Leslie Ellwood , LPC

Leslie Ellwood is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Pennsylvania who brings a calm, genuine, and compassionate presence to her work. With 12 years of clinical experience, she focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions while supporting growth in self-esteem and coping skills.

She holds a Master of Counseling and a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Leslie blends evidence-based techniques with a person-centered stance, tailoring her approach to each individual's needs and goals. Her work commonly draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to create practical, personalized plans for change.

Leslie often incorporates relaxation practices such as progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and deep breathing, and she encourages physical activity as a complement to mental health work. Known for listening closely and guiding clients with integrity and compassion, she aims to help people find clearer thinking, greater balance, and sustainable ways to cope with life’s challenges.

How Leslie's Approaches Translate to Online Therapy

Leslie uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients clarify what matters most to them and build actions aligned with those values while accepting difficult thoughts and feelings. ACT can be helpful for stress, anxiety, and life transitions by focusing on meaningful change rather than symptom elimination.

She also integrates Client-Centered Therapy, offering an empathic, nonjudgmental space where the therapist follows the client's lead to foster self-understanding and personal growth. This approach supports work on self-esteem, relationships, and coping with loss.

Leslie blends these with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) when targeted changes in thinking or behavior are helpful, teaching practical strategies for managing mood, anxiety, and unhelpful patterns.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Leslie works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they tailor sessions and techniques so therapy feels relevant and doable.

Online sessions can take place by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, fit sessions into a busy life, and access support from home or work when needed.