Leslie Magana (she/her/they)

My Approach to Helping

Together, we will work to understand your unique experiences, adjusting your perspective with curiosity and compassion. You don’t have to carry the weight of unresolved conflict alone; my approach is to help you build self-awareness and relational insight, empowering you to foster deeper connections and meaningful change. Whether it’s through addressing communication breakdowns, managing emotional triggers, or working through systemic challenges, I’ll meet you where you are, with the tools to guide your journey forward. My approach integrates Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with a critical awareness of power dynamics and systemic considerations. Additionally, I am exploring polyvagal theory as a tool to help navigate trauma, providing clients with new pathways to understanding and healing. I also integrate accountability work Allies in Change curriculum on abuse intervention.

Social Justice Issues We Care About

My journey in this field began with a dual degree in Psychology and Art (concentration in Photography) from UC Santa Cruz, completed in 2017. Following my undergraduate studies, I gained extensive experience working in California and Washington state, where I supported individuals and families experiencing homelessness. My roles included managing transitional housing programs, providing crisis intervention, assisting with resource allocation, and navigating tenant/landlord relationships. From this experience I learned to navigate the systems in which we live under and figured out how to make it work for my clients. Housing is healthcare. I also worked in a residential foster care group home for teens, which deepened my understanding of trauma, resilience, and family dynamics. Building on this rich foundation, I earned my MA in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy from Lewis & Clark College in 2023 to pursue relational therapy and I place a lot of emphasis on family of origin dynamics.