What might change if you understood yourself more deeply?

An Examined Life

An examined life is not about finding all the answers. It is about developing the curiosity and courage to understand ourselves more deeply, allowing us to live with greater awareness, freedom, and intention.

The Process

The clients I work with come to therapy with their own unique histories, shaped by relationships, experiences, cultural influences, and personal values. Meaningful psychotherapy begins with an appreciation of that individuality. Our work together is thoughtfully tailored to your needs, priorities, and personal goals.

At times, therapy offers an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and make sense of experiences that may feel difficult or unresolved. At other times, the focus may be on navigating challenges, strengthening emotional resilience, or making meaningful changes. Often, it is a combination of both.

My Approach

My approach is collaborative, thoughtful, and grounded in the understanding that meaningful change rarely follows a prescribed path. My counseling style is warm and compassionate, with an emphasis on providing a safe, strength-based, and nonjudgmental space. I value forming a genuine therapeutic partnership, where we explore together the experiences and patterns that have shaped your life, creating opportunities for greater self-awareness, more fulfilling relationships, and a deeper sense of personal meaning.

My practice is grounded in psychodynamic theory, guided by a trauma-informed lens. I integrate evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and yoga also inform a mind-body perspective, recognizing the connection between our emotional experiences and physical well-being.

An examined life invites curiosity, reflection, and a deeper understanding of ourselves. Our work balances thoughtful exploration with practical insight, always honoring your individuality and personal goals.

Leslie Davis

MSW, LCSW

My interest in psychotherapy grew from both personal experience and a longstanding curiosity about people and the complexities of human behavior. Experiences within my own family of origin have given me an early appreciation for the impact of mental health challenges—not only on individuals, but also on their relationships and the people who care about them. These experiences helped shape my desire to pursue meaningful work with those navigating emotional challenges and difficult life circumstances.

For more than 20 years, my clinical experience has spanned private practice, community mental health, hospital and hospice settings, including providing direct clinical care within the UCSF Department of Psychiatry. My background also includes crisis counseling through suicide prevention hotlines and disaster relief efforts.

These varied experiences have deepened my understanding of the many ways people struggle, adapt, and demonstrate resilience as they navigate difficult periods in their lives. They have also reinforced my belief that therapy can offer something beyond simply managing symptoms or getting through the demands of everyday life—creating opportunities for greater self-understanding, meaningful change, and a more fulfilling life.

I believe change begins with understanding ourselves more deeply. Therapy provides an opportunity to explore the experiences and patterns that may be holding us back, develop greater self-awareness, and move toward more fulfilling relationships and a stronger sense of purpose.

Education & Licensure

Education:
B.A., Georgetown University
M.S.W., Smith College School for Social Work

Professional Licensure:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
California | Lic. #100845
Colorado | Lic. #CSW09929716
Texas | Lic. #107087
Virginia | Lic. #0904015691

Additional Training:

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) — UC San Diego
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — Level 2 Training
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — Beck Institute
Crisis Counseling Assistance Training (CCP)
Community Emergency Response Training (CERT)
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200)

ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

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COMPLEX TRAUMA & PTSD

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SUBSTANCE USE

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RELATIONSHIPS

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GRIEF & LOSS

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LIFE TRANSITIONS

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ADHD

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SELF WORTH

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PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM

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PROFESSIONAL STRESS

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ANXIETY & DEPRESSION . COMPLEX TRAUMA & PTSD . SUBSTANCE USE . RELATIONSHIPS . GRIEF & LOSS . LIFE TRANSITIONS . ADHD . SELF WORTH . PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM . PROFESSIONAL STRESS .

Services & Rates

Online Individual Therapy

$150 | 50-MINUTE SESSION

Individualized psychotherapy for adults in California, Colorado, Texas, and Virginia.

Sessions are conducted virtually through a secure telehealth platform.

Single Session Therapy

For Individuals

$200 | 50-MINUTE SESSION

A focused, one-time therapeutic session for individuals seeking clarity around a specific concern, decision, or life challenge, without the expectation of ongoing therapy.

Extended sessions are available upon request.

Complimentary Initial Consultation

15 minutes | No Fee

A brief opportunity to discuss your needs, ask questions, and explore whether working together feels like a good fit.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

Fees & Insurance

I am a private-pay provider and do not currently accept insurance. Superbills are available upon request for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This is entirely your choice. Some clients appreciate ongoing support from a therapist, while others prefer to focus on a specific issue and then move on. I check in with clients at regular intervals to make sure they continue to receive a sense of meaningful support and progress in their work.

  • Single Session Therapy is a focused, one-time therapeutic session designed to address a particular concern, decision, or life challenge. It offers an opportunity to gain clarity, explore new perspectives, and identify practical next steps without the expectation of ongoing therapy.

    Sessions are 50 minutes, with extended appointments available upon request.

  • My work is grounded in psychodynamic psychotherapy and guided by a trauma-informed perspective. I draw from several evidence-based approaches, thoughtfully integrating them according to your individual needs and goals.

    Psychodynamic Psychotherapy — Explores how past experiences, relationships, and unconscious patterns influence our present thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, fostering deeper self-understanding and meaningful change.

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — Helps identify and challenge patterns of thinking and behavior that may contribute to emotional distress.

    Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) — Incorporates practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and navigating relationships.

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — Encourages psychological flexibility, greater acceptance of difficult emotions, and choices aligned with personal values.

    Mindfulness & Mind-Body Awareness — Draws on my training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and yoga to encourage present-moment awareness, self-compassion, and a deeper understanding of the connection between emotional and physical well-being.

  • At this time, I am only seeing clients through my secure HIPAA compliant video platform.

    I am licensed to provide therapy for adults residing in:

    • California

    • Colorado,

    • Texas

    • Virginia.

  • Individual psychotherapy sessions are $150 for 50 minutes, and Single Session Therapy is $200 for 50 minutes.

    I do not currently accept insurance. However, I can provide a superbill upon request, which you may submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan.

  • I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discuss your therapy needs and answer any questions about my practice.

    You can schedule your consultation directly through the Book a Consult button at the top of this website.