma and abusive relationships. She has also assisted individuals coping with sleep problems, anger, career concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and caregiver stress, among other issues.

Her counseling style is warm and interactive, grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion without stigmatizing labels. She practices from a client-centered framework, allowing each person to set their goals while she tailors conversation and treatment to meet individual needs. Working from a strengths-based and solutions-focused perspective, she draws on multiple approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as techniques from Cognitive Processing Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help clients process traumatic experiences and manage intense emotions. Seeking help takes courage, and Leslie is committed to supporting and empowering people as they pursue healing and meaningful change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages people to clarify their values and take meaningful steps toward them while learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings. It can be helpful for stress, anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where the person determines the direction of therapy and the therapist provides empathy and support to foster growth and self-understanding. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, and is often used for anxiety, depression, and problem-solving around daily challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Leslie Cates works collaboratively with each person to explore which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies as therapy progresses so the work aligns with what the client finds most helpful.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility by allowing sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule appointments around work, caregiving, or other commitments and to maintain continuity of care when in-person visits are not practical. Licensed professionals can adapt these formats to provide structured, supportive, and goal-focused treatment that fits each person's life.