Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasia Leondis, LMHC, NCC.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Anastasia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was first licensed as a Mental Health professional counselor in 1998 and have lived and worked in Colorado, New York and currently in Boca Raton, Florida. My area of expertise is in helping parents and families find better ways of getting along. From coaching parents of young children on what the best strategies are for ensuring good behavior and healthy development, to guiding parents of teenagers to what the most effective methods for managing the challenging teen years, to helping couples who are struggling to redefine their lives and relationships once their children leave home… I have helped 1000’s of families over the two decades of my career.
Most recently, I have grown my practice from a solo private practice to a group practice. Each clinician in Boca Behavioral Health has a different niche, and all relate to supporting children, adolescents, teenagers or families through difficult times.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There are many challenges that I have experienced in the work I do. Some obstacles are related to the licensing requirements that each state has. As I moved to a different state, I had to determine if I met all the criteria to maintain my license. To address that, I chose to also become Board Certified by the National Counseling Association (NBCC), which requires additional continuing education, beyond what each individual state requires. Although it can be time-consuming and costly, I believe that the demanding expectations of the National Board Certification process ultimately allows me to bring the most updated treatment methods and latest research models to the work I do with clients.
Additionally, there is the concern of “burnout” as it relates to the very stressful work involved in helping support people that are often dealing with the worst events of their lives.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Boca Behavioral Health story. Tell us more about it.
I help families in crisis. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for over 20 years, I have been able to guide and teach parents how to address problematic behaviors, manage trauma that resulted from death, divorce, illness, and other traumatic events, as well as assist people of all ages with stress management, anxiety, and depression. I feel blessed that I can work in a field that I LOVE and although it’s challenging work, it is also rewarding to see how people’s suffering can be reduced with support and guidance.
My approach to therapy is Solution Focused and uses Cognitive Behavioral Interventions. I take a strengths-based approach, where I help clients identify the skills and abilities that they already possess to help find solutions to their problems. My many years of experience continued education, and extensive training, allows me to offer concrete examples and specific interventions that help clients work on their goals.
We always love to ask about the support network – have there been people, perhaps mentors or advisors, who have played a big role in your success?
My biggest cheerleader is my husband (and best friend), Mark. He has enthusiastically supported and encouraged me every step of the way. When I am apprehensive about a new venture or taking a risk, he helps me weigh out the pros and cons and helps me determine if it’s a good decision. He’s always had my back and I know that I can always count on him.
Contact Info:
- Address: 399 W. Palmetto Park Rd
Suite 106
Boca Raton, FL 33432 - Website: www.BocaBehavioralHealth.com
- Phone: 561-961-9077
- Email: anastasia@BocaBehavioralHealth.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/bocabehavioralhealth
- Facebook: facebook.com/bocabehavioralhealth
Image Credit:
Pictures were taken by me or my friend Mark Mantalos
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