AUTISM THERAPY APPROACHES
Autism Specific Counseling for Individuals and Families
Typical approaches to therapy can be frustrating and ineffective for individuals on the autism spectrum. While many approaches are indirect and insight oriented, I believe therapy that works for you and your family will utilize autism specific techniques that directly address insight, improve communication, increase emotion regulation, and strengthen executive functioning.
My approach works to combine both my own experience as a parent of a daughter living with autism and my many years of professional experience working with individuals on the spectrum. I combine my experience with my knowledge of therapy approaches to design a unique plan that is specific to your needs as a family.
My approach is eclectic and uses a wide variety of evidence based tools and techniques to help you meet your personal and family goals. You can expect a combination of applied behavior analysis, family systems theory, cognitive behavior theory (CBT) and coaching designed to give you take away action items starting from your first session.
Are you an individual living with autism?
My therapy for individuals living with autism will be different than most counseling you’ve experienced or heard about. Together, we will partner to help you understand yourself, build tolerance for anxiety provoking situations, and improve your communication in relationships at work, school or home. My techniques will help you by providing structure, increase coping, and decrease your daily stress.
Is your family impacted by a loved one living with autism or special needs?
Living along side your loved one with autism spectrum disorder can be amazing and challenging at the same time. Our sessions together can help each member of your family process their thoughts and feelings. My therapy approach is not one size fits all. I will use my vast array of professional and personal experience to custom tailor a plan that meets the unique needs of your family.
Therapy For Families
Autism can have an impact on your entire family. I work with spouses, parents, siblings and caregivers to help your entire family find understanding and hope. Learn more about my work with families.
Parent Support Groups
From time-to-time I will facilitate parent support groups. I currently do not have any scheduled.
Consulting
I consult with schools, daycares, group homes and communities as they work with families living with autism. Get started with consulting.
Autism Assessments
Autism assessments can help you confirm your diagnosis and give you direction on a treatment plan going forward. I offer assessments for adults 18 years old and older. For children under 18, I can refer you to organizations that conduct assessments with children. Should you have need to move forward with therapy to learn effective strategies for dealing with your situation, I can meet with you without a medical diagnosis of autism and work with you and your family regarding your specific needs.
Getting Started
When it comes to selecting your therapist, one of the most important predictors of success is finding a therapist who is a good fit for you and understands your situation. I offer a complimentary, no-obligation phone meeting to provide a safe place for you to get to know me, ask any questions about my approach, and consider whether we are a good fit moving forward.
What To Expect
After our phone meeting, our first session will be for information gathering. This session will help me understand your needs so that I can develop a unique plan specific to the needs of your family. If you are seeking therapy for a child under the age of 18, having your child present for our initial parent consult is optional. Our following sessions will work specifically on your needs and goals to equip you with tools to help your family.