We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lesley Cross. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lesley below.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My job title doesn’t always tell the story of what happens inside the office walls.
As a counselor, I often hear that others assume I work with “messed up, sick, broken or confused people.” This is such a wrong assumption, as I work with amazing individuals who are passionate about partnering together to live their best lives, even when those steps are challenged.
As a counselor, I’m honored to play a role in helping individuals navigate their emotions and challenges, providing a safe space for exploration and growth. What makes this profession special is the profound impact counselors can have on their clients’ lives, guiding them toward healing and self-discovery. The collaborative atmosphere fosters trust and empowerment, enabling clients to build resilience. Ultimately, the journey of a counselor is rewarding, as I have a front row seat to witness transformative changes and the strength of the human spirit.
The practice name “Bridges Counseling” was specifically chosen to metaphorically represents the connections and transitions in mental health and life journeys. Just as bridges connect different areas, counseling helps clients navigate the gaps in their lives, guiding them from moments of struggle to paths of understanding and healing. This imagery reflects the support and guidance provided during challenging times, facilitating movement toward personal growth and emotional well-being.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
While my undergraduate and graduate work was important in my training, the three qualities I cite as being most impactful in my journey include self belief, people skills and adaptability.
Self-belief is essential for entrepreneurs, as it empowers to take risks and pursue the vision with confidence, even in the face of challenges. When I started my practice, it was me in a tiny one room office. I very much had the “if I build it, they will come” mentality. Had I not, I would have failed before I started.
People Skills: I work with people everyday who bravely share their most intimate and painful moments. I strive to meet each client where they are to create a foundation of trust and understanding, allowing for a more personalized approach that respects their unique experiences and individual needs. Building relationships with my clients is a gift & reward of this career. While there are surely tears & frustrations during sessions, we also experience joy, growth and even laughter together.
Adaptability: If COVID days taught us nothing else, it surely taught the critical requirement to adapt! I flex daily (sometimes hourly) to respond to my clients uniquely, but also have to be flexible to the changing conditions and client needs. Additionally, I have to be flexible on the way in which I balance and adapt my professional life around my person life & family of my own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bridgescounselingohio.com
- Instagram: @bridgescounlingoh
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/bridgescounselingoh
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