Leslie Cates, LPC
Compassionate Louisiana counselor for life changes
- Trauma informed care
- Anxiety and depression
- Flexible online sessions
About Leslie Cates
Leslie Cates is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Louisiana with 10 years of experience helping people navigate depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, grief, relationship challenges, and the aftermath of trauma and abuse. She earned a Master of Arts in Counseling in December 2016 in New Orleans and combines clinical training with a warm, interactive approach that emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion.
Working from a client-centered foundation, Leslie supports each person in defining their own goals and shaping the direction of therapy. She uses a strengths-based, solutions-focused perspective and draws on multiple evidence-informed methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, with supplemental interventions from Cognitive Processing Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy when processing trauma or managing intense emotions is needed.
Leslie helps clients reframe unhelpful thoughts, build more encouraging perspectives, and develop practical skills for coping with life changes, sleeping difficulties, anger, career stress, ADHD, and a range of relationship and family issues. Her practice also addresses more specific concerns such as abandonment, attachment and communication problems, codependency, chronic illness and pain, and substance-related difficulties.
She approaches therapy without stigmatizing labels and focuses on empowering people to take steps toward healing and greater fulfillment. For those ready to begin, Leslie offers supportive guidance aimed at practical progress and lasting change.
Working from a client-centered foundation, Leslie supports each person in defining their own goals and shaping the direction of therapy. She uses a strengths-based, solutions-focused perspective and draws on multiple evidence-informed methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, with supplemental interventions from Cognitive Processing Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy when processing trauma or managing intense emotions is needed.
Leslie helps clients reframe unhelpful thoughts, build more encouraging perspectives, and develop practical skills for coping with life changes, sleeping difficulties, anger, career stress, ADHD, and a range of relationship and family issues. Her practice also addresses more specific concerns such as abandonment, attachment and communication problems, codependency, chronic illness and pain, and substance-related difficulties.
She approaches therapy without stigmatizing labels and focuses on empowering people to take steps toward healing and greater fulfillment. For those ready to begin, Leslie offers supportive guidance aimed at practical progress and lasting change.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Leslie Cates have?
Leslie Cates has 10 years of experience providing counseling and psychotherapy services.
Is Leslie Cates a licensed therapist?
Yes. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). License details: LA LPC 7033.
In which languages does Leslie Cates provide therapy?
Leslie provides therapy in English.
Where is Leslie Cates located?
Leslie is located in Louisiana.
How can I work with Leslie Cates as my therapist?
You can work with Leslie through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Leslie Cates work with international clients?
Leslie does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Leslie Cates cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic approaches and online care with Leslie Cates
Leslie integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which emphasizes clarifying personal values and taking committed action while learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings - an approach that can help with anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, offering practical strategies for mood, sleep, and coping with symptoms. In keeping with her client-centered orientation, Leslie prioritizes a collaborative, empathetic stance where the client's goals guide the pace and focus of treatment.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Leslie works together with clients to explore what methods fit best given their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques over time to support meaningful progress. This collaborative process helps tailor treatment to individual strengths and circumstances.
Online therapy with Leslie is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, which increases flexibility for scheduling and makes consistent care more accessible. These options allow clients to engage in therapy from different settings and maintain continuity of support during life changes, while working with licensed professionals and therapists trained to deliver effective remote care.