Leslie Zarker , LPC, LCPC

Leslie Zarker is a licensed counselor practicing in both Illinois and Missouri with six years of professional experience. She holds LPC and LCPC credentials - LPC denotes a Licensed Professional Counselor and LCPC denotes a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor - and she works with people facing stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, difficulties with motivation, low self-esteem and confidence concerns, and depression.

She focuses on creating an open, nonjudgmental environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared freely. Her approach emphasizes collaboration and support as clients begin the therapeutic process. Beginning therapy often requires courage, and Leslie acknowledges and honors that first step while guiding clients through early sessions and goal setting.

Across her work, she aims to help clients build practical coping skills, explore underlying concerns, and increase resilience so they can move forward with more clarity and self-compassion.

Evidence-Based Techniques and Online Therapy Options

Leslie Zarker uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that translate well to online formats. One core focus is skills-based work for stress and anxiety - teaching practical strategies to manage symptoms, regulate emotions, and improve daily functioning. Another emphasis is trauma-informed care for those affected by trauma and abuse - providing a paced, supportive framework to process difficult experiences and build safety and coping capacity. She also supports work on motivation and self-esteem through structured, goal-oriented methods that help clients strengthen confidence and direction.

Choosing the right therapeutic approach is part of the process. Leslie collaborates with each person to determine which techniques fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan over time as progress and feedback shape the work together.

Online therapy with Leslie can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent care, maintain momentum between sessions, and find a format that fits everyday life while working toward meaningful change.