Anxiety, Depression, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Anger Management
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Lesley
Dr. Hammond is a post-graduate resident therapist who specializes in building trusting relationships. Lesley works jointly with her clients to create workable and attainable goals in support of each individual’s needs. Dr. Hammond’s undergraduate studies in Psychology were completed at Kennesaw State University. Lesley received her Master of Arts from Argosy University Atlanta and continued to complete her counseling doctoral program at Argosy as well.
Dr. Hammond’s therapeutic foundation is based on providing a safe place for clients to express, explore, and better understand their vulnerabilities and strengths. Lesley utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Person-Centered and Strength-Based interventions. “I have found that when individuals are supported through these theoretical interventions, they have the ability to better understand and develop coping skills to overcome their unhelpful thoughts and behaviors," she says.
While completing Lesley’s doctoral internship, she spent several months working within the Smyrna, GA, Ridgeview Institute’s detoxification program. One of the most valuable lessons Dr. Hammond learned was “everyone in the program had a story” and “whether that story was shared in individual counseling sessions, or in a group session, feeling safe enough to express how one thinks and feels is healing in itself.” No matter what the challenge, please reach out to Lesley to explore the therapeutic possibilities in creating mindful and meaningful changes.
"As a seasoned clinician, I take an empathetic and collaborative approach in supporting and empowering individuals to overcome short- and long-term challenges. I understand the struggles and the rewards."
Get to know Lesley
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
It started in my high school years. I was curious about my family systemics and each members story.
What types of clients to you work with best?
My experience is primarily with young adults through older adults. The frontal lobe is more mature and is used to think, make decisions, and plan.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I look forward to working with any client with challenges, particularly with depression, anxiety, and substance use.
What’s one thing you wish all clients knew?
No one knows you better than you do. This is why I utilize CBT therapy paired with person centered and strength based interventions to collaboratively empower each client to create and sustain mindful and meaningful changes.
What inspires you?
Waking up every day and not finding my name in the obituary!
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
The first session is the foundation for the rest of therapy. I strive to be a good listener, be attentive to the client’s needs, and meet the client where they are at the moment.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
I try to answer questions, provide information about my theoretical orientation, discuss the legal and ethical boundaries of continuing therapy, and hopefully ease their concerns as we work together on the challenges and formulate a treatment plan with goals they help create and can attain.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 2 years
- Graduating institute
- Argosy University
- Graduating degree
- EdD
Additional details
Practice information
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