Professional Profile

Leslie Ray, a licensed psychotherapist (US: M.S., LMFT; FRANCE: French/European certification: CEP - Certificat Européen Psychothérapie et psychologue) in private practice, offers counseling and community services to Anglophone clients in Aix en Provence and the PACA region. She works with individuals, families and groups to cope with and overcome a variety of challenges including:

• Culture shock
• Study abroad adjustment and crisis intervention

• Eating disorders
• Relationship problems

• Communication

• Anger management
• Stress management
• Grief and loss
• Anxiety and depression
• Parenting support
• Creativity

It is Leslie’s mission as a psychotherapist to create a safe and confidential environment and to facilitate all individuals to develop greater trust, compassion, clarity and choice so that they may live with greater meaning, awareness and peace of mind.

Her primary therapeutic focus is on transition as she has found, in her 20 years of working with people, that change is often the basis of many personal and interpersonal challenges. What may seem like obstacles that arise from transition are valuable opportunities for personal growth. She currently serves as a resource for many of the universities and organizations receiving expatriates for employment or study abroad experiences.

Using a blend of cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, Rogerian, systems theory and Ericksonian hypnotherapy approaches, Leslie facilitates the conscious cultivation of mindfulness to enhance insight and integrate body, mind and spirit.

Leslie has served as an innovative educator and consultant and has been active in the counseling and prevention of child and spousal physical and sexual abuse. She has led groups on parenting, mothers and daughters in healing dialogues, meditation and creativity. She has also developed stress management and yoga programs in corporate settings, including Merrill Lynch in San Francisco and the Department of Defense in Southern California. Leslie has served as a co-director of a scientific study funded by NIH (National Institute of Health) and conducted through UCSD (University of California at San Diego) exploring the effectiveness of two meditation protocols in the treatment of OCD.

After 15 years of private practice in California, she moved to Aix en Provence in 2004. She understands the phenomenon and complications of “culture shock”, a transition that continues to be a rich opportunity for her in her own personal growth.

Outside of professional activities, Leslie enjoys a personal yoga and meditation practice, writing, black and white photography, music, cooking and exploring the corners of her world as an expatriate in the South of France.

Calendar: Groups and Lectures

BEGINNING MEDITATION COURSE

This group is offered for those interested in developing greater self-awareness and trust through a mindfulness practice or developing an effective strategy for managing stress. Designed for beginning a personal meditation practice. *

Course: 5 weekly sessions
Dates: Thursday evenings, new groups begin on the following dates:
3 March 2011
14 April 2011
26 May 2011
Time: 7:30p (19h30h)
Fee: 60 € (paid in advance)
Location: To Be Announced - details given upon registration (depends on size of group)
Call or email to reserve your place: 04 42 57 80 22 or leslie13100[at]yahoo.fr

*Participants from former courses may attend the course sessions as a "refresher" (as space allows) for 5€ per session. Participants completing the full course will have the option of attending a free monthly meditation session when they begin (January 2010).



PARENTING OF TEENS

Active Parenting of Teens, a video-based program, gives parents a handle on dealing with teens effectively and coping with tough issues. Explore the world of 'ados' with the support of fellow parents and the guidance of an experienced and compassionate group leader in six weekly sessions.

The Active Parenting program offers preparation and support to improve communication and redirect your teenager's behavior.

Course: 6 weekly sessions
Fee: 95€ individual; 150€ couple (+ required workbook 20€)
Dates: TBA
Location: To Be Announced - depending on size of group



CULTURE SHOCK Lecture

Identifying and developing coping strategies for navigating the phenomenon of Culture Shock.

Leslie offers lectures and round table discussions to the American University Programs in Aix en Provence gratuit. Call to set up a lecture for your group.

Lecture schedule:

27 September: CEA study abroad program, Aix en Provence

6 October: APA (Academic Programs Abroad), Aix en Provence

21 October: ITER Welcome Seminar, Cadarache

6 January 2011: Women's Support Group, ITER, Cadarache

MANAGING STRESS - NEW!

Managing stress in a corporate setting. Identify stress triggers and learn techniques to manage the responses and outcomes.



Questions about a course or group? Interested in booking a presentation or lecture? Send email to: leslie13100[at]yahoo.fr

For Your Library of Resources

Two very helpful tools to add to manage stress!

150 Secrets To A Stress Free Life

Are You Stressed?

Tension headaches? Sleeping badly? Change in appetite? Catching every bug that blows through town? These are just a few symptoms that may occur indicating chronic stress.

Good Stress/Bad Stress

There are two kinds of stress: distress, which arises when imposed demands are perceived to exceed our ability to cope, and eustress, which often enables us to perform well under pressure, or tap into unknown resources in a crisis.

Symptoms of Chronic Stress

Chronic stress often leads to:

• Irritability or depression
• Pounding of the heart
• Shortness of breath
• Inability to concentrate
• Tendency to become fatigued or ill

Left unattended, chronic stress can lead to serious health conditions such as:

• Hypertension
• Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
• Burn-out
• Depression
• Chronic Pain

150 Secrets to a Stress-Free Life is filled with tips for reducing and managing stress. Keep this booklet within easy reach for quick reference. Lasting changes begin with one small step. Then it's just one foot in front of the other!

A sample from the Table of Contents for 150 Secrets to a Stress-Free Life includes:

Good Stress/Bad Stress
The Stress Reaction
Using this Booklet
Using the Breath
At Work
Food and Eating
Self-Care and Comfort
In Relationships...and more!

A Few Breaths Here

Research shows in repeated studies that meditation is a powerful tool in managing stress. A Few Breaths Here is a CD designed for the beginning meditator. Step-by-step instruction is given for hitting the cushion and staying on it one minute at a time. Everything is here for you to begin your own meditation practice and see the benefits of a few breaths spent in a quiet, mindful space. A deep relaxation process is also included on this CD.

Available for purchase now!
Purchased separately:
*150 Secrets to a Stress Free Life (booklet): 5€**

A Few Breaths Here (CD): 18€**

Or Save 15% when purchased together!
(Booklet and CD): 20€**

Email now to purchase!

*Price list for multiple copies or individualized printings for your business or organization available on request. Contact me by email at: leslie13100[at]yahoo.fr

**Charges for shipping/handling not included.