Welcome to Leslie Casler's Therapy Practice

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.

TurningWheel.com is a new wellness platform offering free access to expert-led education, guidance, and practices to support mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual healing.

This evolving library of offerings brings together specialists from across the healing spectrum—including psychiatrists, doctors, neuroscientists, yogis, meditation teachers, somatic practitioners, and more.

• Somatic Practices & Nervous System Regulation
Gentle, body-based tools to release tension and support emotional regulation through movement, touch, and breath.

• Polyvagal-Informed Education
Learn how your nervous system works—and how to move from survival into safety and connection.

• Mindfulness & Embodiment Tools
Grounding exercises, guided meditations, and sensory practices to restore presence and inner calm.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Explore how to relate to your Parts with compassion and lead from your core Self.

• EMDR & DBT Psychoeducation
Understand how evidence-based modalities like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) promote healing and integration.

• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT / Tapping)
Learn to use acupoint tapping to shift stress responses and support emotional release.

I’m honored to be featured on the platform as a licensed trauma specialist alongside many other respected experts—all offering their wisdom freely in service of healing.

Come explore the turning wheel of growth, compassion, and connection.

Visit TurningWheel.com All healing is honored.
Coming soon. 

Are you ready to reclaim your power, heal from past relationships, and create a life that truly reflects your authentic self? Our trauma informed 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.

Think epic horseback riding to mountain views, then zip-lining to our secret spot! Hot springs, waterfalls, jungle trips (hello, monkeys!), mud baths, and relaxing sound baths await.

Stay in your own cozy hut, eat yummy healthy food, and chill with yoga & meditation. Need deeper healing? We've got acupuncture, massage, and even fast-track trauma work (EMDR) in one week!

This immersive retreat offers:

• Thrilling Arrival: Horseback riding to the mountaintop followed by a breathtaking zip line descent to the retreat location.
• Natural Healing: Access to natural heated springs and invigorating waterfall trails.
• Earth Connection: Rejuvenating mud baths for detoxification and skin nourishment.
• Harmonic Resonance: Deeply relaxing and restorative sound bath experiences.
• Jungle Exploration: Guided trail rides through the lush rainforest, encountering local wildlife.
• Private Sanctuary: Individual huts for comfortable and personal lodging.
• Nourishing Wellness: Delicious and healthy meals to support your body and mind.
• Mindful Practices: Daily meditation and yoga sessions for inner peace and balance.
• Therapeutic Options: Availability of acupuncture and massage to promote relaxation and healing.
• Intensive Trauma Work: Optional intensive EMDR sessions for accelerated healing and transformation.

Join us for a week of unparalleled adventure, profound healing, and deep connection with the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Reclaim your well-being and experience the transformative power of an immersive retreat.

Limited spaces are available. Book your journey to healing and renewal today!