Leslie Gray, LCMHC

Leslie Gray is an LCMHC (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor) based in North Carolina with ten years of clinical experience. She focuses on addictions and related concerns, and she helps people who are struggling with substance use find clearer direction and practical steps forward.

Leslie works from an existential viewpoint that sees many struggles as part of a search for meaning. She combines that perspective with a client-centered style, so sessions start with what matters most to the person in front of her. She often sets brief, solution-focused goals that match a client's priorities rather than using a one-size-fits-all plan.

Leslie also uses elements of cognitive behavioral methods to help spot and change thinking and behavior patterns. For trauma-related work she may draw on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and mindfulness techniques to reduce the intensity of painful memories and strengthen coping skills. Motivational interviewing is part of her approach when people face mixed feelings about change.

People who come to her often mention anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, ADHD, relationship and family stress, grief, anger, or compassion fatigue in addition to substance concerns. She has experience with domestic violence and drug and alcohol addiction among other issues.

In sessions, Leslie aims to create space for difficult feelings and to help people move through them without giving up. She encourages small, practical steps and ongoing reflection so progress is noticeable and meaningful over time.

How Leslie's approaches translate to online work

Leslie commonly blends client-centered work, cognitive behavioral techniques, and mindfulness in her practice. A client-centered approach means conversations focus on what the person most needs and wants to change. Cognitive behavioral techniques look at patterns of thinking and behavior and break those into manageable steps. Mindfulness practices teach simple ways to notice stress and build steady coping skills that can reduce reactivity.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Leslie collaborates with each person to identify which methods make sense for their goals and preferences. Together they decide whether to emphasize practical behavior changes, meaning-making, trauma processing, or motivation-focused work at different points in care.

Session format options are not specified in the biography, so confirm current session choices before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time so people can access support from their usual routines. Many people find that regular online sessions help maintain momentum between meetings and support steady progress toward their goals.