I provide developmental, relationship-based, behavior therapy to children ages 18 months and older. I work with children who require unique support to meet the demands of their daily lives, maximize meaningful interactions with loved ones, and explore the world around them. While many of my clients have diagnoses such as Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Anxiety, or Global Developmental Delay, many do not. I utilize behavior analytic methodologies including Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) and Natural Environment Training (NET) that emphasize intrinsic motivation, learning from the natural, everyday environment. My services are layered with methods from developmental frameworks including Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship (DIR) Floortime and Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). My work is supported by my growing knowledge within the field of Infant Mental Health (IMH).
I specialize in the following areas:
Behavior Management
Behavior, while an expression of your child's internal experiences, can create problems in your family's life, by restricting activities, hindering relationships, or simply complicating your routine.
Through our close collaboration, learn:
- To understand how your child's environment, development, and unique characteristics influence behavior.
- Strategies to help prevent behaviors from occuring.
- How to respond effectively when challenges arise.
- How to talk to others about your child's behavior plan.
Social Interaction
For some children, social interaction can be an ever-evolving challenge. Fluent social exchanges involve knowing what to do at the right time with the right person. This level of precision may be daunting for your child with differences.
Help your child foster meaningful relationships by:
- Boosting motivation to interact, even when it’s difficult.
- Strengthening your child’s understanding of social cues.
- Learning how to effectively use affect to keep the positive circles of communication going.
- Providing the right opportunities and skill development necessary to connect with peers.
Emotional Regulation
An average day for your child is likely full of unexpected outcomes, mistakes, new experiences, and difficult expectations. If your child has challenges with emotional regulation, you may feel as though you are walking on eggshells through your day.
Learn to set developmentally appropriate expectations.
Teach your child attainable self-regulation strategies.
Use the strength of your relationship to help your child build resilience to daily frustrations.
Daily Routines
Daily routines, such as getting ready for the day, mealtime, or getting ready for bed are consistent, necessary parts of life. Yet they can be full of hidden challenges, making every day a battle.
Learn to recognize the way your child’s sensory differences, attention, executive functioning skills, language abilities, and regulation may be contributing to these daily battles.
Find ways of modifying your child’s routines and boost skill development to foster daily success.