Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Leslie Sanchez . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Leslie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?

I would have to say the best leadership I have experienced if when I worked at Douglas Youth and Family Services(DYYFS). I did my practicum there during my second year of my masters program and was offered a job there upon completion of my masters program. My program coordinator at the time was Sara Welsh, LMFT and assistant program coordinator Agustin Valadez, LMFT. These two individuals taught me the importance and the power of compassion and understanding, something I strive to share with my clients and those around me daily. Anytime I had a question or concern, they were always there ready to validate my feelings and ask “what do you need” or “how can we support you”. I feel like their kindness and understanding fueled me to be the best therapist I could be within our busy community mental health clinic. Our clinic specialized in workin with youth ages 5-18 who struggled with symptoms related to a Serious emotional disturbance (SED). A majority of our clients had experienced some form of trauma or adverse experience within their lifetime. Many of our patients struggles with safety concerns including suicidal ideation and self harm. The work we did was very difficult and also very rewarding. Under the leadership of Sara and Agustin, I felt safe, knowledgeable and like I could handle the work that was being presented to me because I knew I could count on their support. The knowledge I gained from them and working at DYYFS has significantly helped me as a clinician in private practice.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. I have known since about the age of 10 years old that I wanted to be in the mental health field after seeing my uncle battle substance abuse throughout his life and seeing how his addiction impacted not only him, but our entire family. I would look at my uncle and be so confused as to why he would engage in these behaviors despite seeing the pain it caused those around him. From then on, I became curious about psychology and why we do the things that we do. As a teenager, I also struggled with symptoms related to depression and anxiety. I wanted to seek help, however growing up in the typical hispanic household, I was told that I should have the “strength” and ability to figure things out on my own. Through my experience, I wanted to support individuals in being able to manage these symptoms and provide a space for people to share their concerns without the fear of judgement due to the stigma surrounding seeking mental health services. I started my private practice part time at the end of 2020 and then went full time in February 2021. I would say starting my own business was one of my biggest accomplishments. I had to push through fear and self doubt to see my own capabilities. In my practice, I enjoy working with older teens (16+) and adults who are struggling with symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and PTSD. A majority of my client’s have experienced some form of trauma or adverse experience including childhood trauma, relationship trauma, clients undergoing divorce, and client’s working towards healing parental wounds. I am trained and close to completing certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) a therapy model that works towards supporting clients in desensitizing previous traumatic events and being able to view them from a different perspective.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I am a firm believer in the quote “we rise by lifting others” – Robert Ingersoll. I enjoy helping other therapists start their own private practice and answer any questions they have related to making the transition into starting their own business. I really enjoying networking and connecting with other therapists in the area. I have hosted two therapist networking events so far and currently working on the third event. I love bringing mental health professionals together to build connections and also referral sources. Therapists are not a one size fits all, it is really great to have other therapists in the community to refer to who maybe do not have the same speciality as me. There are times where I will get a call from a potential client and I may be full or not specialize in the concern they are presenting with and I enjoy giving them information of therapists who may be able to help especially now that is has become very difficult to obtain mental health services. I feel like I have become a great resource to other therapists should they have any questions about starting their business or even about EMDR and trauma work. I feel like my colleagues see my eagerness to help and view me as a credible source for questions but also for referrals they may want to send my way.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I feel like my private practice has really been built on blood, sweat, and plenty of tears. When you get your masters degree to become a marriage and family therapist, there is no class on how to start your business (I really wish there was). A dear friend and colleague of mine was also opening her private practice around the same time as me and we both leaned on each other to create of businesses. Had it not been for her, I would have had no idea everything what would be needed to open a legitimate business. There were plenty of times where I doubted my abilities. I started my practice part-time at the end of 2020, not really getting any clients. I signed up on a website offering low cost therapy to get my practice on its feet. I started applying to work at already established group practices but was told I would have to close my business in order to work for them which I was not willing to do. After being told this so many times, I took this as a sign to just go all in on my business. I got an office space in Chula Vista, CA from my amazing colleague Lizeth Ma, who actually had another candidate also wanting the space but gave it to me instead and all she asked me to do was pay it forward in the future which I strive to do everyday by helping out other therapists wanting to start their business. Everything started falling into place and I made the jump full time in February 2021 and never looked back. Of course, it has been hard and I feel like I learn something every day but I know I have a supportive family and colleagues who I can lean on anytime I have a question or concern.      

Contact Info:

• Website: www.LeslieFariasLMFT.com
• Instagram: @LeslieFariasLMFT

Image Credits
Jaime Brant @JBrant_Photo