Garrett m. leslie m.a., lmhc

ABOUT GARRETT

​Garrett received his Bachelors in Clinical Social Work (BSW) from University of Central FL in 1996 and studied both at Columbia Theological Seminary (now CIU) for Divinity & Pastoral Care and then Reformed Theological Seminary in Counseling Psychology from 1997 to 2001.  He has served as Pastoral Staff for Youth and Families and Supervisor Clinically for researched-based programs (Residential & Behavioral) along with a variety of formal Church and Para-Church Ministries and as Executuve Directors in private practice.  Garrett is licensed in the State of Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor.

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Additionally, he has been certified in both School Social Work and School Counseling and also had the privilege to serve as the School Psychologist for Severe Emotionally/Behaviorally Disturbed (SEBD) youth for 13 County Systems for both middle/high school students and their families. Garrett is a certified Stephen's Ministry Leader and Ed. Trainer, LSCI, PSAMS, PREPARE & ENRICH (Marital Program) certified and extensive postgraduate level training for PTSD, Panic Disorders, Psychological/Educational Assessments and Parenting & Prevention Research.

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For those patients who may be uncomfortable with the traditional EMDR method for trauma reduction, Garrett is trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and A.C.T. for those experiencing severe stress. He also continues to write and speak on publications and articles on mental health dually diagnosis, actual Christian Growth in relation to mental health, Spiritual Abuse and Spiritual Integration in practice.

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Because of this unique experieincal background, his approach is never one-size-fits-all. Instead, he works collaboratively with each client to understand their story, identify what's keeping them stuck, and develop practical strategies that lead to meaningful and sustainable change.

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One belief has consistently guided Garrett's work:

"A therapist can only take someone as far as they have been themselves."

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He believes effective therapy requires more than clinical knowledge. It requires humility, authenticity, compassion, and the willingness to continually grow as both a professional and a person. Healing is not simply about reducing symptoms; it is about helping people reconnect with themselves, strengthen their relationships, rediscover hope, and begin living with greater purpose and freedom.

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Clients often describe Garrett's style as warm, genuine, practical, and engaging. He believes therapy should be both supportive and appropriately challenging—a place where people feel safe enough to be honest while also being encouraged to take meaningful steps toward change. His goal is to help clients leave each session not only feeling understood but also equipped with practical tools they can begin using in everyday life.

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Garrett has pursued extensive postgraduate training throughout his career to ensure his clients receive care that is both evidence-based and deeply personal. His specialties include trauma recovery, anxiety disorders, marriage and relationship restoration, adolescent and family counseling, and the thoughtful integration of faith and psychology for clients who desire it. His clinical approach incorporates research-supported methods including the Gottman Method, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EFT, Trauma-Informed Care, Affair Recovery Protocol, Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), IFS, DBT, Mindfulness-based interventions, and specialized treatment for PTSD and complex trauma to name a few.

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In addition to counseling, Garrett has served on pastoral and clinical boards, supervised and trained mental health professionals, spoken at conferences and seminars, and contributed articles on topics including trauma recovery, adolescent restoration, authentic Christian growth, dual diagnosis, and the integration of faith and mental health. He remains committed to ongoing learning because he believes excellent care requires both experience and continual professional development.

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Outside the counseling office, Garrett enjoys surfing, is a big animal lover, spending time in outdoor adventures with his family, nutritional coaching, comedy shows, and making what he jokingly describes as "questionable attempts" at photography and painting. Above all, he treasures time with his wife and children. They proudly describe themselves as a family of big goofballs who value laughter, adventure, meaningful connection, and creating lasting memories together.

Whether someone is navigating anxiety, trauma, marital conflict, parenting struggles, grief, spiritual questions, or simply feeling stuck, his desire has always been the same—to "provide a place where people feel genuinely heard, deeply understood, and authentically equipped to have sustainable & lasting healing."

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Common Areas of Focus

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Trauma & Emotional Health

Trauma • PTSD • Anxiety • Depression • Panic • OCD • Grief & Loss • Self-Harm/Cutting

Marriage & Relationships

Marital Crisis • Couples Intensives • Marital Discord • Divorce & Separation • Affair Recovery • Pornography & Sexual Brokenness • Family Conflict • Premarital Counseling

Adolescents & Family Support

Teen Counseling • Parent–Teen Conflict • Behavioral Concerns • Adolescent Restoration • ADHD & Medication Concerns • Autism/Spectrum (teen & adult) • Severe Co-Disorders

Spiritual & Identity Concerns

Spiritual Abuse • Christian Counseling Integration • Faith & Mental Health • Gender Identity Concerns

Additional Services

Court-Related Concerns • Alcohol Abuse • Sexual Abuse Recovery • Therapist Supervision • Clinical Consultation & Training • Testing & Assessments • Intensives

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Appointments Available Monday–Friday
Limited Saturday Appointments Available

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