Dr. Leslie Cary | Marriage & Family Counselor & Trauma Therapist in Avalon Park – East Orlando & Florida for Men, Women, Children, and Teens
Dr. Leslie Cary
PhD, MFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist of Total Life Counseling Center
Leslie Cary is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who takes a relational and whole-person approach to emotional health and healing. She believes that people are best understood not simply by the symptoms they experience, but within the larger context of their relationships, life experiences, beliefs, physical wellbeing, patterns of coping, and sense of meaning and purpose.
With extensive experience working with individuals, couples, and families, Dr. Cary helps clients understand the patterns that keep them feeling stuck while creating new ways of thinking, relating, and responding. Her approach is warm, collaborative, practical, and experiential. Rather than focusing only on what is wrong, she helps clients identify what is happening beneath the surface and develop greater emotional regulation, self-awareness, relational security, resilience, and connection.
Leslie’s Bio
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Leslie’s work may integrate attachment theory, family systems, cognitive and behavioral strategies, trauma-informed care, nervous-system regulation, experiential interventions, mindfulness and grounding practices, lifestyle factors that influence emotional wellbeing, and exploration of identity, values, and purpose. She is particularly interested in the relationship between emotional health, physical wellbeing, relationships, and the environments in which people live their everyday lives.
In couples therapy, Dr. Leslie helps partners move beyond blame and identify the relational patterns that repeatedly pull them apart. She believes that the pattern is often the problem—not the person. Her work emphasizes emotional safety, presence, attachment, healthy communication, repair, friendship, and helping couples experience one another differently rather than simply continuing to talk about the same problems.
For clients who desire it, Dr. Leslie is also comfortable integrating Christian faith into therapy in a way that respects the client’s beliefs, questions, and spiritual journey. Faith integration is always client-directed and is never required.
Above all, Dr. Leslie seeks to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen and understood while also being supported and challenged toward meaningful change. Her goal is not simply symptom reduction, but helping people build healthier relationships with themselves, with others, and with the life they have been given.
Education and Professional Experience
University of Florida – BS in Psychology
University of Miami – MS in Counseling Psychology
Nova Southeastern – PhD in Family Therapy
Licensure, Certifications, and Clinical Training
- Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMHC), State of Florida Department of Health
- Qualified Clinical Supervisor for Interns seeking Licensure
- Level 1 Training, Gottman Method Relationship Institute for Couples Therapy
- Trained in Sand Tray Therapy for children and adolescents
- Professor of Play Therapy at Palm Beach Atlantic University & Southeastern University
- Trauma Informed Care
- Verified Licensed Marriage & Family Counselor on Psychology Today
Call For a Complimentary 15 Minute Phone Consultation
We take the guesswork out of finding the right counselor. Our counselors are subject matter specialists and we link you to the therapist that best fits your concerns. Get started today with a complimentary 15 minute consult:
Services
Explore Expert Counseling Services Offered by Dr Leslie Cary
Play Therapy is a wonderful means for children to communicate and heal.
ADHD Counseling and Therapy for Teens or Adults, often without medication.
Our counselors utilize various approaches to connect with children and adolescents.
Family Counseling
Are you looking to find peace in your family?
Relationships can be difficult. TLC’s Gottman trained marriage & relationship experts can help.
TLC aims to help others heal from their past so it no longer affects one’s present or future.
The journey to better begins today.
Total Life Blog
Articles & Tips by Total Life Counseling
Total Life In The News
Total Life Counseling Subject Matter Experts Have Been Featured On Multiple TV Networks and News Stations:
Our subject matter experts have participated in over 200 national & local news interviews and they are here for you!
At Total Life Counseling Center our Counselors are Experts for National and Local TV, Radio and Print Media. We have an excellent reputation amongst graduate & private schools, attorneys, doctors, therapists, providers and corporations. We strive to ensure our therapists have diverse clinical backgrounds, to allow us to match each client to the therapist that will best meet his or her needs.
We can help! Call us today.
Call For a Complimentary 15 Minute Phone Consultation. Se Habla Español: We have Portuguese and Spanish speaking counselors as well.
East Orlando Office Location
Our East Orlando office location, conveniently located at 3680 Avalon Park East Blvd, Suite 210 in Orlando, FL offers marriage counseling, child & teen ADHD counseling, adult depression counseling, child & teen anxiety counseling, family counseling, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a trauma therapist in Orlando who specializes in PTSD?
Finding the right support starts with looking for a licensed professional experienced in traumatic stress disorder and evidence based care. Dr Leslie Cary, a trauma counselor Orlando clients trust at Total Life Counseling, offers compassionate care focused on healing post traumatic stress through structured therapy sessions.
What types of trauma therapy are available in Orlando?
There are different ways to address trauma, including cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic approaches, and eye movement desensitization techniques. Dr Leslie tailors trauma therapy Orlando clients receive by considering traumatic experiences, the nervous system response, and each person’s specific needs.
Are there Orlando therapists experienced in childhood trauma?
Yes, many professionals focus on early life and relational experiences. Dr Leslie Cary, a trusted Orlando trauma therapist, works with children and teens impacted by emotional abuse, physical abuse, or family disruptions, helping restore a healthy sense of self and emotional safety.
What should I look for when choosing a trauma therapist in Orlando?
Look for proper licensure, experience with trauma counseling Orlando residents seek, and a strong professional relationship. Leslie emphasizes compassionate care, ethical practice, and building trust so clients feel supported while addressing the impact of trauma in a safe environment.
Can I get EMDR therapy for trauma in Orlando?
Yes, some counselors offer trauma focused modalities similar to EMDR. At Total Life Counseling, Leslie integrates evidence based methods aligned with eye movement desensitization principles when appropriate, creating a personalized treatment plan based on your history and therapy goals.
Which Orlando therapists are recommended for PTSD treatment?
Recommendations often highlight experience and client outcomes. Dr Leslie Cary is frequently sought for therapy for trauma Orlando clients need, especially for PTSD symptoms related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or natural disasters, using structured and supportive treatment approaches.
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
It may be time to seek help after a traumatic event if symptoms persist, interfere with daily life, or affect relationships. Leslie encourages early support, as timely counseling for trauma Orlando clients pursue can reduce long term challenges and support emotional resilience.
What are the symptoms of trauma?
Symptoms may include anxiety, emotional numbness, sleep issues, or difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. These reactions are often linked to traumatic stress and can vary widely. Leslie helps clients understand their responses and regulate the nervous system through guided therapy sessions.
What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Untreated trauma can contribute to mental health conditions, substance abuse, or ongoing relationship issues. Over time, the impact of trauma may intensify. Working with a Orlando counselor like Leslie provides powerful support and a clear treatment plan to promote long term healing.
What are the signs and symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD symptoms may include intrusive memories, avoidance, hypervigilance, or emotional distress tied to past events. These signs are associated with post traumatic stress and may follow sexual abuse or other severe experiences. Leslie offers structured care to address these challenges.
Can I work with a trauma counselor in Orlando through online sessions?
Yes, online counseling is an effective option for many clients. Leslie provides flexible therapy sessions as an online counselor Orlando, FL residents can access, ensuring continuity of care while respecting personal comfort, scheduling needs, and the number of sessions required for progress.