Leslie Magaña  

Registered Associate Marriage Family Therapist

Welcome to My Practice

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 Masters of Arts 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.

I am deeply committed to helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of their relationships, offering specialized expertise in conflict dynamics, managing controlling behaviors, and addressing anger. My approach is holistic, encompassing a wide range of relational issues, including communication challenges, emotional intimacy, and sexual concerns. By focusing on the unique dynamics of each relationship, I aim to create a supportive environment where growth and healing can flourish so you and your family can flourish.

I am dedicated to respecting the investment you make in this process. 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 have experience working with a diverse range of clients, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, and I currently facilitate an open group for LGBTQ+ abuse intervention at Allies in Change where all identities, abilities, and bodies are welcome. While I have supported many individuals and couples from various identities, I remain humble in acknowledging that I am continually learning—particularly within the ever-evolving LGBTQ+ community.

Viewfinder Counseling: A Tribute to the Art of Seeing

In the quiet stillness of a captured moment, photography ignited my journey into the depths of human experience. The viewfinder, a small window into vast worlds, became my muse— guiding me to see beyond the surface, to explore the intricate weave of process, relationship, and mindfulness that art offers. Cameras, at the intersection of physics and magic, serve as powerful tools for capturing time and memory, freezing moments that speak to the heart.

"Viewfinder Counseling" is a homage to that initial spark, a celebration of the way art and photography taught me to find meaning in the subtle interplay of light and shadow, presence and absence. While I do not practice art therapy, the lessons learned from these creative pursuits inform my approach. Together, we can build on perspective, drawing from the art of seeing to deepen our understanding of the self and the world around us.

Today, my focal point has shifted to the relationships that shape our lives. I believe that, like the elements in a photograph, we are in constant relation to everything we encounter. Through therapy, we can adjust our lens, enhancing our awareness and refining our understanding to navigate life with greater clarity and intention. Just as a photograph captures the essence of a moment, our work together will aim to capture the essence of your truth, guiding you toward healing and growth.