Leslie DeMarco, LMHC

06/04/2025

Parenting that encourages expression of emotion, validation, boundary setting, respecting our kid’s boundaries and autonomy, and consequences that are from a place of love (not punitive or out of anger) creates healthy adults.

Touch is fundamental for healthy development, yet some boys are not getting enough of it due to cultural norms that discourage emotional closeness. Experts explain how parents can use positive, affirming touch to support their sons' emotional health and development. Link in first comment for more information.

03/31/2025

I have openings for adults residing in Washington state! Find out more at

Leslie uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in her work with individuals. Leslie specializes in working with First Responders and other healthcare professions to heal from vicarious trauma. Leslie als...

03/07/2025

Tomorrow is Global Unplugging Day. We’ll be taking a break from our social media channels to relax, reflect, and connect.

What’s your favorite way to unplug?

02/19/2025

Self advocacy is difficult in a system that so built to minimize costs of your care. Tracking systems provides objective data for your treatment team to look at a holistic model of health

12/30/2024

As we come to an end of 2024, lots of people are going to set New Year’s resolutions. Goals are an important part of growth. Consider setting goals that are specific, measurable, and achievable in specific amounts of time. Weight loss, sobriety, and relationships are common themes.

Here are reframed examples while considering your goals for 2025

Goal 1: I want to lose 50 pounds

Healthy Reframe Goal 1:
I want to improve my overall health by incorporating more healthy foods on a daily basis that are affordable to me, get 1-2 hours of exercise every week by walking outside with (friends, pets, neighbors, co-workers) or places I find beautiful every week. I will drink more water each day. I will allow my self to enjoy my meals and practice mindful eating at least 3-4 times per week. I acknowledge health is a process. Health and wellness is not determined by weight on a scale and my size does not diminish my value as a person nor is not a sign of weakness or failure. I appreciate all that my body does for me.

Goal 2: I want to cut “toxic” people out of my life.

Healthy Reframe Goal 2: I will honor my needs of safety, security, and trust in the relationships I choose to invest my time in. I give myself permission to say no to things I’m not comfortable doing, create space in relationships that are unhelpful, hurt my feelings, and do not feel reciprocating of love, respect, and trust. I will also not expel energy engaging in unhelpful conversations, power struggles, or defending my needs, including on social media.

12/11/2024

11/28/2024

🦃 Happy holidays, however you may be celebrating or relaxing on your day off.

💜Those in fields that don’t get holidays off- first responders, medical and hospital workers, grocery, retail, etc. THANK YOU for showing up 💜💜💜

❤️‍🩹 Holidays can be a source of stress for many. Your power comes from choosing how you will react and the boundaries you set with others. Just because someone doesn’t like your boundaries or needs, it doesn’t make them wrong ❤️‍🩹

🗓️ My office is closed this week.

🚨🚨🚨 If you have an urgent need or are in crisis- please call your local crisis clinic using 988 as it will route you to your local service provider, 911, or go to your nearest emergency room. 🚨🚨🚨

🗓️I will return all contacts next week during my regular part time operating hours.

🛑 My practice is full at this time. If you’re looking for services, the best source is an online therapist directory such as psychology today, therapy den, or good therapy. Pay special attention to banners that say the provider is not accepting new patients. 🛑

🌺 I contract with Headway and you can also use their platform to search by area, specialty, and insurance. Your insurance will also have a list of contracted providers, however, despite requiring providers to update their information, insurance directories can be inaccurate 🌺

🌼 For Medicaid and Medicare, contact your plan management company during regular business hours and ask for their care coordinators to assist in finding local care or authorizing a provider🌼

11/13/2024

We all have intrinsic value and worth regardless of past choices or behavior. Every person deserves to have basic respect and dignity, to ask for help, and have emotions. Emotions give us information and therapy helps with channeling those emotions and subsequent behavior in healthier ways. Thinking of results as unhelpful and helpful changes the guilt and shame associated with good or bad, right and wrong, and allows for growth.

It’s never too late to choose a different path, get treatment, or make changes. 988 is for more than just acute crisis. You can ask for resources in your area to get the support you need in your own unique journey.

You are loved, you are important, and you are valued—just as you are. 💛

11/04/2024

We all face moments when things feel overwhelming, and that’s okay. Remember, you are not alone.

11/03/2024