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Meet David

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Accepting New Clients!

Session format options:

In-Person

Virtual / Telehealth

David Leonard, LCMHCA

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor - Associate (#A20223)

  • MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Liberty University (2023)

  • Certified SYMBIS Assessment Facilitator

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Solutions-Focused Therapy

  • Exposure-based Therapy

Originally from Lexington, North Carolina, David is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA). A graduate of Liberty University's Graduate Counseling Department (Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2023), David has worked with with a diverse client population facing various clinical challenges in private practice settings. In each session, David is dedicated to creating a safe space where clients feel supported to share their experiences without fear of judgment. 

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David primarily works with adolescents age 13+, college students, and adults, and finds purpose in helping others navigate life's challenges. David often helps clients in areas of anxiety, internal conflict, life transitions, trauma, career direction, and relationship issues, among others. David is passionate about helping adolescents with anxiety find ways to overcome the weighted pressure during a pivotal time of growth and change. David also specializes in working with clients seeking to develop effective performance mindsets and personal resilience.

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David enjoys helping clients develop practical coping skills, identify growth areas, set boundaries, enhance self-esteem & acceptance, gain insight into thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs, and improve communication and relationship skills.

 

David has previously volunteered with local churches and has delivered presentations on the importance of mental health awareness. David has a strong commitment to the evolving field of counseling. He takes pride in continuous learning, always seeking to expand his knowledge and skills to provide the most supportive and effective care.

SPECIALTY AREAS

Men's Issues

Relationship Struggles

Autism Spectrum

Anxiety & Depression

OCD

Career Concerns

Self-Esteem

ADHD

Life Transition

Insurance & Billing Options:

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  • *May NOT include BlueLocal​, Medicare-, or Medicaid-sponsored plans*

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Blue Cross & Blue Shield*

Sailing Boat

Private-pay & Out of Network

​​David will be in network with most plans through Aetna, BCBS, Medcost, and CBHA soon. David also works with clients paying out of pocket or those who have out-of-network insurance, and has openings available for clients seeking reduced rate services as well.

From David:

"Through my own mental health struggles, I developed a passion...

...for greater awareness of mental health challenges. After obtaining a degree in business, my desire to help clients, foster their human connections, and create a place for them to feel seen drew me to the helping profession, where I could make a positive impact in the lives of others. 

 

What I find most rewarding in my work is witnessing the transformation of my clients into the individuals they aspire to be. I cherish the professional relationships I build and the privilege of accompanying you on your journey of self-discovery, growth, and healing. Each client's story is unique, and I am dedicated to fostering a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment in every meeting.

 

In my counseling philosophy, I first and foremost believe in the power of collaboration and empathy. I want you to feel validated, understood, and accepted from the moment you step into your session. The first step can often be the hardest, but I want to make it slightly easier by letting you know this is truly a safe place where you can be yourself and express your concerns. I want to work with you and do my best to support you each step of the way, because yes, it is a process, but we will go at your pace. 

 

My approach is integrative, drawing from various therapeutic modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical and Behavioral Therapy (DBT), narrative therapy, solutions-focused therapy, and person-centered therapy. These tools allow me to tailor the counseling process to each individual's unique needs. Basically, these approaches will enable you to learn more about your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors (all affect one another); become an expert in your own life through examining and recreating your story; and develop the solutions to your current circumstances that will help you reach your full potential.

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When working with me, we will determine your primary goals and create plans to achieve these. Right now, you might not be sure what those goals are or "should" be – and that is okay. We will first focus on your current needs, and gain clarity on what's most important to you in moving forward.

 

I want you to feel listened to as we work to discover your inner strengths and build the resilience you need to navigate life's challenges. In sessions, you can expect a mix of insightful exploration, practical guidance, strengths building, techniques, tools, and some humor. Laughter can be healing, and it is okay to have fun during therapy.

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I aim to create a therapeutic experience that is both enriching and validating. This will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, develop healthier coping strategies, and ultimately work towards a stronger version of you. 

 

With all this being said, I genuinely want you to know that I am here for you. You will get through this, but sometimes we need someone to be there with us along the way.

 

On a personal note, I enjoy being active: sports, working out, and being outside in nature are all a part of my self care. I value spending time with my friends and family as well as traveling to see new places. These experiences and relationships enrich my understanding of the world and inform my approach to counseling.

 

On a side note, for clients who identify as Christian and who want to incorporate their faith into sessions, I encourage you to let me know, and we can do so. Spirituality is an important part of my own story, and I would be happy to create space for this part of your story in our work together. 

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I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your journey towards wellness and personal growth!

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