We recently connected with Dr. Leslie Davis and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Leslie, so great to have you sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our readers and so let’s jump right into one of our favorite topics – empathy. We think a lack of empathy is at the heart of so many issues the world is struggling with and so our hope is to contribute to an environment that fosters the development of empathy. Along those lines, we’d love to hear your thoughts around where your empathy comes from?
Growing up as an only child and living with a single mom, I spent a lot of time alone. I always wanted the experience of living with siblings and having a big sister. Coincidentally, my friends all came from large families, which provided me insight to what it was like to be part of a traditional family. But as an outsider, my experience with these families often left me with questions. I often found myself asking “why” in relation to human behavior, and I believe my questioning positions me to approach others with empathy. My empathetic existence creates a safe space for individuals to share pieces of their hearts with me and opens doors to their healing. It’s not unusual for strangers to tell me their life story or to share their struggles with me. I believe it’s my intention to listen with understanding that connects with the pain in souls of the broken hearted.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am Dr. Leslie Davis. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Relationship Coach, Author, Speaker, and an advocate for women who want to heal their broken hearts. I am the CEO of Leslie Davis Coaching & Consulting LLC, As a survivor of toxic relationships, including intimate partner violence, I combine personal and professional experience to help women around the world to break free from toxic relationships in order to develop healthy connections.
My ideal clients are teens, young adults, college students, and high-achieving women who may struggle to develop healthy boundaries in relationships. I also enjoy helping couples in all stages of the relationship learn to navigate conflict and communication in order to promote healthy interpersonal dynamics.
Not only am I passionate about relationships but I am also passionate about Black Maternal Mental Health. I recently became a member of the Postpartum Support International and completed the training to become certified in Perinatal Mental Health. While attending their annual conference this summer, my passion to empower Black single mothers who may struggle with postpartum depression was illumined. The PSI conference confirmed my purpose for creating my podcast, SHE Matters with Dr. Leslie Davis, as a free psycho-educational resource for Black single moms, with the goal of reducing depression and suicidal ideation.
As I branch out to becoming a full-time entrepreneur as a Psychotherapist and Relationship Coach, I am excited for the upcoming release of my first book which focuses on developing healthy boundaries in relationships. I recently launched my YouTube Channel, Dr. D, which highlights topics relevant to relationship dynamics, especially for single women who desire to have a healthy relationship. This channel allows me to expand my reach to women around the world who may not be able to afford my services but are in need of relationship advice. (Don’t forget to subscribe!)
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most important qualities I possess which have assisted me in my life’s journey are empathy, resilience, and integrity.
Empathy is what allows me to connect with women and youth who desire emotional healing. For those who struggle to display empathy, my advice is to always approach communication with a goal of gaining understanding and not to impose judgement or your own will on others.
As a Black single mom of an amazing heart warrior son, I felt that I had no choice but to remain resilient, because at any moment if I would have given up, I would have lost everything. Throughout my life as a single mom I frequently hear, “I don’t know how you do it.” The answer is simply to keep going because I want to change my family’s legacy. I want to be an example to other single moms who feel stuck in their toxic relationships or they feel stagnant because they don’t have help. I want to be the example to single moms who dare to dream that their dreams can come true when they choose to live as an overcomer, not a victim.
When I was interviewed for my first big girl job as a child welfare worker, I was asked what does integrity mean to me. Integrity is doing what’s right no matter who sees you, and doing the right thing even when no one else is doing it. When you live with integrity, others will know you’re worthy of their trust. Trust is a key factor in all relationships, including business relationships. Without trust and integrity you are bound to fall prey to toxicity in your relationships. If you struggle with this, ask yourself what prevents others from trusting you, and work on that.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
During my PhD journey, I was required to complete a genogram, which shows family patterns relative to various topics. I learned that my parents were the only individuals on both sides of my family to attend college and earn a degree. My mother earned her doctorate just three years before I earned mine from the same school, Regent University in Virginia Beach. My parents’ emphasis on pursuing higher education motivated me to earn the highest degree and become part of the 2 percent of Americans who have a doctoral degree.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ldcoachingandconsulting.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlesliedavis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leslie.d.lcpc/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlesliedavis/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@drlesliedavis
- Other: https://www.brainzmagazine.com/executive-contributor/Dr.-Leslie-Davis https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/she-matters-with-dr-leslie-davis/id1608139697
Image Credits
Nguyen Photography
