Leslie Gauntt, MSW, LSW (she/her)

Kids, Young Adults, Adults, New Moms, Moms, Parents and Families

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Parenting Challenges, Women’s Issues, Postpartum Anxiety, Depression, Chronic Illness, Career Transitions, Life Transitions, Relationship Stress, Work-Life balance, Self Esteem

Hello! I am Leslie, and I’m so glad you’re here. I grew up in Colorado, but fell in love with Chicago after attending Loyola University for my B.A.in Sociology & Women and Gender Studies. After completing a year of full-time volunteering in Juneau, Alaska, I returned to Chicago for Graduate school at Jane Addams School of Social Work at UIC.

As a mom and clinical professional, I bring real-world and clinical understanding of the challenges people face today. I have 10 years experience in a variety of mental health settings, including Pediatric Autism care, home services, community mental health centers and career counseling.

My approach

Something I love about my work is getting to meet with people from all different walks of life and across life stages and tailoring our work to your specific needs. The longest relationship we will ever have is the one with ourselves. It’s worth it to know yourself and make time for you.

I am trained in strengths-based and solution-focused therapy. I view the therapeutic relationship as a foundation for growth and healing. I strive to create a supportive, non-judgemental and collaborative space for you to explore your thoughts, emotions and behaviors. I believe small steps create the most lasting changes. My goal is to empower my clients to cultivate self-compassion and rediscover the tools you have inside and in your environment to support you to find fulfillment in each stage of life.

Autism (ASD) with special emphasis on sibling & family support

Through my work at The Pediatric Developmental Center and Esperanza Community Services, I’ve had a wide experience working with children ages 0-21 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Emotional Behavioral Disorder.

Children with ASD or behavioral struggles require a full team of support to succeed. I collaborate with schools, pediatricians, case management agencies and families. I’ve also helped facilitate Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings with students, families and school personnel as well.

Nothing makes a bigger impact, or is more important than the family in a child’s journey. However, when the family is working to support the child with ASD or behavioral issues, it can be stressful and easy to overlook the needs of the rest of the family. Tending to the needs of the parents and siblings is just as critical. I get it! I am passionate about having a safe place to say anything, grieve, normalize, laugh, cry, vent – so you are able to be your best when you return home.

I understand the nuances of ASD and have developed and implemented curriculum for social skills groups for early intervention, middle school and high school groups. I also have provided individual & group support using evidence-based practices for children with Autism. I love working with kids so much, I even completed a 40-hour training on providing music to children for early childhood development.

I love seeing my clients gain confidence, independence and be able to enjoy their lives.

Parents & Families

As a mom of two young children myself, I know (all too well!) how important it is to have some support. It’s so natural for your attention, anxiety and energy to be focused on your kids. But, I’ve seen firsthand that we have so much more to give our families when we’re taken care of , refueled and refreshed. My passion is ensuring parents feel heard with the struggles & realities that accompany modern day parenting. By providing tools and strategies to explore for yourself or within your family system, I hope to create time for us to discuss the joys among the difficulties that come along with building and nurturing your unique family unit.

Children

A kid’s journey is meant to teach them how to navigate the world, challenges, relationships and all the highs and lows that come with life. It’s a lot for anyone! Whether they’re struggling with behavior issues, developmental setbacks, making friends, feeling alone, struggling with friendships or social media, experiencing challenges at school or learning–I love helping them learn to feel comfortable in their own skin, find their unique strengths and enjoy their childhood. I hope to provide a space you feel seen and heard. I think play is powerful and important. Therefore, I often incorporate games, art, music, and movement into sessions to break the ice and help us stay engaged during our time together.

Chronic illness, Physical disabilities, and health issues (cancer, neurological, etc.)

When I was in High School, I went to therapy for the first time after my mother was diagnosed with Cancer. It was very difficult to see her life change because of a disease. It impacted her life, but it also impacted everyone in the families as well. We all had to learn how to grieve the change in what we knew our mom to be like, and embrace the change and her physical limitations. It was a very uncertain time, and my therapist taught me to focus on what I could control, in a situation that felt like I had very little control.

I saw firsthand the power of counseling. It not only helped me through a difficult season of my life while my mom recovered, but it gave me tools to develop throughout college, and my adult life and now a parent myself.

In fact, it was because of that experience, I knew I wanted to be in a helping profession to give back and help others in that way.

Pregnancy Loss and Postpartum care

Wanting a child is one of the most powerful desires in a woman’s heart. I understand. Trying to get pregnant and care for a baby is all-consuming. Your hormones are changing daily and your body changes. It’s a lot. And, to top it off, many women feel anxious trying not to be anxious. It’s overwhelming and one of life’s biggest changes. I understand personally and professionally, and am here to help be a gentle guide along your fertility, pregnancy or postpartum journey.

Career changes & finding your purpose at work

I have experience not only as a career counselor, but as a recruiter for entry and senior-level professionals. I know what many companies are looking for these days, and how to navigate the balance of finding something that is a good fit, but also gives you purpose and meaning.

Whether you’re looking to land your post-grad job, make a or a career change or get back into the workforce after parenting, I’m able to help you manage the job search, interview process, find your confidence and conduct an internal inventory to find a career that uses your gifts, talents and a sense of purpose.

For Fun…

I love to spend as much time as I can outside and exploring new places around the city and suburbs with my two young kids and husband. I’ve always had a love for traveling and therefore, I am usually dreaming up my next adventure. Music has been instrumental in my own healing journey. There is nothing quite like seeing live music, whether it is in stadiums or at a local street festival. I also enjoy creative outlets such as painting, knitting, photography and cooking new recipes.

To book an appointment, 847-919-9096 x.1, [email protected]