We have firsthand experience with the challenges a life-changing diagnosis brings to the entire family. It adds stress to parents and siblings, and requires tremendous emotional support for the loved one with special needs.

Like those who develop typically, people with developmental delays react emotionally to life’s stressors. Teaching them how to identify, express, and manage those feelings helps to decrease undesirable and harmful behaviors.

For the sessions to be productive, a specialist that knows how to connect with clients who have special needs is imperative. Amy’s expertise in this area comes from raising Jordan, her son with Down syndrome, and her twelve years teaching students with unique abilities.

During her career as an educator, Amy quickly realized that clinical therapy was missing from the services provided for those with special needs. Students were taught how to learn and behave, but not how to process their feelings and experiences. That missing piece is the difference between a person who can manage complex relationships and responsibilities and one victimized by ever-changing emotions.

Support for the Whole Special Family

special needs girl smiling with a brightly colored sock on each hand

Individual

Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help clients tune into experiences, connect with others, and modify their unproductive patterns.

They will also learn how to:

  • Improve social skills
  • Self-advocate
  • Problem-Solve
  • Identify emotions
  • Cope with emotions
  • Improve communication
  • Increase self-awareness
  • Process difficult situations
  • Overcome challenges
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Father with special needs child

Parents

Parents learn how to foster a loving relationship with their children while working through their challenges and stressors. They also get decision-making support, so they don’t have to navigate school programs, extra-curricular activities, and social challenges alone.

They will also learn how to:

  • Reduce conflict
  • Develop an effective parenting style.
  • Improve communication
  • Increase knowledge in behavior modification
  • How to process and accept a difficult diagnosis
  • Set boundaries
  • Deepen connection
  • Learn the acronyms
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special needs girl watching her older brother drawing

Siblings

Siblings of special needs kids often get less attention and are expected to do more. They may feel pressure to be “good” to make things easier on their parents and might feel embarrassed by their brother/sister’s behavior. Acting out or retreating can signify that your child is overwhelmed by these complex emotions. Therapy is a safe place for them to work through their issues without feeling like they are being a “burden.”

They will also learn how to:

  • Acknowledge and accept their feelings as being natural
  • Learn how to get their needs heard and met
  • Deepen their understanding of the condition
  • Find and implement coping mechanisms
  • Gain compassion and empathy
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My daughter LOVED the classes. She would love to be included in more. Thank you for creating such a special environment for them!

— Jennifer
two boys wearing superhero outfits and posing
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