Lesley Burke is a Portland, OR-based art therapist, artist, and licensed professional counselor whose work integrates psychotherapy, creative expression, and visionary art. She is licensed in OR and WA to provide therapy, and also provides clinical supervision, coaching and professional consultation to therapists.
My Story
Initially drawn to art therapy after reading The Mission of Art by Alex Grey, I felt a deep resonance with the transformative power of creativity. This interest, combined with a growing passion for psychology during my undergraduate studies, led me to move from my hometown of New Orleans to Portland, OR, in 2005. I pursued my MA in Art Therapy at Marylhurst University, graduating in 2007, eager to integrate the healing potential of art into therapeutic practice.
Psychedelic therapy has intrigued me since the early 2000s, sparking a long-term interest that now informs my current involvement in the field. Although I couldn’t pursue it academically at the time, my curiosity led me to train in MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD. While it remains illegal to use this method with clients, I am hopeful that one day this powerful approach will become widely accessible, providing profound healing opportunities for many.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent years working in the service industry—grocery stores, retail, restaurants, bars, hotels, and coffee shops. These experiences shaped my understanding of the human condition, teaching me invaluable lessons about resilience, empathy, and connection. They continue to inform my work as a therapist, grounding my practice in real-world experiences and deep human insight.
Art has always been a vital part of my life, a way to process emotions and delve into the unconscious. Over the past five years, I’ve cultivated a dedicated art-making practice, leading to opportunities to showcase my work in galleries and festivals. Creating art for others and collaborating on projects brings me immense joy, as I believe in the profound capacity of creative practice to facilitate healing and self-awareness.
Art therapy beautifully merges these passions, offering a space where creativity and healing intertwine. Through this practice, I help others unlock their inner worlds, fostering transformation and growth.
Here’s What I Want You To Get From Our Time Together.
I want you to leave our time together feeling empowered, heard, and understood. My goal is for you to gain a deeper connection with yourself, uncovering insights that guide you toward healing and personal growth. Whether through creative expression, exploring new perspectives, or processing challenging emotions, I want you to feel supported in every step of your journey.
I hope you walk away with practical tools and a renewed sense of clarity, ready to face life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. Our work together is a collaborative process, and I want you to feel that you have a partner in your healing, someone who genuinely cares about your well-being and progress.
Ultimately, I want you to experience a sense of transformation, tapping into your inner strength and creativity to create the life you desire. My mission is to help you feel more connected to your true self, with a clearer understanding of your path and the courage to walk it.
Lesley Burke, lPC ATR-BC
My Mission
My mission is to guide individuals on their journey toward healing and self-discovery through the transformative power of art and therapeutic practices. I believe that every person has the innate ability to heal and grow when given the right tools and support. By combining the creative process with psychological insight, I strive to create a space where clients can explore their inner worlds, express themselves authentically, and uncover new paths to well-being.
In my work, I’m deeply committed to fostering a compassionate and supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore the depths of their emotions and experiences. Whether through art therapy, psychedelic integration, or other therapeutic modalities, my goal is to help each person unlock their potential and move toward a more fulfilled, empowered life.
I am passionate about the intersection of creativity and healing, and I’m dedicated to making therapeutic practices accessible and meaningful for those seeking change. Through collaboration, empathy, and a deep respect for each individual’s journey, I aim to facilitate profound transformation and lasting growth.
