Somatic Psychotherapy in Tucson
Change Only Happens in the Present
Real transformation happens in the here-and-now, through new experiences. Therapy with me means less talking about the past, and more working with the subtleties of present moment experience, which is the key to feeling better. Together, we’ll help you shift physical, emotional and relational patterns through experiences that create new neural pathways. If you’re new to somatic psychotherapy, don’t worry: I collaborate closely with you to go at the pace that’s right for you.
Holistic Care in Tucson
Expect Care For the Whole of You
Although somatic work has become strongly associated with alleviating nervous system dysregulation caused by trauma, as a licensed mental health practitioner originally trained in somatic psychotherapy, I offer expert care for the whole of you — not just your nervous system. This means working with the emotions, images, and meanings that are connected to impactful life events — including deeply positive experiences.
In somatic psychotherapy, we give kind, curious attention to what’s arising in the here-and-now. This guides us to the subtle information within you that’s essential to your particular path of healing and growth. Over time, this work results in more joy, freedom of choice, peace, confidence, vitality, compassion, sense of wholeness, and more.
My Approach:
- Holistic
- Collaborative
- Dynamic
- Authentic
Somatic Psychotherapy in Tucson
My Niches
My practice focuses on supporting clients who are stable and coping relatively well — perhaps having made gains in traditional talk therapy — and who are ready for the next level of transformation. This “next level” goes beyond having a cognitive understanding of your psychology and having a solid toolbox of coping skills. Somatic psychotherapy gets to the root of what’s limiting your life, relationships, emotional states, success, self-expression, or creativity.
I work with many artists and writers, people who are top in their fields, and those who know they can be. Much of my work has been with people who have felt deeply different from others; and, whose life paths are about finding the self-acceptance that leads to a sense of belonging. I see many people on the precipice of, in the midst of, or integrating a life transition, be it welcome or not.
We'll Likely Be A Good Match if You:
- Want to heal from burn-out
- Want to feel motivated again
- Need to reconnect to your artistic life
- Feel you are not living your authentic life
- Want to get closer to reaching your potential
- Are tired of feeling stuck or mildly depressed
- Are a "creative," but are not feeling all that creative now
- Are “successful,” but feel empty or like something is missing
- Want to find the courage to pursue long-held dreams or goals
- Want to navigate a life transition with intentionality and support
- Want to shape who you become after a loss or traumatic experience
Psycho-Spiritual Development in Tucson
There Is Only One You:
This Is Your Path
Somatic psychotherapy is ideal for supporting you as a psycho-spiritual being — whether that means you have a need to nourish your artistic or creative dimension, a yearning to know the parts of yourself that are beyond your life experiences, a draw to a kind of beauty that is ineffable, or simply a curiosity about what might be found in spaciousness. I’m passionate about providing psychotherapy that supports embodied spirituality by working (and playing!) in the intersections of personal psychological work and the dimension of self that is beyond our conditioning and connected to something deeply sustaining.
Somatic Psychotherapy in Tucson
POST MASTERS TRAINING
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
BodyMind
Psychotherapy
Dance/Movement Therapy and Choreotherapy
Authentic Movement and Dreamwork
Internal Family
Systems (IFS)
EMDR
Buddhist-Inspired Psychotherapy in Tucson
About Me
Rooted in both the arts and buddhist practice when I matriculated into my masters program at Naropa University in 2003, I noted how the buddhist university, its Somatic Counseling Psychology Program and Dance/Movement Therapy track seamlessly brought together everything I was noticing about what helps humans expand beyond our conditioning.
As a therapist, I’m experientially based and present moment centered. I see creativity and beauty as essential aspects of being fully human. In 2021, I was ordained as a Buddhist Dharmacharini. I continue to pursue my development through artistic pursuits, disciplines and inspired relationships.
Testimonials
“Leslie lives her work fully and gracefully, offering her skills with an open hand and an open heart. Leslie’s kindness, her genuineness, and her penetrating attention combine with decades of experience to make her in-person workshops and groups, as well as her online offerings, delightful as well as rife with immediately usable skills. I can’t think of a finer person to study with in order to cultivate my personal and professional embodied being (and doing!) in the world.”
Christine Caldwell
PhD, LPC, BC-DMT
Author, Bodyfulness
Professor Emeritus, Naropa University
Boulder, CO
“As a clinician working alongside Leslie for over three years, I was extremely impressed with her clinical expertise. I was privy to the intricacies of how she approaches her work … She is extremely effective in what she sets out to do. I highly recommend Ms. McCormick.”
Karen McGovern
LCSW
Clinical Director
Mount St. Vincent Home
Denver, CO
“Leslie’s therapeutic approach is a powerful synergy of humor, empathy and creativity coupled with a deep respect for the ‘natural intelligence’ of one’s own mind/body system. As a fellow clinician who has known Leslie and her work in the community for years, her commitment to each and every client is palpable to me. Leslie honors each client’s strengths and in doing so, brings forth their unique brilliance as a guide for their own healing process.”
Brie Anderson-Feldman
MA, LPC, BC-DMT
Boulder, CO
“Leslie McCormick is an artist and a therapist of high caliber. She brings a deep, embodied commitment to creativity and a keen attention to important and subtle detail, to her work as a clinician and teacher. Leslie genuinely likes people and attends to them with love, interest and a refined quality of perception.”
Leah D’Abate
MA, LPC, BC-DMT
Boulder, CO
“I have enjoyed working with Leslie as a colleague for over the past five years and feel very comfortable referring clients to her because of her authentic dedication and commitment to her clients’ well being. Leslie’s energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism are of top quality. She demonstrates great skill in facilitating trauma healing. I recommend her services to anyone looking for healing.”
Dale DeNunzio
PhD, MA, SEP
Tucson, AZ
“I have had the privilege of working closely with Leslie for several years now, and I can confidently say that she is an exceptional therapist. I frequently refer clients to her, knowing that they will receive compassionate, skilled, and trusted care that can make a profound difference in their lives. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Leslie exhibits the highest level of professionalism in her practice. She upholds the ethical standards of her profession with integrity and grace, which is evident in every interaction she has with both clients and colleagues.”
Carrie “Kiki”, King
MS, LPC, LMFT
Tucson, AZ
Let's Connect
Tucson Somatic Psychotherapy and Arts is home to dynamic, holistic transformational work. Whether you’re looking to heal, grow, thrive, or simply rest into your authentic self, the seeds of what’s possible are in you. I look forward to working with you to tend them.