What I Specialize In

Changes in life occur for all of us, but sometimes we experience more stress for life changes than we would expect or the stress we experience seems more significant or we do not think we have the skills needed to cope with the feelings we are experiencing. You may have recently experienced a change in your life that has caused positive or negative feelings of stress, some of these experiences could include a relationship change such as a marriage or separation, the birth of a child or blending of a family, a new job or loss of a job and many other types of factors. Children also handle new experiences differently and meeting in treatment can provide them a safe space to express worries and access skills. Oftentimes treatment is brief and can help you navigate stressful and unexpected events to better manage and cope with feelings of stress which could lead to more difficulties in the longer term.

Behavioral disorders range in type and severity but they tend to hold a common set theme of socially inappropriate behaviors which negatively impacts the youth or adult. Behavioral disorders can cause irritability, isolation, societal consequences, learning and occupational difficulties. They also negatively impact relationships with family members, partners, children, and peers. Below are some of the behavioral disorders I work with; if you struggle with behavioral difficulties and are ready to learn how to manage feelings, impulses, and choice making schedule a 15 minute consult to see how I can help. Learning to control thoughts and feelings can drastically impact how we manage the world around us and improve relationships and positive choice making.

ADHD/ADD
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Impulse Control Disorder
Anger management

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder; there are often co-occurring behavioral conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and food related difficulties associated with ASD. As children, autism can present as symptoms of difficulties in relating to others, recognizing or engaging in appropriate social cues, and trouble with communication development. These difficulties impact family and social relationships, educational settings, and other environments. These symptoms often carry into adulthood and continue to be challenges for individuals on the spectrum. Children and adults can feel isolated, alone, and confused about their place in this world. It can be challenging to form connected and meaningful relationships with others which might lead to feelings of frustration and sadness. Parents/caregivers with children on the spectrum also experience frustration, worry, and sadness as they work to provide resources and skills to help their children grow into adults who will find their place in this world. Parenting difficulties, behavioral issues, and dysregulated moods can be further challenges experienced by parents with children on the spectrum. Adults with ASD may experience feelings of isolation or struggle in social settings or relationships with others who do not relate or understand autism. If you or someone you love is having trouble managing ASD please connect with me by clicking the schedule button on the bottom of the page. Below are some of the areas of focus I have with individuals who are high function ASD.

Skill building
Social skills and relationships
Dysregulation of emotions/mood

Relationships can be challenging to navigate. There are many different types of relationships including parent/child, couples, (pre)marital relationships, sibling relationships and friendships. If you are reading this now, you might recognize a relationship in your life that is suffering. If you are ready to learn healthy skills, improve connections with others you value, decrease negative energy and harm, and gain a better understanding of your needs and the needs of the other person in the relationship, then contact me to schedule a session. There is so much joy we can share with those in our lives and so much joy they can bring into our lives, if we are open to the process.

Pre-marital counseling
Parenting
Couples
Communication/social struggles
Attachment issues

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) was once commonly known as pet therapy. AAT is a structured, goal focused, treatment approach in a mental health setting, between a trained animal and their handler. AAT is often used with a variety of mental health disorders with the purposes of alleviating the client’s stressors or increasing a specific type of coping skills.

PTSD
Autism
Different Trauma Disorders
ADHD
Depression
Anxiety
ODD
Attachment Issues

Depression, general mood dysregulation, and anxiety impact much of our society. These emotions can lead you to feel disconnected from those around you or removed from daily tasks or events you once were engaged in and enjoyed; sometimes you can feel as if you are living in a world with no color or passion. If you or someone you love, suffers from depression or anxiety and you are ready to begin the steps to managing these strong feelings, connect with me today. Below are a few of the specific mood and anxiety related difficulties I work with. There are numerous things you can learn in therapy to help you better manage depression and (or) anxiety so you feel more in charge of your life and enjoy your experiences in color.

General anxiety
Social anxiety
Depression
Mood irregularity
Grief/bereavement

Trauma is an event or series of events that takes place in our lives in which we feel a significant impact in our overall day to day experiences. Trauma is different for each person and is identified by the lens from which we see it. Not everyone will identify the same traumatic event the same way. Traumatic events can leave us feeling vulnerable, angry, confused, and depressed. They can significantly impact the way we view others in our world or how we see ourselves in the world. Trauma can also change how we identify and relate to others around us, causing struggles in relationships and social settings. If you identify with a traumatic event which is shaping the way you move through the world schedule a consultation to see if I am the right therapist for you. Below are a few of the types of trauma. I have significant experience in; my work in trauma can help me increase your skill set and give you a better understanding of the painful events you have experienced so you can take charge of your feelings.

Sexual abuse
Child abuse
Bereavement
Traumatic events