Leslie Sanchez

Maybe you're feeling pulled in different directions. You're trying to figure out who you are, what you want, and how to make decisions that feel right for you, but the expectations of family, friends, or the people around you make that difficult. You may find yourself questioning your choices, struggling to speak up for yourself, or feeling guilty when what you need doesn't align with what others expect.

Maybe you're a teen trying to find your place, a young adult navigating independence, or a parent watching your child struggle with emotions they don't quite know how to express. Anxiety, self-doubt, family conflict, and the pressure to meet expectations can leave you feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to move forward.

Sometimes these struggles go deeper than what's happening right now. The messages you've received growing up, the roles you've taken on in your family, and the experiences that have shaped your identity can influence how you see yourself, express your emotions, and connect with others. You may recognize patterns in your relationships or reactions that you want to change, but aren't quite sure where they come from.

I especially enjoy working with children, teens, and young adults who are navigating anxiety, emotional challenges, self-esteem, identity development, family relationships, and life transitions. I'm also passionate about supporting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, particularly within the Latinx community, who may be balancing personal needs with family values, cultural expectations, or experiences that others don't always understand.

As your therapist, I want you to feel that your voice matters. You don't have to know exactly what to say, have everything figured out, or feel ready to share everything at once. I'll take the time to understand you beyond the challenges that brought you to therapy, including your relationships, culture, experiences, and what matters most to you.

I believe therapy isn't about someone telling you who you should be or how you should live your life. It's about helping you better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and develop the confidence to make choices that feel authentic to you. Together, we'll explore the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, build tools to manage difficult emotions, and work toward healthier relationships with yourself and others.

My approach is collaborative, person-centered, and grounded in cultural humility. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy to help you understand the connections between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical skills for navigating life's challenges.

I also recognize that your experiences don't happen in isolation. Family dynamics, cultural identity, intergenerational expectations, and the environments you've grown up in can all influence how you experience the world. I want our work to honor those parts of your story rather than ask you to separate yourself from them.

I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Chicano/Chicana Studies from the University of California, Davis, and my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from William Jessup University.