Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheilah Ledesma.
Hi Sheilah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I graduated in 2011 with my Masters in Social Work from the University of Central Florida and I set out to find a place that I felt I belonged to as a therapist. I worked at Memorial Healthcare System as a youth counselor for five years working with court-ordered adolescents and their families. In 2016, I had the opportunity of joining a group practice in Weston, FL where I was able to discover my passion for working in the private practice realm of therapy. This path led me to working in the private practice therapy setting ever since. For the past 4 years I was part of another group practice in Fort Lauderdale, where I was able to grow, get more clear on my ideal clients (clients I love to work with), and discover more of my professional self as an entrepreneur. In March 2022, I opened my own group private practice office in Fort Lauderdale, FL where I am now blessed to work alongside and collaborate with a team of passionate therapists and life coaches. We are so excited to be a supportive resource to our community and we have curated a warm, welcoming and calming space where all of our clients can feel comfortable and safe when they come in!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I believe growth is always going to test you with challenges. Taking the step to go out on my own has been scary because it is uncharted territory, but I’ve learned so much about myself along the way. I’ve learned a lot about myself personally, professionally and now as a business owner. This kind of growth is truly priceless and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Instead of letting the fear of the unknown overwhelm me, I’ve chosen to continue on my path step by step and allow faith to be my guide.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Lighter Living Counseling is a collaborative, boutique group practice made up by a team of five therapists/coaches who are passionate about helping people better connect to themselves (emotionally, mentally & physically) and others as well as finding ways to fully be present in their lives. We are known for collaboratively working together as we support the entire family system. We have a therapist/coach that can work with each individual that makes up the family. We specialize working with children, teens, adults and we offer individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and group therapy at our office. We have an expertise in helping clients heal from trauma and find healthy ways to cope with anxiety, depression, stress, grief/loss and other life transitions they may be experiencing. We are also known for providing group therapy and coaching which is difficult to find in South Florida. Our therapists use the following therapy approaches – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Social-Emotional Learning and Collaborative therapy. I am also trained in EMDR therapy which is a specific therapy approach for trauma. I am most proud of the beautiful and curated space that the therapists/coaches and clients get to enjoy from the moment they walk in. I think it is incredibly important for the physical space to provide a calming environment, especially for therapy. I want people to know that help is available for whatever it is they are going through. If you’re reading this and would like to know how to get started, call us for your free 15 min consultation!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lighterlivingcounseling.com
- Instagram: lighterlivingcounseling
- Facebook: Lighter Living Counseling
Image Credits
Mia Real
