Leslie "Les" Gura, LCMHC, NCC, CCTP
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
he/him
Are you stuck within a narrative you didn't count on? It may be causing emotional or physical pain, weariness and hopelessness. Your present narrative, however, is just one point in time for your overall story. As a lifelong writer and editor, I was drawn to narrative therapy as a foundation for my work. I enjoy teaming with individuals and couples to identify the narratives dominating life and then helping to identify alternative, preferred narratives. Together, we figure out how to move toward those preferred narratives. It takes bravery to change a narrative, and I deeply admire people who take the bold step to see a therapist. I'm excited to hear every part of your story, and would like to work with you to bring insight, planning and action toward the narrative you'd like for your life.
Qualifications |
I became a counselor late in life, after nearly 30 years as a journalist, where my specialty was narrative storytelling and issues of social justice. I also spent several years in marketing and communications. My master’s degree in counseling from Wake Forest University (2019) was preceded by a master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism (1987), as well as an undergraduate degree from New York University (1981). You see, I’ve lived the concept of changing narratives.I became a counselor late in life, after nearly 30 years as a journalist, where my specialty was narrative storytelling and issues of social justice. I also spent several years in marketing and communications. My master’s degree in counseling from Wake Forest University (2019) was preceded by a master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism (1987), as well as an undergraduate degree from New York University (1981). You see, I’ve lived the concept of changing narratives.
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Background & Specializations |
Before joining Banyan Tree, I completed a two-year residency in psychotherapy and spirituality with CareNet Counseling in Winston-Salem, where I worked for nearly five years. I’ve been drawn to work in the trauma realm, and have been trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and earned a Level Two certification in trauma and resilience. I’m also a national certified counselor (NCC) and a certified clinical trauma professional (CCTP). Because of the experience gained in my residency and trainings, I work within several counseling modes—but none is more important that the ability to listen and be present with you.
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Personal Life |
Born and raised in New York City–in the melting pot section of Queens known as Jackson Heights–my love of people and passion for life was instilled largely by my father. His dry cleaning story on the west side of Manhattan was a lively space filled with characters (employees and customers!); the four years I worked for him were a true joy and shaped every part of my life. I knew within days of moving to Winston-Salem in 2002 that I’d found the final stop of a career journey that had stops in California and Connecticut after New York. Here, I joined a billiards league, and wound up meeting my wife in the pool hall. Today, we live in a quiet subdivision and enjoy our back yard, our two very different cats, our incredibly energetic dog, cooking indoors and outdoors, and most important, finding humor in the absurdities of life and ourselves.
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