Leslie Varela, MS, LPC Associate

Trauma Therapist for Teens & Young Adults in Texas
Supervised by Dr. Shirin Khosravi, LPC-S

Life can feel like a lot sometimes. You often feel overwhelmed by everything—school stress, friend drama, anxiety, or what’s next after high school or college.  

You’ve been to therapy before and didn’t click with your therapist, or maybe this is your first time giving it a shot. Either way, I want you to know that this space is yours. No judgment, no lectures—just a real conversation with someone who gets it and  has the training to help you heal from trauma, manage anxiety, and navigate big life changes. 

Hi, I’m Leslie Varela—your guide when life feels tough and you need someone in your corner.  

I'm a Texas therapist for teens and young adults who’ve been through hard things—whether that’s trauma, anxiety, or the everyday pressure of growing up. If you want to heal, feel more confident, and truly like yourself, I’m here to help.

People often think trauma is just one big, life-altering event, like losing a loved one or experiencing abuse. But trauma can also come from things that seem smaller, like a mom who wasn’t around much when you needed her.

Sometimes stress and anxiety are what's wearing you down, like struggling in school while everyone else seems to have it all figured out. Trauma, anxiety, and stress can show up in the little things we’ve learned to endure without realizing their impact.

Whatever you’re facing, I’m here to help you with compassionate, down-to-earth therapy full of support, guidance, tangible skills, and a dose of humor when needed.    

At First a Skeptic, Now a Fan

Before we work together, you should know I never thought I’d be a therapist. Seriously, it wasn’t on my radar at all. I never imagined that me, a big softy, would be good at therapy. I even used to be one of those people who didn’t really believe in mental health and thought it was all made up.

That changed when my brother was diagnosed with depression and ADHD while I was studying to become a pharmacist. A part of me thought he was just being “lazy.” So, out of curiosity (and maybe some disbelief), I decided to enroll in a psychology class since it was available at my college. Within the first few weeks, everything started to click—I understood mental health was real and played a bigger role in our lives than I gave it credit for. I switched my major to psychology, dove headfirst into the therapy field, and never looked back.

Now, I help teens and young adults in Texas who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. We navigate life’s challenges, from anxiety and social struggles to trauma and big life transitions. As someone who’s experienced childhood trauma myself, I know how important it is to have someone in your corner who truly gets it and can help you move through it.

What It's Like To Work with Me

Most of my clients say therapy with me doesn’t always feel like “therapy.” It feels more like talking to a big sister or a chill aunt—someone who listens, gives real feedback, and doesn’t judge.

We always start with building trust which can take as long as you need to feel safe. Then, we'll work on coping skills and emotional tools so you’re ready to handle life when things get heavy. 

When (and only when) you want to explore anything deeper, we can process and heal your trauma. We won’t go towards the hard stuff until we know you have the tools to process itwhich is absolutely something you can achieve.

Mostly, I meet you where you are, without pressure or judgment.

Leslie Varela, LPC Associate - At a Glance:

Specialties:

- Self-esteem & building confidence

- Sexual trauma and other trauma-related concerns

- Life transitions (moving, new school, college, etc)

- School and social challenges

- Anxiety & depression

Education & Credentials:

- Master of Science in Counseling

- Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

- Supervised by Dr. Shirin Khosravi, LPC-S

Location:

- Virtual & In-Person 

- 2717 Commercial Center Blvd, Suite E200, Katy, TX 77494

Hours:

Monday - Friday 10 AM - 6 PM

Rates:

$40-$125 per 50-minute session

Sliding scale determined by household size and income

Modalities & Advanced Trainings:

- Internal Family Systems (IFS) 

- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

- Somatic Experiencing (SE)

Would we work well together?

As a teen or young adult, the right fit is essential for you to get the most from therapy. Parents, you also need to know this, too!

We're a great fit if:

  • You want therapy to feel like a real conversation, not a formal session.
  • You welcome laughter, humor, and a laid-back vibe.
  • You need someone who won’t judge you but will still help you grow.
  • You want support, whether or not you’ve been through something ‘big.’

We might not be a good fit if:

  • You’re looking for short-term, structured therapy with quick fixes.
  • Parents: You want a therapist who gives detailed updates on your teen’s sessions at the end of each session.
  • Your current schedule or commitments make it difficult to attend therapy regularly.
  • You might not be ready for the therapy process (but if you have questions, please ask!)

An Important Note for Parents

I know how much you want to support your teen or child My approach keeps your teens privacy at the center while maintaining communication with you in a way that supports their growth, not hinders them. 

Every few months, I’ll check in with you about general progress and offer guidance for how to support your teen at home. My goal is to support them in building the skills to communicate with you in a way that strengthens your bond for years to come. This can take time, and your patience and openness to their process can make all the difference. 

As a mom myself, I believe it takes a community to help kids thrive. I’d be honored to be part of that community for your family.

For Hispanic & Latino Teens and Young Adults

As a bilingual, bicultural therapist, I totally get what it’s like to grow up navigating two cultures. You might speak English more easily, but your family primarily speaks Spanish—or vice versa. In our sessions, we can use both English and Spanish, whichever feels natural. 

If Spanish feels easier for you to speak, go for it! I’ll understand you completely. No need to translate if the words don’t quite click in English. I’ll probably reply in English, but I promise I’ll get what you’re saying. Let’s do therapy in a language that feels most natural for you.  

If You're On the Fence

I know opening up to someone new can feel like a lot, but I’m here for it all. The highs, the lows, and the in-between moments—bring it on! I absolutely love being a therapist for teens and young adults like you, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Laughing and crying in the same session? Totally normal. It happens all the time, and honestly, it’s a sign we are doing great work together. 

My job is to help you carry the tough stuff, but don’t worry—I know how to hold space for your pain. This is your time, your space. 

Whether you’re facing anxiety, trauma, family conflict, or just need a space to vent and figure things out, I’ll help you feel grounded and understood.

For Teens & Young Adults: Get Started Today

If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or ready to heal from past experiences, therapy can help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected.

Let’s have a quick, pressure-free chat to see if we’re a good fit. We’ll talk about what’s been going on, what you need, and how I can support you.

Reach out today to start trauma therapy or anxiety therapy for teens and young adults in Texas. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.