Leslie Aronson, MSW, LCSW

Leslie Aronson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in adult and adolescent psychotherapy. She has experience working with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds and with a wide range of issues.
Leslie has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan. She has had additional training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy through the Pittsburgh Psychoanalytic Society and Institute.
Leslie views her style of psychotherapy as a process of sharing one’s unique and meaningful story with a compassionate and thoughtful listener. In her work, Leslie helps her clients put their thoughts and emotions into words, fostering increased self-awareness and understanding, and improved ability to communicate and relate to others. Throughout this process, Leslie joins her clients in noticing patterns, and drawing connections between one’s past experiences and current issues. Through this increased awareness, clients are empowered to more consciously shape their lives moving forward.

Leslie specializes in the areas of:
Life transitions
Interpersonal/relationship issues
Trauma and abuse
Stress and Anxiety
Depression and Bipolar Disorder
Loss and Grief

Prior to joining the Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing, Leslie worked in psychiatry research at UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, helping to use fMRI technology, counseling, and diagnostic assessments in order to understand the best ways to assist people struggling with depression and substance use disorders. She has also worked in the past in outpatient community mental health settings, counseling adults with a number of serious disturbances, including severe trauma and deprivation, mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and chemical addictions. She has also worked in inpatient geriatric psychiatry, helping senior adults as well as their families cope with and navigate life stage transitions, physical and mental illness, and memory impairment.