Services

Jen uses a variety of methods, such as art therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and play therapy to help children, adolescents, and adults express their feelings and deal with daily life challenges. Jen provides individual and group therapy.

Art Therapy

Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy, which is a process of deepening self-awareness and discovering or rediscovering one’s internal power to overcome life’s difficulties. Art therapy utilizes art as a way to communicate feelings surrounding these difficulties. Children and adolescents often have an easier time finding the words to express their feelings using images. The art process can also be very beneficial to adults in this same capacity.

When using art therapy with individuals who have autism spectrum disorders, art can serve as a visual tool for communication, a window to the imagination, and motivation to make connections.

Play Therapy

Play Therapy provides a way for children to express their experiences and feelings through a natural, self-guided, self-healing process. Play therapy can also help to develop relationships and social/communication skills especially when working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Play therapy builds on the children’s own interests and allows the child to express themselves in a fun safe environment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavior therapy has been shown to be helpful for reducing anxiety, depression, and behavior by making changes in thoughts and perceptions of situations through a change in cognition. CBT aims to alter maladaptive thought processes by highlighting the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and then cultivates new problem-solving and coping skills. CBT helps to regulate emotions, develop impulse control, and improve behavior as a result. CBT helps to reduce challenging behaviors, such as interruptions, obsessions, meltdowns or angry outbursts, while also teaching individuals how to become familiar with and manage certain feelings that may arise. CBT uses direct reinforcement, modeling, and in vivo exposures to facilitate safe and adaptive behaviors during which children and adolescents can challenge dysfunctional beliefs. CBT can be effective when working with individuals who have anxiety disorders, ADHD, behavior disorders, and Autism Spectrum Disorders.