Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Leslie Davis.
Hi Dr. Leslie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am a Black single mom in America raised by a Black single mom, also known as Dr. Davis. My mother modeled how to be a Strong Black Woman and always encouraged me to pursue my passion for helping others. I knew at 13 that I had a natural gift for helping others connect with their emotions and resolve concerns within their relationships. Often friends and sometimes adults would ask me for advice, and one day a classmate introduced me to becoming a counselor.
I started my career fresh out of Wheaton College as a Licensed Child Welfare Worker in the State of Illinois. During my 12 years of service, I’ve heard countless stories of abuse, neglect, and, often, generational cycles of trauma that impacted my clients. Their trauma motivated me to earn my Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from McKendree University to use clinical skills to help the clients I served. Amazingly I completed my degree while being a single mom to my heart-warrior son, who had two open heart surgeries during that time. (He’s had 4 total since birth). I thrived in this atmosphere as a Caseworker and Foster Care Supervisor until one day in 2015, the agency I was employed by unexpectedly shut its doors. I was forced to pivot and finally pursue my calling as a counselor. A month later, I was hired to provide therapy to youth involved in the juvenile justice system, and I loved it.
During this time, I felt disconnected from my peers, living the single mom life, and recognized a need for other single moms to connect. In 2016, I established the nonprofit, Hearts in Faith, which empowers single moms and youth to develop healthy relationships. Through Hearts in Faith, I implemented a 12-week violence prevention program for youth called Heart Beats, which serves youth ages 12-17 who have experienced violence as witnesses, victims, or aggressors. Through my nonprofit, I can also provide psycho-education regarding relationship dynamics, parenting tips, etc., at no cost to single moms whom we affectionately call Sweet Hearts. We also empower single fathers, whom we call our Strong Hearts.
I have always been goal-oriented and call myself a “goal crusher.” One of my life goals was to earn a Ph.D. by the time I turned 40, and I did that! After attending my mother’s Ph.D. graduation ceremony, I stepped on stage and said, “I’m next.” A month later, I submitted my application, was interviewed by the Dean and was accepted into Regent University. For my dissertation, I created a free psycho-educational resource for single moms and therapists who counsel single moms. She Matters with Dr. Leslie Davis, a podcast to empower Black single mothers to develop and maintain healthy relationships to reduce depression and suicidal ideation. During my Ph.D. journey, I took a global mental health course that encouraged me to have a global mindset and impact. With this in mind, I decided to launch a relationship coaching business, Leslie Davis Coaching & Consulting, LLC, so that I can empower women around the world to break free from toxic relationships. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and Missouri and a National Certified Counselor. Still, I am limited to serving clients in the two states where I hold a license. As a Relationship Coach, I can serve individuals on a global basis.
Shortly after the launch of my business, I was approached by BRAINZ magazine and offered the amazing opportunity to be an Executive Contributor for their global magazine. Let me tell you, that was a dream come true as I have always wanted to be a journalist for a prominent magazine.
It’s amazing and such a blessing to see how I’ve been able to stay on the path to earning a Ph.D., start a private practice as a psychotherapist helping couples in conflict, develop a relationship coaching business, and do it all against the odds as a Black single mother in America. I know without a doubt it is by the grace of God that I have accomplished my goals. I can’t even imagine what else is to come, but I am excited for future opportunities to empower women worldwide.
Would it have been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road is always winding, taking me on paths I sometimes didn’t see. But those hidden paths that became revealed were revealed at the right time when I was ready to move forward. I can’t say that I’ve struggled along the way, but I have learned a lot about myself in becoming Dr. Davis. The only struggle I can think of is that my brain is always on, like most women worldwide. My level of empathy can be so high that it affects me sometimes, as I might be up at night thinking of ways to help others solve their problems. I might wake up tired the next day, but coffee is always there.
We’ve been impressed with Leslie Davis Coaching & Consulting LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My mission is to empower women around the world to break free from toxic relationships, whether that relationship is with a significant other, family member, or friend. My ideal clients are:
- College-age women
- Young adults in transition
- Professional women who need someone to keep their relationship secrets.
I enjoy working with women in small groups to promote a healthy sense of intimacy. Some topics I cover in my coaching business include attachment styles, identifying healthy relationships, red flags in relationships, creating healthy boundaries, gaslighting, love bombing, etc. I also enjoy consultations with upcoming mental health professionals struggling with imposter syndrome.
As Dr. D, I can combine my clinical and coaching skills to empower my clients. Often, individuals in the helping professions have their own stories of trauma and pain, and I am not afraid to share that I have overcome the challenges experienced in a toxic relationship. My experiences allow me to relate to my clients and free them from judgment. I desire to expand my services from one-on-one coaching to group coaching. With that in mind, I am available for speaking engagements for groups wanting to heal from toxicity, whether in sororities or corporate settings.
We love surprises, fun facts, and incredible stories. Please share something that might surprise us.
Some people would assume I am extroverted because once you get me talking about a subject I’m interested in, I can go on and on. But when I’m not working with clients, I am introspective and prefer to be silent.
Pricing:
- Relationship Coaching Session $200/hr
- Therapy Consultation $150/hr
- Couples Counseling $200/hr
- Individual Counseling $175/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ldcoachingandconsulting.com/
- Instagram: @drlesliedavis
- Other: https://www.brainzmagazine.com/executive-contributor/Dr.-Leslie-Davis
Image Credits
C-Dot Visuals (Cornelius Dotson)
