Personal Statement

Here are two things that I want you to know above all else: 1) you are not your problems, and 2) you are already enough. That's right. I know it is a little different than they way we often think of ourselves. It is all too common to identify with problems and weaknesses or to worry about being inadequate in some way. We can think of all of the ways we are supposed to be or how things were supposed to go, and all this does is pull us further from who we really are, here and now. So if you would like to get back to who you are as you cultivate peace, joy, meaning, and connection in your life, you've come to the right place!

My name is Leslie Ralph, Ph.D., and I am passionate about helping people find these very things. I specialize in fear and courage, which means that I work with people experiencing anxiety, self-esteem or confidence issues, perfectionism and control issues, and performance-related concerns like imposter syndrome and performance anxiety.

My work is informed by client-centered, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, and narrative therapies and integrates mindfulness, meditation, compassion, and positive psychology interventions. I am curious, collaborative, and compassionate as a therapist. What all of this means is that I pay attention to who you are, where you come from, and where you’d like to go. We will talk about the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and actions, the meanings that you make of certain situations, and how you can be a kinder person to yourself as you navigate life’s challenges. It is my goal to work with you to understand your questions, your goals, and your own expertise in your life. While there is certainly time to talk about the problem, I consider my style as more strength and value based. This means that we spend time talking about what matters to you and the skills you have to uncover the beauty in your life and work through challenges.