Applied Behavior Analysis
For patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I utilize a strong approach known as Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA. I work especially well with teaching children and teens to follow parent and teacher directives (compliance), social skills training, toilet training, and aggressive patients who may be harmful to themselves or others. ABA seeks to identify maladaptive behaviors that cause problems within the families of those with autism and replace these behaviors with appropriate, positive behaviors more suitable for both child and family. This is achieved over time, through positive reinforcement in the form of rewards for more appropriate behaviors; the ultimate goal is replacement of dysfunctional behaviors with functional ones. Once behavioral issues are addressed, we work to replace positive reinforcements with more natural rewards. For many families, this behavioral approach has been life-changing, and the advantages this offers to children on the spectrum is immeasurable in terms of the opportunity it affords them to have happy, healthy lives, and fulfilling relationships with the ones they love.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
For patients with depression, anxiety, and related disorders, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT. CBT is a therapy which focuses on recognizing inaccurate or negative thinking, known as cognitive distortions, and correcting these distortions through awareness of the patterns that lead patients to revisit them again and again. With practice, healthy thinking and behavior can become habitual, and CBT gives patients permanent tools that can help them enjoy fuller, more meaningful lives.
Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) is rooted in the principles of CBT, and is highly effective for individuals with anxiety disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It involves identifying one’s triggers of anxiety or fear and gradually desensitizing the patient through exposure. Repeatedly facing our fears teaches us to manage our responses to fear, and over time the practice of ERP erodes anxiety in general. This has proven to be indispensable for many patients with anxiety disorders, allowing them to go confidently through life without balking at situations, things, or impulses that may have once been paralyzing.
Group Therapy
Saturday groups are provided to support children and teens with social skills, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In addition, parent training groups are provided to help parents with tools to generalize what their children learn in session and/or groups to more natural settings. Dates and times for groups will be posted in the office, and on the Events Calendar.
Parent Training
I offer training for parents living with a wide range of challenges that arise in working with children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Many issues, including aggressive behavior, social anxiety, school refusal programs, toileting challenges, etc. can be difficult to manage for already-overwhelmed parents, and I offer special training to help you learn the special skills needed to make living as easy as possible for you and your child.
Staff Training for Group Homes
I offer training for supervisors and staff of group homes for children with developmental disabilities. I have a wealth of experience in both administration and patient care, and can offer sound solutions for a variety of training needs such as Functional Behavior Assessments, behavior plans, updates, reports and staff training.
