Leslie “Les” Perera, AMFT, CSAT-Candidate, EMDR, ERCEM Trained
Therapist - Life Balance Counseling Peoria, PLLC
Les Perera is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) Candidate, and EMDR-trained therapist who specializes in trauma and addiction. He earned his Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University. As a veteran himself, Les combines his military experience with professional training in marriage and family therapy, trauma treatment, and addiction recovery. He provides trauma-informed, evidence-based care using approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and other therapeutic methods to help clients process trauma, manage anxiety and depression, and develop resilience. He has completed specialized training in Carol Sheets’ Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model (ERCEM), an approach designed to help individuals struggling with sex addiction develop empathy for their betrayed partners early in the recovery process.
Before entering the mental health field, Les served 20 years in the United States Navy after enlisting in 1986. During his military career, he served aboard ships and submarines as a sonar technician before retiring from active duty in 2006. Following his service, Les continued supporting the veteran community by volunteering with veterans’ organizations, where he witnessed firsthand the psychological toll that military service and high-stress professions can take. The loss of fellow veterans to suicide deeply impacted him and ultimately inspired him to return to school in his late 50s to become a therapist so he could better support those who serve. The loss of fellow veterans to suicide profoundly impacted Les and ultimately inspired him to return to school in his late 50s to become a therapist so he could better support those who serve. As a veteran himself, Les understands the culture of stoicism, self-reliance, and strength that often makes it difficult for veterans and first responders to seek therapy. He recognizes the hesitation many feel about opening up and works to create a safe, respectful environment where clients can begin that process at their own pace.
Les works closely with veterans, first responders, and individuals struggling with trauma, addiction, and PTSD. He understands If you are experiencing overwhelming memories, nightmares, flashbacks, or are coping with emotional pain through addictive behaviors. Les provides a supportive space to begin the healing process. He understands the feelings of isolation, guilt, loss, and shame that can accompany trauma and works collaboratively with clients to help them move toward recovery.
Having walked his own healing journey with PTSD, Les brings both professional training and personal understanding to his work. He is passionate about helping veterans, their partners, and their families heal from trauma, reconnect in their relationships, and rebuild a meaningful life where trauma no longer defines their future.
Les is able to bill some insurances, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Illinois, Cigna, & Aetna. Call for availability for both in-person and virtual sessions. Call the office today at (309)-296-0078 to get started or, if you would prefer to set up a FREE 15-minute consultation with Les, where you’ll both ensure you are a good fit.