Leslie Zarker, LCPC, LPC — Therapist in Illinois

Hi there, I'm Leslie!

I work with adults who are used to holding everything together but feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck internally. Many of my clients are high-functioning and navigating burnout, stress, or relationship challenges. As an LPC/LCPC, I offer a supportive, practical space for meaningful change.

My focus

I work with adults navigating anxiety, burnout, and relationship challenges. Many are high-functioning but feel overwhelmed internally and struggle with overthinking, people-pleasing, or boundaries. As a veteran, I also support those navigating military and post-service life.

My approach

My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. I use CBT, ACT, and DBT to help clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and experiences shape current patterns. We focus on both insight and building skills to manage stress, set boundaries, and create lasting change.

My communication style

My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. I create a space where clients feel heard while also offering honest feedback and practical guidance. Sessions are focused and conversational, helping clients turn insight into real-life change.

My journey to mental healthcare

I became a therapist through early exposure to mental health challenges, which shaped my interest in how people navigate difficult experiences. I’m committed to providing practical, accessible care and creating a space where people feel supported, especially if reaching out for help feels difficult.

My goals for you

I take a collaborative approach to goal setting, focusing on what feels most meaningful to each client. We break goals into manageable steps and adjust as needed, with an emphasis on building skills and tracking progress in a realistic, supportive way.

Our first session

In the first session, we focus on understanding what brings you to therapy and what you hope to change. We’ll review your concerns, relevant background, and discuss how I work. My goal is for you to feel heard, comfortable, and clear on next steps.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White

Expertise

Specialties

Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum

Self Esteem

Trauma and PTSD

+ 11 more

Treatment approaches

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Dialectical (DBT)

Attachment-based

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Trauma Focused

+ 6 more

Focus populations

Military/Veterans

Educators

Police/Fire/First Responders

+ 3 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Cigna
Aetna
Allegiance
Allied
Arlo

+ 12 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Masters of Arts (MA) in Forensic Psychology from Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Sessions

Video session

60 minutes

Leslie Zarker