Alison Gilbert

After many years of clinical practice, I have found that there is a profound lack of focus on the debilitating psychological effects that continually threaten the well-being of parents of special needs children. From the initial feeling of unease that accompanies the suspicion that something is amiss with their child, to the often long interval that precedes a diagnosis, the parents are subjected to an enormous amount of psychological disruption. More than that, the uncertainty of a positive outcome can be with them for a lifetime, as can be the uncertainty of chosen therapies, schools, physicians and financial help. My focus in private practice, therefore, is to provide the support and direction that parents need so that they, in turn, can be most helpful to their children. Using evidence-based approaches, I treat anxiety, depression and adjustment issues. I also can provide resources and direction vital to navigating the world of the special needs child. My personal exposure to the special needs community gives me a unique understanding of the problems parents encounter on a day-to-day basis and the pitfalls that may await them as they seek help. I believe that both parental support and parental guidance are hard to find in one place, and so I look forward to filling that ever-growing need.