- CBT
- Solution-Focused therapy
- Career transitions
About Lesley
Lesley Schwam is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with 12 years of experience. She focuses on stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, addictions, relationship and family concerns, self-esteem, anger, career questions, coping with life changes, and ADHD.
Lesley uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy to help people take practical steps forward. She emphasizes daily behavior changes and short-term strategies that make problems more manageable. Early work often centers on basic coping skills and self-care so people can feel steadier.
She guides people to set short- and long-term goals and then breaks those goals into achievable steps. Boundary-setting and clearer communication are common skill areas in sessions. She also supports people working through career transitions such as finding a new job, changing careers, or adjusting to retirement.
For trauma, grief, panic, and depression, Lesley combines structured CBT techniques with solution-focused questions to identify what helps most in the moment. Sessions include learning tools for emotion regulation and practicing new patterns between appointments. People often leave with specific next steps to try in daily life.
Her practice also addresses blended family issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, body image, commitment or intimacy concerns, substance use, and family-of-origin topics. Lesley explains skills in plain language and focuses on clear, achievable changes rather than abstract theories.
To begin, she typically reviews immediate coping needs, clarifies goals, and builds a simple plan for progress. This practical approach aims to help people regain momentum after big life changes or when they feel stuck.
How her main approaches translate to online work
Lesley commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy in sessions. CBT looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and teaches concrete skills to reduce anxiety, panic, depression, and stress. Solution-Focused Therapy centers on identifying current strengths and small changes that move a person toward their goals, which can be helpful for life transitions and career questions.Choosing the best approach is part of the collaborative process. She will work with each person to decide which methods fit their needs and goals, adjusting tools and pace as progress is tracked. The therapist and client plan tasks and goals together and review what helps over time.
Confirm the session formats offered before booking, as current options are not specified here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a weekday break or to avoid travel time. They also support shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and allow practicing communication and coping skills in real-life contexts between meetings. These practical benefits can help someone who is dealing with a career change, grief, or feeling directionless after a life event.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she work with?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, addictions, relationship and family issues, self-esteem, anger, career changes, coping with life transitions, and ADHD.
How does she approach someone feeling stuck?
She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to identify small, practical steps. Sessions focus on coping skills, goal-setting, and boundary and communication work.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 12 years of experience as a practicing clinician in California since becoming an LMFT in 2015.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, licensed in California and practices there.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions billed and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with scheduling a session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.