Get to know our team
Leslie Bradley, MA, LCSW, PMH-C
Leslie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and our Chief Operations Officer who sees clients in our Lombard office and via telehealth.
Hi, I’m Leslie, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, but you might also call me a passionate advocate, trusted confidant, and an empowering, straight-talking fellow parent.
Parenting is messy. It’s not what you thought it would be. When will it get easier? Why is it so hard for me? How come everyone else makes this look so joyful? So simple? So fun?
I’VE BEEN THERE. I UNDERSTAND. I SURVIVED. AND YOU CAN TOO.
My experience during and after my first pregnancy overwhelmed, devastated, humbled, challenged, inspired, and surprised me. I thought I knew what I was signing up for; I took all the classes, picked my friends’ brains, scoured the internet, and bought “the latest and greatest” for my little one. And then my son was born and the whole world tilted on its axis and began spinning backwards! He made me feel tremendous joy and utter ineptitude. I cried, I prayed, I stared at his sweet little face and sobbed because I didn’t know how we were going to make it. I was in the depths of postpartum depression and anxiety, fearful and overwhelmed at virtually every moment. I felt alone, even though I was surrounded by people begging to help.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO CONTINUE TO LIVE IN THAT DARKNESS. TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP YOU HEAL, HELP YOU LEARN, HELP YOU THRIVE.
Perhaps your experience was a bit different. Your beautiful baby was born and then he/she missed some developmental milestones. No big deal, you thought; all kids develop differently. But then someone mentioned early intervention and now you’re faced with preschool screening or kindergarten or first grade and suddenly the teachers are talking in codes about IEPs, 504 plans, and evaluations. This isn’t what you expected and you don’t know how to navigate this world. You’re overwhelmed, uncertain, and fighting blindly to ensure your child gets what he/she needs.
I spent 12 years working in special education and I’ve been privileged to serve children and families who were thrown into a world where they weren’t sure which way was up and how to move forward. I can help you dissect, digest, and navigate the world of raising and advocating for your child with a disability. It’s a daunting, difficult, and remarkably rewarding blessing to parent a child with special needs, but it can also be sad, lonely, and defeating. I’m here to help. Together, let’s dig in and ensure that you are living your best life – for you and your family!
I’M HERE TO SUPPORT YOU THROUGH THE CHALLENGES, JOYS, ACCOMPLISHMENTS, AND FAILURES OF PARENTING.
I firmly believe in being authentic at all times. This means I bring my whole self to the therapeutic relationship. I share your pain, your accomplishments, your challenges, your hopes, and your dreams. You don’t have to walk this path alone; I’m right here beside you!
I believe in being genuine and ask the same from you. I’m someone who tells it like it is and supports you through the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’ll give you tissues. I’ll laugh loudly, curse, and wear comfy pants. If you’re easily offended, I’m probably not the right therapist for you. I am passionate, relentless in the pursuit of improvement, and dedicated to supporting you every step of the way!
I believe that “the most beautiful people in the world are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths” (Elizabeth Kübler Ross). That’s why I hope you take the next step in your healing by reaching out.
I look forward to hearing from you soon! Click on the link below to schedule your free 15-minute consultation today!
