Welcome to
The WNY Holistic Counseling Center
At WNY Holistic Counseling Center, we know that life can be challenging, complicated and stressful. Sometimes it’s overwhelming…
2010
The WNY Holistic Counseling Center began as a solo practice offering holistic psychotherapy to individuals in the community, focusing on treating anxiety and stress management, with a focus on trauma resolution.
2016
WNY Holistic Counseling Center added our first associate clinician and expanded our offerings to include DBT and treatment for depression, caregiver stress, and grief & loss.
Today
A decade and a half later, WNY Holistic Counseling Center is pleased to have expanded into multiple offices, and have added several clinicians to our team, so we can offer a wider array of services to help serve even more of the needs in our community. We are currently offering EMDR Therapy, CBT, DBT, IFS and many other integrative types of therapy to meet your specific needs.
Our Team
Amanda
Although I am originally from Western New York, I lived in Missouri for several years. When my mother became ill, I returned to help my father care for her. Ultimately, I took care of both my parents. Caring for them, while juggling the other parts of my life, was very difficult. Following the loss of my parents, and other losses around the same time, I went through a period of time where I struggled. The years of care-taking, all the losses, the stress of handling their affairs, and coping with my grief all felt like too much. It took me some time and some really good support before I felt more like myself again. We all have struggles and deal with different issues. I truly care about my clients and want to help them find their way to a better life. I know that it can seem insurmountable at times, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I am passionate about helping people move beyond the obstacles, make positive changes and empowering them to their highest potential of mental health and well-being. I want to make your life better. I provide a warm, relaxed, and comfortable approach to counseling. I practice from an Integrative approach, which means I utilize a variety of orientations and therapies, according to my client’s individual needs. My approach involves genuine caring, healing, acceptance, and non-judgment. I also work with my clients from a strength-based, positive, and affirming perspective. I can assist you with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, unresolved emotional issues, self-esteem, caregiving issues, grief and loss, creating more meaning and purpose in your life. I work primarily with adults. I would very much like to help you through your hard time. Please call me at (716) 926-6009 ext 2. You may also schedule an appointment.
Education:
Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, MA Psychological Counseling
Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, BS Psychology
License, Certifications & Publications:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, The University of The State of New York
Licensed Professional Counselor, Missouri Division of Professional Registration, Missouri State
National Certified Counselor, National Board For Certified Counselors
Gender Specific Treatment for the Chemically Dependent, Dr. Diane Marr and Amanda Wenner, Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, Summer Edition 1996
Additional Training:
Specialized Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), The Linehan Institute
Lesley
As the oldest of five children, an aunt to several nieces and nephews, a friend to many, and as a wife and a therapist, I know that life can be chaotic, complicated and stressful. Sometimes it’s overwhelming.
There are days I literally have to remind myself to breathe. I also know that it doesn’t have to be that way, it can get better. I have learned that sometimes some very simple things (like taking a few deep breaths) make a world of difference. For the “really big” things in your life, I know that although it doesn’t feel like it, it is possible to change your perspective on those events and not be so affected by them (and if you’re thinking, “yeah, right”… I didn’t believe it either until I experienced it for myself!).
I am so passionate about sharing what I have learned with you, helping you effectively cope and feel better. In my work, I help to integrate the whole person, drawing on your strengths, positive qualities, past successes and inner resilience. I work with adults and adolescents on both personal and interpersonal issues. My approach is holistic. I address all aspects of your being: physical, mental, emotional, relational and spiritual.
If you would like to talk about what’s going on, I would love to hear your story. Please call me at (716) 926-6009 ext 1 or schedule an appointment.
Take good care,
Lesley
P.S. For those of you who are interested, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a private practice in Amherst, New York. I hold a Masters’ degree in Mental Health Counseling from Medaille College and have completed the Trauma Counseling Certificate Program from the UB School of Social Work. Also, I am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR Therapy). I use several holistic modalities, including EMDR therapy and mindfulness-based practices.
In addition to working with clients on an individual basis, I am also a group facilitator. I’ve contributed to the empowerment and strengthening of individuals, children and families in the community. Some of my groups and workshops include Color Me Happy: Art Techniques for Stress Management , Inner Radiance: Mandalas For Healing; Mind Full vs. Mindful: Your Brain on Stress and What to Do About It; andReset, Restore & Renew: 5 Practices to Revitalize Your Body, Mind & Spirit. When requested, I provide on-site crisis debriefing services for a variety of local companies. In addition to my clinical work, I have provided trainings for several organizations and have presented to general audiences speaking on the topics of stress management, holistic wellness and mindfulness.
In addition to therapy, I offer trauma-informed coaching and spiritual mentorship for those seeking personal growth, deeper clarity, and transformation beyond symptom relief. My coaching work blends neuroscience, mindfulness, and intuitive + spiritual guidance to help clients reconnect with their authentic self and create meaningful change. Learn more about my coaching.
Education:
Medaille College, Buffalo, New York, MA Mental Health Counseling
Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado, BA Religious Studies
License, Certifications & Awards:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, The University of The State of New York
National Certified Counselor, National Board For Certified Counselors
“Certificate of Appreciation” Award for outstanding work with families, and
“MST Awesomeness Award” based on stats achievement, Catholic Charities, 2009
Additional Training:
Trauma Counseling Certificate Program
University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, School of Social Work
Certification in EMDR Therapy, EMDRIA approved program
University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, School of Social Work
NET Basic & NEXT (Neuro Emotional Technique), N.E.T., Inc.
Individual and Group Crisis Interventions, International Critical Incident Stress Foundation
Professional Activities and Memberships:
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
WNY EMDR Community
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation
Buffalo Mindfulness Community Board of Directors
Creative Edge Arts Studio, Advisory Board Member (2006-2009)
