Person centered Treatment
This is the moment you have been waiting for to start living your best life. It is time to say goodbye to self-doubt and fear, and hello to empowerment and confidence. You have all the tools and potential within you to live the life you have always dreamed of. So don’t hold back any longer, embrace the power within you, and step into your greatness. This is your time to trust yourself and shine so the world can see what you are capable of. Healing Harbor Counseling is here to help you every step of the way through the process.
Our approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, compassion, and non-judgment. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment where our clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings, and where they can develop the skills and tools they need to thrive.
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. The symptoms of attention deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be categorized into 2 types:
- Inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing)
- Hyperactivity and impulsiveness
Many people with ADHD have problems that fall into both categories, but this is not always the case. Approximately 3 in 10 people with the condition have problems with concentrating and focusing, but not with Hyperactivity or impulsiveness. This form of ADHD is also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD). ADD can sometimes go undiagnosed because the symptoms may be less obvious.
ADHD is more often diagnosed in boys than girls. Girls are more likely to have symptoms of Hyperactivity only and are less likely to show disruptive behavior that makes ADHD symptoms more obvious. This means girls who have ADHD may go undiagnosed.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
An estimated 1 in 36 children and 5,437,988 adults are living with ASD in the United States. ASD is characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, extreme anxiety, adherence to strict schedules/patterns, speech and language delays, social challenges, and struggles with managing difficult emotions. Autism spectrum disorder affects how a person acts, experiences the world, and expresses themselves. While autistic people have similarities, everyone is different and so is their presentation of being autistic. There are three levels of ASD:
- Level 1- Requiring support
- Level 2- Requiring substantial support
- Level 3- Requiring very substantial support
The three levels of ASD help medical providers prescribe appropriate therapies based on a person’s unique needs.
ASD is more prevalent in males with the ratio of about 1 female for every 3 males being diagnosed, but research has emerged that females are more likely to be overlooked during ASD evaluations. Females are better at masking their feelings and camouflaging into their environment so their autistic symptoms can go unnoticed. Symptoms typically present differently in females requiring screeners to look beyond the classic symptoms found in males.
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 avoiding work/school or social situations.
The Neurodiverse Brain
Neurodiversity refers to a variety of conditions such as ADHD, autism, and giftedness where the brain and nervous system work differently. Some describe the differences by comparing them to how an iPhone functions versus how an android phone works. Both phones complete the same types of functions, but they contain different operating systems. A neurodivergent brain and nervous system are sensitive and can react more intensely to big emotions and outside stimuli, such as lights, sounds, taste/textures, smells, clothing, and social situations. As a result, neurodivergent individuals can feel overwhelmed at times which can lead to increased anxiety, and panic attacks. Most neurodivergent individuals struggle with some form of social anxiety.
In-Session Parenting Strategies
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. At Healing Harbor Counseling, proven parenting strategies and support are provided during family counseling sessions and parenting groups. You will come away understanding your child’s behaviors and how best to nurture their emotional development while helping them make positive changes to last a lifetime.
Individual, family, and group counseling available.
Couples counseling is offered for adults living with neurodivergence. Tamara will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. You will learn to nurture your strengths and use practical coping skills to manage overwhelming emotions, connect with others to develop lasting relationships, and improve self-esteem so you can start living the life you are meant to have.
Tamara will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. You will learn to nurture your strengths and use practical coping skills to manage overwhelming feelings, connect with others to develop lasting relationships, and improve self-esteem so you can start living the life you are meant to have. utism evaluations are available for ages 12 months to adults. Tamara will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. You will learn to nurture your strengths and use practical coping skills to manage overwhelming feelings, connect with others to develop lasting relationships, and improve self-esteem so you can start living the life you are meant to have.
Family counseling provides in-session parent coaching. Couples counseling is available for young adults managing nerodivergence. All services require an intake appointment prior to starting and groups require registration in advance. Parenting groups include strategies proven to help children make positive choices to avoid negative consequences. All individual, family, group, and couple sessions integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for challenging/reframing negative and unhelpful thought patterns as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help with regulating emotions, decreasing symptoms, and tolerating difficult emotions/situations. Coping strategies and life skills are incorporated into each appointment to help improve functioning and quality of life. All groups provide weekly summaries to practice skills at home.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911. If you need immediate assistance, please call crisis at 602-222-9444.
Raising Children and Teens with Unique Needs
Parents who are raising children with ADHD, autism, Neurodivergence, social anxiety,
depression, trauma or PTSD may be faced with 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 as a parent while raising her own children diagnosed with ADHD and autism, who are today an engineer and a college student. Tamara understands what it means to parent a child with unique needs, and she has experienced many of the same things that you are going through as a parent. As a psychotherapist, Tamara has the expertise to help families overcome each
challenge and begin to start thriving.
