Lesley, a licensed professional clinical counselor with supervisory designation, is the proud owner of Bridges Counseling. Lesley’s mission is to help people live intentionally and wholly, even when life presents challenges and pain.
Lesley believes that counseling is not a “quick fix” to the struggles of life, but by using an empathetic and results-oriented approach she works with her clients to ensure goals are identified and a therapeutic plan is outlined to push forward toward healing and progress. She strives to serve her clients by balancing behavioral and cognitive approaches, equipping clients with effective behavioral strategies as well as helping to process mental blocks and trauma.
Lesley’s professional experience consists of over 15 years of working with populations she is passionate about helping, including working with adults and teens, students at the collegiate level, with survivors of sexual assault, couples entering marriage as well as those facing times of struggle, working through infidelity and those dedicated not only to saving, but improving their marriage. She has been a speaker for churches, women’s groups, collegiate and business functions.
Lesley holds a B.A. in Business Management & Economics from University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio and received her M.A. in Clinical Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina. She is currently enrolled in classes at Liberty University working toward obtaining her doctorate degree in Marriage & Family Counseling.
In addition to her work as a Counselor, Lesley has experience working with clients as a Certified Coach and trained Mediator. Lesley is honored to be a part of the Central Ohio Academy of Collaborative Divorce Professionals as a Family Coach.
Lesley holds counseling, coaching and mediation sessions in the Worthington office of Bridges Counseling of Ohio.
As you go about processing your life transitions, losses, anxiety, and general struggles, please know that I consider it an honor and a privilege to hear your story and help YOU find the solutions and answers.
I have my own private practice in Dublin, Ohio. My career in counseling began in the 1980s when I volunteered as a helpmate for a partial hospitalization program assisting with recreation therapy and art therapy. Later, I graduated to a paid part-time recreation therapist position at a 30-day drug rehab for adolescents.
From those beginnings until now I have worked as a hospital psychiatric screener, an outpatient therapist at community mental health clinics and agencies, a social worker for Children and Families, and a Military and Family Life Counselor.
My favorite position is the one I have now, specializing in the treatment of adults and adolescents suffering adjustment disorders, depression, and anxiety.
I'm a new para-counseling coordinator for an afterschool program. This has launched me passionately into finding out more about my job from many angles. I look forward to networking!
Quanishia Gibson is a Graduate Student at Geneva College in the Marriage and Family Therapy Track and co-founder of Family Counseling & Mental Health nonprofit The Daughters Den. Gibson is committed to beginning internship in January 2024 at Victory Mental Health Services under the training of Velecia Luckette, LPCC-S.
I serve adult individuals experiencing mental health challenges or navigating major life changes, from all walks of life. I am especially adept at serving high achievers and complex developmental trauma survivors. My practice is centered around developing intentions, building mind-body awareness, and healing/growing intrapersonal and interpersonal connection.
After almost 25 years of education (MSW & MBA) and experience, Linda has developed an approach to counseling that draws on an individual’s personal strengths. She works with adults at any age but specializes in older adults and caregivers. She has helped clients with issues of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, grief, OCD, life transitions, developing coping skills and other concerns. She utilizes a number of techniques and therapies including patient centered, strength based, CBT, validation & reminiscence therapy, and mindfulness. Linda has been certified as a PTSD therapist, an Aging Consultant and is trained in EMDR. Her approach is open, accepting, honest and affirming. Linda’s goal with each client is to find “fuel for their soul” in hopes to help them move forward. She enjoys hearing each person’s story and witnessing their personal journey towards healing.
I am a Postdoctoral Scholar at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center with the STRIVE program. I earned my Ph.D. in Educational Studies with a specialization in Counselor Education in the spring of 2021, my BA in psychology from Boston University in 2015, a MA in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University’s School of Medicine in 2017, and an MPH in 2020 from The Ohio State University.
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Ohio and a National Certified Counselor. I also work in private practice in the greater Columbus area at Keller Counseling and Associates. I work mostly with clients around suicide, self-injury, sexual trauma, and eating disorders.
Gayle Garcia is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) working at Affirmations Psychological Services. She is receiving clinical supervision from Heidi Carter, LPCC-S, LICDC. She earned her Master’s degree at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. Being born and raised in Michigan she and her husband made the decision to move to Columbus, Ohio so she could pursue her doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at The Ohio State University, where she is currently working on her dissertation, hoping to complete it soon.
Gayle sees the work she does with clients as collaborative process and client centered. She works to build an authentic and safe space for her clients to heal and grow. She recognizes that change is hard and honors where her clients are at in the change process. She uses various modalities to help her clients succeed in reaching their mental and emotional wellness goals. Whatever intervention she decides to use it will be from a trauma informed, identity affirming, socially just perspective that honors the client’s story. Gayle has experience working with all ages and is willing to work with most presenting concerns, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, body image issues, and relationship issues. She has a passion for children and adolescents. For the past year she has been working at a hospital outpatient program for adolescents in crisis. Before that she worked with college-aged students who were in crisis and connected them with university and community resources. She has also worked in an elementary school as a mental health counselor.
