Cheryl Leong, LMFT

Cheryl Leong is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 18 years of clinical experience. She offers a warm and direct style that focuses on practical tools and clear goals. Cheryl frames sessions to be useful in a short-term format while still addressing the issues people bring in the first few meetings.

She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thinking and try new behavior patterns. Cheryl also draws on mindfulness techniques to build calm, present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity. These approaches are presented in simple steps that people can practice between sessions.

Cheryl works with people on relationship concerns, ADHD, life transitions, and LGBT issues. She pays attention to multicultural factors and aims to understand each person’s background and identity. Her approach is affirming and grounded in cultural humility.

Sessions are practical and goal-oriented. Cheryl asks about what matters most early on, and then she and the client set a short plan together. Many people leave sessions with concrete exercises to use at home or at work.

The work is collaborative and focused on change that fits daily life. Cheryl combines coaching-style suggestions with therapeutic tools so clients can try new ways of coping, communicating, and problem solving.

Approaches that translate well to online care

Cheryl commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavior changes to improve mood and functioning. CBT works well for worry, low mood, ADHD-related habits, and practical relationship patterns.

She also draws on Mindfulness Therapy, teaching simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and increase present-moment focus. Mindfulness exercises can help with stress, strong emotions, and staying grounded during life transitions.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. Cheryl will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, and then try approaches that fit those needs. Over a few sessions she will check what helps and adjust the plan together.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is helpful when visual cues and real-time interaction matter. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can fit a break at work. Live chat or text messaging can work for quick check-ins, brief coaching, or practicing tools between meetings. These options give flexibility to match schedules and communication styles.