Individual Therapy

Individual therapy can be a complex process in which healing and behavior change come about through regular sessions involving the client and therapist. Although the focus of individual therapy is on improvement in overall functioning for the client, in many situations it is beneficial to include the parents, siblings, and other family members in the process.

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Our clinicians use their comprehensive training and experience to identify the most effective, empirically supported treatment approach based on the reported symptoms, diagnosis, and client needs.  They believe in the importance of a collaborative and supportive environment to foster growth and change. Our clinicians work with clients to develop more adaptive coping strategies and to understand the behavior patterns that are problematic to their success and happiness. 

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Research consistently finds that the most effective outcome to therapy is based on the therapeutic alliance, which is the relationship between the therapist and client. This includes feeling supported through the therapeutic process and agreeing on goals and means by which the client and therapist can work working together to effect positive change. 

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Our clinicians incorporate the following treatment modalities into therapy:

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A therapeutic approach that addresses difficulties by helping individuals build an awareness of and reframe maladaptive patterns of thoughts called cognitive distortions.  This treatment also impacts change by addressing maladaptive emotional reactions and behaviors.  Research suggests CBT to be effective in treating a range of psychological difficulties.

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Behavioral Therapy: Behavior therapy uses the premise of classical conditioning or learned behavior, suggesting that behavior is learned.  To elicit desired change, behaviors then have to be unlearned. This approach is particularly helpful in treating some behavioral concerns seen in children and can also be effective with specific conditions.

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Mindfulness: Mindfulness approaches to therapy help individuals learn to live in the present. Too much future thinking or past thinking can lead to feelings of anxiety, worry, sadness, and guilt.  This approach helps individuals learn to live in the moment through mediation and relaxation exercises. 

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We also have clinicians with specialty training in working with children with developmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disorders, Attentional Disorders and Cognitive Disorders. She also has extensive experience working with children who have sensory difficulties. Therapists can address challenges that are impacting children and families while taking into account the symptoms related to these disorders, and she uses treatments that have empirical support with individuals in these populations.

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Children with these difficulties can struggle with transitions, peer relationships, reciprocity, emotional understanding, and anxiety.  Problems with attentional functioning and executive functioning can also cause difficulties with motivation, getting started on a task, daily living skills, and academic success. Her expertise in understanding how these difficulties can impact daily functioning, success, and relationships is incorporated into the treatment. Our clinicians also work with caregivers and supports within the child's environment to provide education on the disorders and help set realistic expectations.

Groups are formed on an as needed basis and typically consist of 4 - 6 participants. 

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Please contact us at 727-437-2870 to add your name to a list for social groups and self-esteem groups that will be start in Fall 2023. If you are interested, please complete a contact email on the contact page. Another group will start to help siblings of children with special needs (psychological, neurodevelopmental, behavioral, or medical diagnoses) in Fall 2023.

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Theory of mind is the ability for someone to attribute beliefs, ideas, and intentions to oneself and others.  In other words, the ability to understand why someone acts or feels a certain way and/or to predict how others will behave or feel in different situations.  Theory of mind is a core concept that is taught in my social skills groups.  Dr. Stabler uses material from Social Thinking Curriculum, which focus on teaching perspective taking skills and theory of mind, to help children with this ability. Information is obtained prior to the first group and assign children to groups based on their age and developmental level.  This is a non-judgemental  setting in which participants can practice their newly learned skills with peers.  Many children end up developing friendships in the group.

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Past Group Focus:

• Anger Management

• Emotion Regulation (Dialectical Behavior Therapy Focus)

• Social Anxiety

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*Please contact the office if you have interest in another group

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