Welcome to Leslie Casler's Therapy Practice

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: 

A Breakthrough for Trauma and Depression

Ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) offers a promising approach to treating complex mental health conditions, including trauma and depression. This innovative treatment involves the supervised administration of a low dose of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, in a therapeutic setting.

How Ketamine Works

Ketamine interacts with the brain's glutamate receptors, promoting rapid and significant antidepressant effects. It can also facilitate neuroplasticity, allowing for the formation of new neural connections and potentially breaking free from negative thought patterns associated with trauma.

Benefits of Ketamine-Assisted Therapy for Trauma and Depression

• Rapid Relief: Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine can provide relief from symptoms of depression within hours or days.
• Enhanced EMDR Effectiveness: When combined with EMDR, ketamine can help individuals process traumatic memories more effectively by reducing emotional distress and increasing receptivity to therapeutic interventions.
• Treatment for Resistant Conditions: Ketamine may be particularly beneficial for those who have not responded to other forms of treatment.
• Reduced Suicidal Ideation: Studies have shown that ketamine can rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in individuals with depression.

A Holistic Approach

Ketamine-assisted therapy is often combined with psychotherapy to address underlying psychological factors and provide ongoing support. This holistic approach can help individuals develop coping skills, process traumatic memories, and build resilience.

How does EMDR work?

During EMDR therapy, you'll work with a trained therapist to focus on the traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This stimulation can involve eye movements, tapping, or listening to alternating tones.

The goal is to help your brain process the traumatic memory in a way that reduces its emotional impact. This can help alleviate symptoms such as:

• Intrusive thoughts
• Nightmares
• Hyperarousal
• Avoidance behaviors
• Emotional numbing

Benefits of EMDR therapy:

• Effective for trauma: EMDR has been shown to be highly effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions.
• Rapid results: Many people experience significant improvement in their symptoms after a relatively short number of EMDR sessions.
• Gentle approach: EMDR is generally a gentle and non-invasive therapy.
• Addresses underlying issues: EMDR can help you identify and address underlying beliefs and emotions that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Is EMDR right for you?

If you're struggling with the effects of trauma, EMDR may be a helpful option. It's important to consult with a qualified mental health professional to determine if EMDR is the right treatment for you.

Exposure Therapy: A Path to Overcoming Anxiety

Exposure therapy is a proven psychological treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves gradually and repeatedly exposing yourself to the situations or objects that trigger your anxiety. This controlled exposure helps you learn that these situations are not as dangerous as your fears might suggest.

How does exposure therapy work?

By facing your fears in a safe and controlled environment, you can:

• Challenge negative thoughts: Replace unhelpful beliefs with more realistic ones.
• Learn coping skills: Develop strategies to manage anxiety symptoms.
• Break the fear cycle: Reduce the avoidance behaviors that maintain anxiety.

What conditions can exposure therapy treat?

Exposure therapy is effective for a variety of anxiety disorders, including:

• Specific phobias: Fear of heights, flying, animals, etc.
• Social anxiety disorder: Fear of social situations and scrutiny.
• Panic disorder: Unexpected attacks of intense fear.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Symptoms related to a traumatic event..

Together, we'll explore the depths of your depression and uncover the wisdom hidden within your challenges. Through evidence-based practices like mindfulness, CBT, and DBT, we’ll work together to manage symptoms, identify negative thought patterns, and cultivate resilience. My goal is to get you back on your feet and into a brand new life.

CBT Benefits for Depression

• Improved Mood: Replaces negative thoughts with positive ones.
• Enhanced Coping: Teaches practical stress management skills.
• Boosted Self-Esteem: Challenges negative beliefs about oneself.
• Reduced Isolation: Helps overcome social anxiety and improve relationships.
• Better Quality of Life: Regains control and participates more fully in activities.
• Faster Recovery: Often time-limited, with quick symptom improvement.
• Skill Development: Teaches valuable skills like mindfulness and problem-solving.

My DBT skills training sessions offer a sacred space for personal growth and transformation. Through a blend of evidence-based techniques and spiritual wisdom, I'll guide you on a journey towards mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Discover the transformative power of DBT as we explore:

• Mindfulness: Cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce stress.
• Distress tolerance: Develop skills to cope with difficult emotions and situations.
• Emotion regulation: Understand and manage your feelings in a healthy way.
• Interpersonal effectiveness: Build strong, fulfilling relationships and communicate effectively.

Together, we'll navigate the challenges that may be hindering your path to a fulfilling life, uncovering the wisdom hidden within your struggles. Through the transformative power of DBT, you'll gain the tools to break free from limiting patterns, cultivate resilience, and create a life that truly reflects your authentic self.

Are you ready to reclaim your power, heal from past relationships, and create a life that truly reflects your authentic self? Our women's group offers a supportive and nurturing environment where you can connect with like-minded individuals, explore your inner world, and develop the tools you need to thrive.

Our focus includes:

• Boosting Self-Esteem: Discover your inherent worth and learn to love yourself unconditionally.
• Setting Healthy Boundaries: Protect your energy and prioritize your needs.
• Healing from Past Relationships: Let go of toxic patterns and cultivate healthier connections.
• Finding Your Authentic Self: Explore your passions, values, and purpose.
• Building a Brand New Life: Create a vision for your future and take actionable steps towards achieving your goals.

Through group discussions, guided meditations, personal coaching, and exclusive retreats you'll gain valuable insights, develop new skills, and build a strong support network. Join us on this transformative journey and unlock your full potential.