Tamara Woodard, LMSW, ASDCS, ADHD-CS Social Worker/Psychotherapist

Adults and parents of children with ADHD, autism, neurodiversity or social anxiety asking tough questions:  

1. Why does it sometimes feel impossible to overcome obstacles? 

2. Why is leaving the home and transiting to new situations so difficult?

3. Why do bright lights, loud noises, crowds, and hugs cause anxiety and stress? 

4. How do we stop meltdowns and angry outbursts?

5. How can I help myself or my child connect with others and develop lasting relationships?

6. How do we manage difficult emotions to prevent shutting down? 

7. Will I be able to live a happy and fulfilling life?

Tamara found herself asking those same questions while raising her own children with ADHD and autism who are now an engineer and a college student. As a social worker/psychotherapist, Tamara has helped over 1000 children, families, and young adults struggling with overwhelming emotions, social anxiety, transitioning to new situations, overthinking, analysis paralysis and procrastination. Tamara can help you too.  

Individual, family, and group therapy is offered for children, teens, and young adults. Parenting support and coaching as well couples counseling where one or both partners are neurodiverse is also available. 

Call 480-430-1459 to get started. 

Private pay only. Super bills are offered for submission to out-of-network benefits. 

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911. If you need immediate assistance, please call crisis at 602-222-9444.

Neurodiversity refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, extreme anxiety, adherence to strict schedules/patterns, speech and/ language delays, and struggles with reading nonverbal communication cues. 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

An estimated 1 in 36 children and 5,437,988 adults are l with ASD in the United States. ASD is more prevalent in males with the ratio of about 1 female for every 3 males being diagnosed. Research has emerged that females are more likely to be overlooked during ASD evaluations. Females are better at masking and camouflaging into their environment so their autistic symptoms can go unnoticed. ymptoms typically present differently in females requiring screeners to look beyond the classic symptoms found in males. 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Approximately 6.1 million children (9.4 percent) ages 2 to 17 and 8 million adults (5 percent) have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) in the United States. 

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. An estimated 20 million adolescents, teens, and adults are affected by social anxiety, and more than 75% of people experience their first symptoms during childhood or adolescence. It can be linked to bullying or teasing and can trigger panic attacks and work/school avoidance. 

Common Issues 

Autism

Asperger's 

ADHD

Neurodiversity

Sensory Issues (bright lights, noises, tastes/textures, touch/clothing)

Social Anxiety 

Difficulty Focusing

Depression

School/Work Avoidance

Procrastination

Isolation and Loneliness 

Oppositional Defiance Disorder 

Mood Disorder 

Poor Self-Esteem

Poor Choices

Verbal and Physical Aggression 

Meltdowns and Angry Outbursts 

Shutting Down 

Attachment/Bonding Struggles

Difficulty Connecting with Peers

Difficulty Sleeping 

Interventions & Modalities 

Supportive Reflection

Strength Based Therapy

Circle of Security 

Infant Toddler Mental Health 

Narrative Play 

Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT)

Role Play

Art Therapy Techniques

Sand Tray Therapy 

Behavioral Therapy 

Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT)

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)

Brainspotting 

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Brief Solution Focused Therapy (BSFT)

These groups were designed for parents who are raising kids with unique needs. Perhaps you are realizing that traditional parenting approaches are not a good fit for your child who does not respond the same as other children. You will come away understanding your child's behaviors and how best to nurture your child's emotional development. Group topics include:

• Parenting strategies that are proven to work with children who have unique needs
• Recognizing the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown 
• Coping strategies and skills to help your child manage difficult emotions and situations
• Recognizing and expressing emotions
• Validating your child’s thoughts and feelings without giving in to their tantrums or arguing
• Decreasing verbal and/or physical aggression
• Recognizing and respecting boundaries
• Improving socialization and communication skills
• Communicating your child's academic and emotional needs at school 

Mommy/Daddy and Me Groups

Bring your child and join other families to learn parenting strategies in real time. While engaging in fun activities with your child, you will receive coaching from Tamara to help you practice proven parenting strategies. Your child will have the opportunity to spend time with other children with you nearby. 

The name, “E² (E squared) Twice Exceptional” is derived from the term “twice exceptional” which is often abbreviated as 2e, and refers to gifted and talented individuals with neurodiversity, ADHD, social anxiety, or on the autism spectrum.  

Groups teach kills for:

• Regulating emotions to decrease outbursts and meltdowns 
• Improving distress tolerance
• Managing social anxiety
• Socialization 
• Improving interpersonal communication- conversation starters, making/keeping friends, reading social cues, etc.
• Harnessing special talents or “super powers” to improve daily functioning and improve self-esteem 
• Learning mindfulness 
• Improving self-esteem 
• Groups are divided by ages and developmental stages

Do you lay awake at night worrying if you or your child can overcome what seems like impossible obstacles? Do you or your child struggle with managing difficult emotions, social anxiety, leaving the home, or transitioning to new situations? Tamara can help you or your child learn strategies to nurture your strengths, manage social anxiety, regulate emotions, connect with others to develop lasting relationships, overcome challenges, improve self-esteem, and feel more confident. Ages 18 months to 25 years.