Therapy
Individual • Couple/Marriage Counseling • Family
Talk therapy is a relationship. It is important to feel that ‘click’ of comfort and understanding when establishing a clinical relationship with a therapist. To foster that ideal, I work within a family perspective. I schedule first appointments with parents so they have an opportunity to candidly discuss what is on their minds. Scheduling with parents first helps establish the natural parent-child hierarchy, it also gives parents a chance to commit to working with me before they introduce their child to a stranger.
Appointments are typically weekly but are scheduled in response to particular need.
Supportive Therapeutic Focus Areas:
These services are also available through consulation
Person Centered Planning
Person Centered Planning is a fun, non-assessment experience. Using up to a dozen life maps we explore areas of interest, places you spend time in and people who are important to you. By identifying person centered 'themes' we can develop goals to help you improve your focus to achieve happier life.
Cooperative School Advocacy
Parents are supported through cooperative school advocacy to ensure their child’s identified needs are addressed in education plans that are appropriate, creative, and dynamic to ensure success in achieving identified goals. New York State Education laws provide services for students based on identified need(s). Let's sit and talk together to establish a clear understanding of your child's needs as well as your hope and dreams for him/her.
Students, even middle school students, are supported to gain understanding of their diagnosis. When a diagnosis has been illusive causing frustration and worry, I work collaterally with neuro-psychologists and psychiatrists to obtain one. A diagnosis does not change our kids – it gives us information to teach them to live life more successfully.
Transition Coordination
My therapeutic work with kids on the Autism Spectrum has evolved to include advocacy in matters related to transition to the adult world including supporting the often confusing process to apply for eligibility through OPWDD. It is time to apply for OPWDD eligibility as soon as your child has a qualifying diagnosis. This is a time consuming process and it is not to soon to start now.
