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LESLIE STEVENS, LPC
How do you define a God-inspired dream?
A God-inspired dream is a dream that God, himself, places in your spirit. This dream comes from his heart and contains his plans for your life. This dream is written in his book for you and was written way before you were born in this earth.
What is your God-inspired dream or personal calling?
I serve as a mental health therapist in the market place and a minister in the church.
How are you currently living out your dream/calling?
God called me to serve others as a healer. I am deeply stirred to help understand and heal the hurts of others. I provide safe spaces for people to explore who they are and who God is. I have owned a mental health private practice, Counseling With Leslie, PLLC and am currently
the co-founder of Congruence Counseling Group PLLC. I am also expanding my reach via my website www.lesliestevenslpc.com. Through these avenues, I have the opportunity to counsel, educate, empower, and engage with others to help them live more congruent lives. I also speak on various mental health and spiritual health topics.
Tell us a little about your journey to discover your dream/calling?
I was called into the ministry and into the counseling field by dreams and visions. After much prayer during two distinct cross-roads in my life, God spoke to me concerning these professions and callings of service. He began to make the path clear for me, providing me with mentors, teachers, and various supports that allowed both dreams to manifest.
In what ways does your dream/calling impact others?
My calling impacts others directly, and for that I am thankful. I am a direct-impact person, so it gives me great joy to know that I can provide real help to people in real time. Clients feel heard, validated, and supported in session with me. They often report decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression after working with me. People are also impacted when God uses me to speak, preach, and teach.
What fears did you have about pursuing your dream and what challenges did you have to overcome?
I was concerned that I wouldn't be equipped enough. I was fearful that I wouldn't be effective. I struggled for five years with my first counseling business before it became successful. I didn't have great connections or a great network of support. I was learning a lot on my own and was investing every extra dollar that I had back into the business. I wanted to quit, but I knew that counseling was my calling and the way that God wanted me to serve people. I knew that entrepreneurship fit my personality and even with the struggle, I was consistently willing to make sacrifices for the growth of the business.
What would you say to a woman seeking to ARISE to pursue her God-inspired dream?
Stay consistently connected to God. Through daily prayer, meditation, and conversations with your Creator, ask Him to reveal his perfect plan for your life.
Where can people go to learn more about your practice?