Autism Whisperer
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Individual, Family, & Group Counseling
Tamara Woodard, MSW, LMSW, ASDCS
Autism, Asperger's, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression
Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist
Tamara is a licensed social worker/psychotherapist with over 10 years experience working with children and families affected by autism, neurodiversity, sensory processing disorders, problems focusing, difficulty regulating emotions, aggression, meltdowns, or shutting down. Tamara understands the complexities and challenges your kids are facing related to extreme social anxiety, low self-esteem, sensory overload, and often feeling like they do not fit in with their peers. Tamara here to help your child identify and tap into their strengths and talents to improve their self-esteem and every-day functioning.
You may be asking yourself tough questions:
1. Can my child overcome what seems like impossible obstacles?
2. Why does my child struggle with leaving the home and transiting to new situations?
3. Why is my child sensitive to bright lights, loud noises, and hugs?
4. How can we stop the meltdowns?
5. How can I help my child connect with others and develop lasting relationships?
6. Will my child be able to live a happy and fulfilling life?
7. How can I help my child be their best self?
Tamara is a psychotherapist with a unique perspective about autism, because she is also a parent who has raised a child on the autism spectrum. She found herself asking those same questions, and here to help you find the answers for your child.
Call 480-430-1459 or email
tamara@healing-harbor.com to get started.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911. If you need immediate assistance, please call crisis at 602-222-9444.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, adherence to strict schedules/patterns, speech and language delays, and struggles with reading nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the United States today.
Individual, Family, & Group Counseling for Ages 1-21
Common Issues
Depression
Anxiety
Difficulty focusing
Social anxiety
Poor self-esteem
Poor sense of self
Verbal and physical aggression
Meltdowns at home and school
Shutting down
Attachment & bonding struggles
Difficulty connecting with peers
Trauma & PTSD
Interventions & Modalities
Circle of Security
Infant Toddler Mental Health
Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT)
Narrative Play
Art Therapy Techniques
Sand Tray Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
Brain Spotting
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Brief Solution Focused Therapy (BSFT)
Parenting Strategies and Therapeutic Support Groups
This group was 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 your older 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
E² Twice Exceptional Skills Groups for All Ages
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 who are neurodiverse, struggling with ADHD, or on the autism spectrum.
Groups teach kills for:
- Regulating emotions to decrease outbursts and meltdowns
- Improving distress tolerance
- Managing social anxiety
- Improving interpersonal communication & socialization skills- 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
Site Content
Out of Network for all Insurance Carriers
Sliding Fee Scale Available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you diagnose my child with autism?
I am not able to make autism diagnoses, but I can assist with resources to help you find a developmental pediatrician or psychologist for a comprehensive autism assessment.
Do you offer online sessions?
I offer video sessions via a secure platform.
Do you offer evening and weekend hours?
I offer sessions on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays.
Do you accept insurance?
I am an out of network for all insurances.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, check, or credit cards or you can utilize your Health Savings Account.
Do you accept child custody, DCS or Social Security Disability cases?
I do not accept cases with child custody, DCS, SSD or any legal issues. This is not my area of expertise.
Cancellation Policy
Payment in full is required for missed sessions or without 24-hour notification of a need to cancel.
I'll be happy to reschedule you once the outstanding balance for the late cancellation is paid. Missed or late canceled appointment fees must be paid in full before scheduling your next appointment.
This is a supervised private practice. It is owned and/or managed by a master's level, non-independently licensee under Board-approved clinical supervision pursuant to A.A.C R4-6-211. The Board approved clinical supervisor of this practice is:
Lindsey Jensen, LCSW, MSW, CCTP, BSP
480-442-5007 Lindseyjensen@counselingaz.org
