Leslie Caffey, Licensed Professional Counselor

My Story: Becoming a Counselor

I was inspired to enter a helping profession by the work of my grandmother, a nurse in Ponca City, Oklahoma, where she worked with the Osage Indian Community. During the summer, I would go with her on her rounds. I was moved by the struggles of the Osage people and my grandmother’s compassion and skill in working with them.

I started out wanting to be like my grandmother and decided to enter nursing school, but I ended up doing a Master’s degree in Counseling instead.

One mission I have is to break the stigma about mental health issues. There is too much judgment by society for those who struggle with these problems, causing deep shame and turmoil for both adults and teenagers.

I’ve known and worked with several people who ended their lives via suicide, and I’m passionate about helping to prevent people from ending their lives.

I’m delighted I’ve found a rewarding career focused on improving the lives of others

And I feel honored to be a therapist.

My Strengths

Below are key reasons you might consider working with me:

• Non-judgmental – I create a safe environment for you to feel comfortable. I will accept you and your problems regardless of what they are.

• Caring and relatable– I build deep connections quickly with my clients.

• Highly intuitive – I can read between the lines and pick up on things you may not be aware of.

• Patient and flexible – We’ll work at a pace you’re comfortable with. If something isn’t working, we’ll change it to best meet your needs.

• Sense of humor – I encourage laughter and fun in our sessions as these can be incredibly healing.

• Structured yet relaxed style – I have an easygoing style but will follow an informal structure in our sessions so that we always know where we’re going.

• Wide range of experience – I have experience working with adults and adolescents with a wide range of issues in many different settings.

• Parent of 3 grown children – I know what it’s like to be a parent and how challenging teenagers can be.

• Stay Current – I take courses and read to stay on top of research and current treatment methods.

Counseling Experience

I’ve been working as a counselor since 2015. Before starting my private counseling practice, I worked at the Child and Family Guidance Center in Dallas, Texas, Health Seay Behavioral Health, and New Beginning Center for Domestic Violence.

During my work at these organizations, I worked with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with mood disorders, personality disorders, trauma and stressor disorders, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, and life transitions.

Education, Certifications, and Membership

• Master of Arts Degree in Professional Counselling, Amberton University, Garland, Texas

• Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas

• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Certification

• Member of the American Counseling Association (ACA)

• Member of Texas Counseling Association (TCA)

• Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International

A Peek into My Personal Life

I enjoy traveling to new places, the outdoors, learning, gardening, and spending time with my family, including my 3 daughters, who are in their 20’s. I adore my two white labs, Tito and Snoop.

I also enjoy spending time with friends and have a particular interest in history and research.

My family has a cabin on a ranch where I spend time with my family and the chickens, cows, and horses.

If you think you’re a good fit to work with me in therapy to help you create the life you’re longing for, contact me to schedule a call.

* Offering counseling services in person in my office in Dallas, Texas, or via video conference.