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LMFT

Lesley Schwam, LMFT

  • Experience12 years
  • LocationCalifornia
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Trauma and abuse
  • Therapy approachesCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy
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Check the available next steps for working with Lesley online.

About Lesley

Lesley Schwam is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California who centers her work on practical, skills-based approaches to change.

Background and approach

With 12 years of clinical experience, she uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients identify patterns, build coping strategies, and take concrete steps toward personal goals. Lesley emphasizes that small, consistent shifts in behavior can create meaningful progress over time.

Her practice addresses a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related issues, anger, and life transitions such as career changes and retirement. Lesley also attends to areas like self-esteem, family problems, blended family issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, and ADHD as part of her broader focus.

Early work in therapy commonly involves learning self-care, developing coping skills, setting short- and long-term goals, and practicing boundary and communication skills. Lesley frames therapy as a collaborative process that focuses on solution-building and measurable progress.

She supports clients in discovering practical tools and new ways of interacting that make daily life more manageable and help them move toward the goals they set together.

Practical Therapies Delivered Online

Lesley uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients notice and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; this structured approach is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and coping with life changes. She also applies Solution-Focused Therapy, which concentrates on identifying strengths and concrete steps a person can take now to move toward their goals and resolve immediate concerns.

Choosing the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. The therapist and client work together to determine which methods best match the client’s needs, goals, and preferences, and they adjust techniques as progress unfolds. This collaboration aims to keep sessions focused, practical, and aligned with what the client wants to accomplish.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These options make it possible to engage in regular, goal-oriented work from home or other convenient locations, while preserving continuity of care during life transitions and busy periods.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?
Areas of focus include stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related issues, anger, career transitions, coping with life changes, and ADHD among other concerns.
What therapeutic style does Lesley use in sessions?
She draws primarily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, using structured, practical techniques to identify patterns and work toward specific goals.
How much clinical experience does the therapist have?
Lesley has 12 years of experience working with issues such as trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, grief, and life transitions.
What credentials and location are associated with this therapist?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with credential CA LMFT 85910 and practices in California.
Does Lesley offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are provided in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What formats are available for working together online?
Clients can meet through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging according to therapist availability.
How are costs and payment handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What is the process for beginning therapy with this clinician?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesADHD

Additional focus areas

Blended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Solution-Focused Therapy

Experience

12+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English

What Lesley can help with

Lesley Schwam works with clients on stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and depression.

Lesley works with trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

How Lesley approaches therapy

Lesley's clinical approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Lesley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California, with 12 years of clinical experience.