Specialties

Autism

I help autistic children, teens, and adults manage mental health, including commonly occurring problems like anxiety, as well as navigating life in this complicated world. I also want to help loved ones understand and, hopefully — treasure — autism and neurodiversity.

ADHD

People with ADHD have immeasurable strengths that are not always recognized by society. We can work toward building individualized executive functioning skills (e.g., planning, organization, time management) for school, work, or home, as well as managing overwhelming emotions.

Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health concern in the world! Gradual exposure helps build confidence and face fears. Typical anxiety (e.g., phobias, separation, social, worry, perfectionism, panic) and even unusual fears associated with neurodivergence? Treated here!

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD can take many different forms, consisting of intrusive thoughts and compulsions to relieve anxiety (including fears of contamination, harming others, etc). Exposure and response-prevention techniques can be highly effective in regaining the control that OCD has taken away.

Trichotillomania
(hair-pulling)

Hair-pulling (body, face, scalp) may not align with how you want to look or feel. We can determine your goals and create routines, environments, and new habits (habit reversal training [HRT]) that may decrease or eliminate pulling.

Excoriation
(skin-picking)

Skin-picking can become uncomfortable and cause serious health problems. We can work together to use habit reversal therapy (HRT) techniques that disrupt the loop between the urges and acts and achieve a new level of confidence.

Nail-biting

Unwanted and repetitive nail biting can cause infection, embarrassment, or inconvenience. We can work together using habit reversal training (HRT) to try to replace the urge to bite or chew nails, cuticles, and/or fingers with new patterns that foster a sense of calm and control.

Sleep Problems

When sleep isn’t going well, pretty much nothing is going well! I treat insomnia (problems falling asleep and staying asleep) for all ages, plus the problems that often occur in children - such as, undesired co-sleeping, difficulties napping, and breaking challenging sleep habits.

Toileting Problems

Toileting problems can include difficulties with toilet training, withholding urine or bowel movements, and/or accidents (daytime or nighttime). Neurodivergent individuals may experience disruptive toilet routines - there are many achievable solutions for us to try together!

Tics/Tourette’s

Comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT) has helped countless people that wish to manage vocal (sounds, words) or motor (movement) tics. We actively practice “competing behaviors” — with support from loved ones, if desired. We may also practice acceptance.

Peer Relationships

Difficulty telling who is a “true” friend, making or keeping friends, and/or navigating complex social situations or “drama” can all really put a damper on life. We can work toward learning more about your individual preferences, friendship, and problem-solving these topics.

Transition to Adulthood

The rumors are true - adulting is hard! As adolescents or young adults prepare for becoming more independent, we may focus on things like self-care, daily routines, dating, work, college, and/or any other personal hopes and goals for the future.

Chronic Health Conditions

I have worked on mental health concerns amidst a wide range of chronic health needs including, but not limited to, muscular dystrophy, type 1 diabetes (T1DM), chronic pain, and rare genetic conditions (e.g., 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome).

Problem Behavior

Drawing from parent management training (PMT), we can work towards decreasing anger, aggression, and/or argumentation. Sessions may be with child and parents, or only parents, with a focus on effective communication and responding to different developmental stages.

Parenting Stress

I’ve worked with parents most of my life. Now that I am a parent myself, and now know how real the struggle can be! Parents need support now more than ever (and often are not getting it) - I am eager to assist parents in managing parents’ stress and expectations.

…and more!

Not every emotional or behavioral need fits neatly in a category. Have a unique or unusual problem? Just ask me - I might be able to help with that!