Meet Rebecca Leslie | Psychologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Leslie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For a long time I have had a dream of having a wellness focused boutique psychology practice. Over the last two years, I was a psychologist part time at two different group private practices – one remotely in Chicago and one in Atlanta. When I joined both of these practices there was just one psychologist. I helped both grow to four and six person group practices. I helped hire, onboard, and grow the new therapists’ caseloads.

After doing this, I gained more confidence in my goal of being able to start my own practice. I also really started reflecting on my values and what makes me feel fulfilled. I love being a psychologist and I also loved the business side of owning a private practice. I knew I wanted to start my own practice eventually, but there was fear. I had the common thoughts of will I be successful? What if it flops?

I talk to my clients all the time about how to not let fear and anxiety get in the way of what is important to you. I decided I needed to take my own counsel. So, I took the leap of faith to start Best Within You Therapy & Wellness. It has been the best professional decision I have made.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a licensed psychologist. My path after four years of undergrad as a psychology major included four years of graduate school courses, one year of a doctoral internship, and then finally one year of postdoctoral fellowship. I started my career much later than most of my friends given all of the schooling. I also took the path of getting a doctorate, which is a lot longer than masters programs in counseling. I am incredibly happy and fulfilled where I am today, so I wouldn’t change my long journey. If there is something you are passionate about, even if it takes a long time to do it, it can be so fulfilling to go for it.

As a psychologist I specialize in eating concerns. Specifically, I work with clients who are struggling with stress or emotional eating, binge eating, or bulimia. I am passionate about helping people spend less time thinking and worrying about food. I love helping my clients change their relationship with food.

I am now not only a psychologist, but also a small business owner. I feel fortunate that I am able to fulfill my passion of helping people overcome their challenges with eating and also my passion of owning and growing a business. I am excited to share that Dr. Elkon recently joined the practice. She specializes in eating concerns as well as athletes, anxiety, pain, and overall physical and mental wellness.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are so many amazing and unique parts of Georgia. I love taking people to Ponce City Market and the Beltline. There is an incredibly fun splatter paint studio that I recently went to on the Beltline. You can make your own splatter paint art to take home.

I also love Lake Lanier. I am about a 45 minute drive to the lake. I love how in such a short amount of time we can go somewhere completely different that feels like a vacation spot. I also think Chateau Elan is incredible.

Piedmont park is also one of my favorite places. My husband and I did our engagement photos there, so it also has a special personal place in my heart. I enjoy walking around Piedmont park with friends and going to pop up art festivals that they have.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I can’t thank my friends and family enough for helping me think through the decision of starting my own practice. I had many phone calls with them about this decision. Pegah, the owner of the Atlanta practice I previously worked at, was also incredibly supportive. She really helped boost my confidence.

Website: Www.bestwithinyou.com

Instagram: Bestwithinyou

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRebeccaLeslie