Meet Leslie
Integrating Art Therapy & Holistic Wellness
Leslie Portillo is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) in New York State, a Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapist (KAP), and Reiki Practitioner dedicated to helping individuals improve their well-being through an integrative, compassionate, and culturally affirming approach. She believes that healing is not one-size-fits-all and thoughtfully blends evidence-based psychotherapy with creative expression, mindfulness, and holistic modalities to support each client's unique journey.
Leslie earned her Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapy Counseling from Hofstra University in 2021 and her Bachelor of Science in Visual Arts from SUNY New Paltz in 2018. Her clinical experience spans inpatient behavioral health settings, where she has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, as well as individuals with disabilities. She has extensive experience supporting LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC communities while providing trauma-informed, identity-affirming care.
Her areas of specialization include anxiety, depression, trauma, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She also works with clients navigating Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder, gender identity and sexuality, relationships—including polyamorous and consensually non-monogamous relationships—family conflict, grief, anger management, life transitions, spirituality, cultural identity, systemic oppression, generational trauma, and women's issues.
Leslie integrates a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Existential Therapy, Trauma-Focused approaches, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). Her work is grounded in collaboration, authenticity, and creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can reconnect with themselves, build resilience, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.
As a first-generation Latina with Indigenous ancestry from Cuzcatlán (El Salvador) and Borikén (Puerto Rico), Leslie brings a deep appreciation for the ways culture, identity, ancestry, and lived experiences shape wellness. She strives to honor each client's story while fostering empowerment, self-discovery, and connection.
Outside of her therapy practice, Leslie is the founder of Cool Beans Apothecary, a holistic metaphysical pop-up shop based in Huntington, New York, which has been featured at community events including the Long Island Farmers Market and the Huntington Fall Festival. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature, dancing, cooking, making candles, spending time with her community, and relaxing with her animal companions Henny, Nova, and Zuko.
