Client Centered Therapy: Spotlight on Leonard (Lenny) Torres, LPC, MFTC

Maria Droste Counseling Center is a Denver-based nonprofit mental health service organization comprised of mental health professionals, learners and volunteers who are passionate about community, learning, and service. Our uniquely sustainable model of traditional and co-located mental health counseling and clinical training is delivered in collaboration with a group of expert private clinicians, The Therapist Group (TTG). 

The Therapist Group is a collective of licensed counselors, social workers, and psychologists with varied areas of expertise that are committed to providing high-quality, private counseling services to ensure that each individual is receiving the best care possible. With a unique model for giving back, TTG trains and supervises more than 20 graduate level therapists from six universities throughout Colorado. These student therapists treat individuals in a variety of settings including schools, supportive housing, and integrated care settings. They provide services to a diverse group of people regardless of their ability to pay. Learn more about our educational and service model here.

In 2022, we will be featuring a TTG member each month to highlight our many wonderful providers and the importance of the work they do with Maria Droste. This month, we will be featuring Leonard (Lenny) Torres, LPC, MFTC.

TTG Highlight: Lenny Torres, LPC, MFTC

Lenny Torres, LPC, MFTC first joined MDCC as a clinical intern. As he began to look towards moving to private practice work, he was conscious of his desire to continue serving the community. As a member of The Therapist Group at MDCC, Lenny knew that he would be able to continue serving sliding-scale clients, folks from low-income families, and communities of color. Since joining TTG, Lenny’s commitment to the community reaches further than just his clients, extending to his supervisees. Lenny enjoys being able to pass on his own knowledge from his intern and TTG experiences as a way of giving back to the new generation of mental health counselors and strengthening all of our communities.

Supervisee Stories

Lenny’s two supervisees at Maria Droste, Raegan Quattlebaum and Susan Taylor, spoke with us about their experiences working with Lenny.

Raegan:

Lenny is an amazing clinician and mentor. It has been so important to me as a clinician of color to witness a man of color in this field. Lenny has mastered the art of being direct, helpful, and loving at the same time. There has never been a moment where I felt like I couldn’t go to him for advice whether it be clinically related or about my own development as a therapist. Lenny makes it known that he is an advocate through his actions, and it has been comforting knowing that he is always in my corner.

There has never been a moment where I felt like I couldn’t go to [Lenny] for advice.

Raegan Quattlebaum

Susan:

Lenny is an absolutely incredible supervisor and I was so fortunate to be paired with him. At times I felt stress and anxiety from the internship, he provided space for me to express my needs while also feeling validated. When I had clients in crisis and was unsure of the proper protocol he made himself available to help work me through the documentation process. I truly valued my time with Lenny as my supervisor and believe he made a huge impact on developing my clinical skills. Not only did Lenny personally help me as a supervisor, but he also helped to establish a safe space for BIPOC interns to express themselves and I will be forever grateful for that space.

Not only did Lenny personally help me as a supervisor, but he also helped to establish a safe space for BIPOC interns to express themselves and I will be forever grateful for that space.

Susan Taylor

Lenny’s Approach: Client-Centered

Lenny likes to utilize a client-centered approach in his practice. By meeting clients where they’re at, working collaboratively through the therapy process, and understanding their perspective,  Lenny builds trust with his clients and allows them to determine their own outcomes. Lenny feels that this approach allows deeper discussion with his clients regarding their experiences and interactions within larger systems. Focusing on a client’s story and their strengths creates an individualized and validating therapy experience.

How to contact Lenny

Interested in seeking therapy from Lenny Torres, LPC, MFTC? Feel free to reach out by emailing him at Lenny_Torres@MariaDroste.org (preferred). You can also request Lenny through calling Maria Droste’s Access Center at 303-867-4600.

If you or someone you know is experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis, please contact Colorado Crisis Services by calling 844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255. Learn more about Maria Droste’s counseling services here.