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Lesley Schwam

Lesley Schwam, LMFT

Therapist in California

Helpful, goal-focused therapy for daily life

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  • Goal oriented
  • Skills focused
  • Practical tools

About Lesley

Lesley Schwam is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. She uses practical, goal-focused methods to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. Lesley emphasizes simple steps clients can use between sessions to feel steadier and make progress.

Lesley draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to guide her work. She helps people notice unhelpful thoughts, test new behaviors, and break problems into small, achievable steps. Sessions often include learning coping skills, building self-care routines, and practicing clearer communication.

Her experience includes supporting people through trauma, PTSD, panic attacks, grief, and substance-related concerns. She also assists those facing life transitions like job changes, retirement, or new roles in family life. Lesley has practiced for 12 years and brings that background to each session.

Early work in therapy focuses on identifying short- and long-term goals. Clients and Lesley set practical targets such as boundary-setting, improving sleep and stress management, or reducing avoidance. She tracks progress and adjusts strategies when needed.

Therapy sessions are collaborative and action-oriented. Lesley encourages people to try small experiments between appointments and to notice what helps. The aim is steady, sustainable change so clients can move forward with clearer choices and more confidence.

This summary is based on the profile information listed on BetterHelp.

How these approaches guide online work

Lesley commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy in her work. CBT helps people identify and test unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors to change how they feel. It is often used for anxiety, depression, panic, and stress management. Solution-Focused Therapy zeroes in on what the client wants to change now and builds small, achievable steps toward that goal. This approach is useful for moving through life transitions and practical problems.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process. Lesley works together with each person to pick strategies that match their goals and preferences. She adjusts plans over time so techniques fit the client’s needs and day-to-day life.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats available before booking. Online work can make it easier to attend sessions around work, childcare, or medical care, and it can reduce travel time. Some formats also let people choose shorter check-ins or audio-only conversations when that fits better. Talk with Lesley about how to structure sessions so they fit your schedule and goals.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Lesley commonly address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related issues, anger, and career or life changes.

What is her general therapy style?

She uses goal-focused, practical approaches that emphasize coping skills, boundary setting, and clear communication. Sessions aim to set short-term steps and track progress.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Lesley has 12 years of experience working with a range of concerns including PTSD, panic attacks, grief, and life transitions.

What are her credentials and location?

She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, practicing in California.

Are sessions offered in languages other than English?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she work with international clients?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are fees handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What do I need to do to start therapy?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Therapists on BetterHelp do not prescribe medication. A doctor can talk with you about medical options. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988; in an emergency, call 911.

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