- My name is Leslie McCleary and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I provide psycho-therapeutic services to women who are experiencing Postpartum/Perinatal Mood Disorders among other women’s health issues.
- In 2010 I relocated from Washington DC to Denver CO. Upon my arrival to the Denver area I landed a unique opportunity to set up my private psychotherapy practice within a women’s wellness center, Fertile Ground Wellness Center. While I was delighted to work along side several highly trained and skillful practitioners, none were mental health providers.
- It was about 2 months into my new private practice that I read a posting on Denver’s Private Practitioners Network from Tamara Suttle. Tamara was offering to get a consultation group together for private practitioners in the area. Feeling isolated as a mental health provider, a consultation group sounded like a great fit for me. Little did I know this group would become my “home” as a therapist and a group that I now rely on for support, education and personal/professional growth. Tamara is the backbone of this group and I am forever grateful for her leadership.
- In the two plus years that I have worked with Tamara, I have experienced much personal and professional growth thanks to Tamara. Tamara has always made herself available as a teacher, sounding board, mentor and friend. Tamara hasencouraged me to think outside my comfort zone, try new ideas and push myself as a therapist. She listens, validates and challenges (all while having a lovely sense of humor.)
- In addition to the growth I have experienced, I have gained priceless informationregarding the operations of a private practice from a business perspective. In the social work field, there is little to no training in business models. In Tamara’s role as a leader in this consultation group, she has provided me with researched information, challenged my thinking and validated risks I have taken as a private practitioner.
- Tamara has taught me to seek and work with only ideal clients for my practice. Often times as a social worker, I feel that I can and should provide services to a client. Tamara has shown me this is not the case and there are limitations andboundaries in a private practice. This is a lesson that I will carry with me for the rest of my career.
- Overall, I would rate my experience with Tamara Suttle as outstanding. Tamara is ahighly skilled practitioner, an information seeker and ethical provider. She is a true gift. I am grateful and honored to be her colleague.