Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting interpersonal interactions and cognitive, social, communication, and motor skills. It also may lead to specific behaviors and interests. People’s experiences of ASD can vary greatly. For this reason, counseling interventions for individuals with ASD also range in their purpose and intent.
Available Treatment Options
Most mental health professionals agree that early intervention for people with ASD leads to better outcomes. Therapists may reduce problematic behaviors and improve communication, social skills, and sensory skills. Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is a type of behavioral therapy that counselors use specifically to increase desired behaviors and reduce undesired ones. Counselors may use Play Therapy to increase awareness of emotions and social skills and Speech-Language Therapy to improve communication skills.
Therapists Who Specialize in Helping Those Who Struggle With Autism
Jake specializes in trauma-informed, sex-positive, client-centered work with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. He has specific training and experience working with survivors of trauma, as well as those living with depression, anxiety, and those struggling to find meaning and fulfillment in their lives and relationships. Jake also has experience working with clients...
The world drops so much down on us that it could be extremely difficult to deal with. I am dedicated to helping individuals overcome obstacles that get in the way of everyday life. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate. I received my undergrad degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado, Denver in 2014 and then earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health from Adams St...
When considering our experiences in the human tribe, the process of discovering or rediscovering our truest self can be a journey laden with challenges and difficulty. However, it is often when we believe that we have attempted everything we can or know how to do to make difficult transformations, to cease our suffering, and to change unhelpful patterns, that we may find ourselves poised for...
I provide psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, adults, and families. I am invested in helping clients attain a better quality of life characterized by peace of mind and the ability to manage difficult thoughts and feelings using self-compassion and a knowledge of the inner workings of the mind. My main priority is to provide clients with evidenced based, customized care tailored to...
MY PRACTICE IS CURRENTLY FULL. I work primarily with children and adolescents who face a range of challenges. Among these might be anxiety, negotiating peer relationships, learning disabilities, ADHD, and/or losses (e.g. divorce, illness/death of a loved one). During the assessment process, I believe in learning the strengths of the child, parent(s), and other support networks (e.g extended...
The client/therapist relationship is the most important ingredient in therapy. I am a thoughtful, caring, licensed therapist. My patients consistently state that they feel very comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings because they feel listened to. I am a former teacher and a good listener. I specialize in interpersonal relationships, self image and self-esteem issues, anxiety,...
Are you feeling hopeless? Feeling helpless? Have difficulties adjusting? Have you recently experienced a loss/death? Do you feel misunderstood? Are you feeling more lethargic and sadder than normal? Does your child need extra support? Is your family/relationship falling apart? If your answer to any of these questions is "Yes" or even if you have questions of your own it may be time to reach out...
Smart Love Family Services is a team of experienced therapists providing supportive relationship based psychotherapy. Our approach recognizes that all people are born with an innate potential to be happy, to feel good about themselves, and to experience close relationships. However, many find that they are not as happy as they wish. We help people create the kind of life that they want for...
Harmonie Stone has been a student of the developmental and psychological wellness fields for over 9 years. She has a Bachelors of Science in Child and Adolescent Development and a Masters Degree in Psychology. Her work as a counselor has lead her to take a special interest in chronic stress and trauma and their influence on the nervous system's ability to communicate with the mind and body. Her...
Dr. Brendle has trained and worked in a variety of clinical settings including private practice, schools, child development clinics, children’s hospitals, specialty health clinics, and acute care units for children and adolescents. As a licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Brendle specializes in psychological evaluations to assess academic weaknesses, Autism Spectrum Disorder,...
Mary has worked as social worker in a wide variety of settings for over 25 years. She graduated from Lynchburg College, receiving a Master’s Degree in Special education, and from VSU, receiving a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Her experience includes Department of social services, residential treatment, treatment foster care, counseling, foster parent training, adoptions (counseling/child...
We are stronger than we realize and we are capable of amazing things. As a therapist I have worked for many years in the field and I have encountered many of the issues that have come about in our modern world. One ideal that I attempt to instill in each one of my clients is optimisim and hope in themselves. Whether struggling with personal issues, having relationship issues or divorce. I work...
(*I AM NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING CLIENTS*) One of my favorite quotes is "grow through what you go through." Everyone experiences adversities and we get to choose how we conquer and live with them. I have worked with all age groups who have experienced their own challenges and/or live with a variety of mental health issues. We will build a strong rapport and relationship together, which is the...
