Autism Therapists in San Rafael, CA
When your child or teen is having a tough time, all you want is for them to feel better. You want them to feel happier, calmer, and able to manage whatever life throws at them. You need a therapist who understands your unique child as well as the challenges you face as a parent, who can teach important skills with humor, patience, and compassion to help your child cope with big emotions now and in the future. If you are concerned that your child has a learning disability or autism, I offer assessment that focuses on their strengths and how to support them in all environments.
When your child or teen is having a tough time, all you want is for them to feel better. You want them to feel happier, calmer, and able to manage whatever life throws at them. You need a therapist who understands your unique child as well as the challenges you face as a parent, who can teach important skills with humor, patience, and compassion to help your child cope with big emotions now and in the future. If you are concerned that your child has a learning disability or autism, I offer assessment that focuses on their strengths and how to support them in all environments.
Ryan Gertz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901
I provide support to individuals, couples and children who want a sense of meaning, authenticity and agency in their lives. Challenges I work with are trauma( PTSD & CPTSD), anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity issues, mens issues, ADHD/ Autism/neurodivergence, eco-anxiety and psychedelic integration. I help couples recognize repeating patterns, substituting defensiveness with clear vulnerable communication, and strengthen intimacy.
I provide support to individuals, couples and children who want a sense of meaning, authenticity and agency in their lives. Challenges I work with are trauma( PTSD & CPTSD), anxiety, depression, relationship issues, identity issues, mens issues, ADHD/ Autism/neurodivergence, eco-anxiety and psychedelic integration. I help couples recognize repeating patterns, substituting defensiveness with clear vulnerable communication, and strengthen intimacy.
Sophia Denardo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901 (Online Only)
All sessions are through the ADHD/ Autism perspective and how trauma and other struggles require a unique treatment.
When it comes to having ADHD, it feels as though there are five steps to complete before showing up to the start line everyone else begins at automatically. Underneath the outward mask can be feelings of isolation, being misunderstood, experiences of rejection, depression, anxiety, and a constant state of burn out always on the horizon. As a therapist for ADHD, the neurodivergent lens is applied from start to finish with a focus on learning how to communicate needs to help move through life's struggles. My goal is to help you build a strong and mindful relationship with yourself and curate how that self moves with the world.
All sessions are through the ADHD/ Autism perspective and how trauma and other struggles require a unique treatment.
When it comes to having ADHD, it feels as though there are five steps to complete before showing up to the start line everyone else begins at automatically. Underneath the outward mask can be feelings of isolation, being misunderstood, experiences of rejection, depression, anxiety, and a constant state of burn out always on the horizon. As a therapist for ADHD, the neurodivergent lens is applied from start to finish with a focus on learning how to communicate needs to help move through life's struggles. My goal is to help you build a strong and mindful relationship with yourself and curate how that self moves with the world.
Payge Casady-Christensen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94903
I have many years of experience working with all age groups, people with disabilities, neurodivergent minds, people with autism, LGBTQ+, anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, grief and loss, aging, dissociation, and loneliness. I highly value supporting people in creating an understanding of the barriers they face both internally and externally that keep them from moving toward the life they want to live and, together, creating a plan to slowly work toward better days.
I have many years of experience working with all age groups, people with disabilities, neurodivergent minds, people with autism, LGBTQ+, anxiety, depression, adjustment challenges, grief and loss, aging, dissociation, and loneliness. I highly value supporting people in creating an understanding of the barriers they face both internally and externally that keep them from moving toward the life they want to live and, together, creating a plan to slowly work toward better days.
I help people to heal from past trauma, break destructive patterns, and have more meaningful connections to others. I have experience treating many common issues, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. My primary focus is on working with clients in the addiction recovery community. I also enjoy working with neurodiverse adults and teens (with diagnoses like Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD) and their families.
I help people to heal from past trauma, break destructive patterns, and have more meaningful connections to others. I have experience treating many common issues, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. My primary focus is on working with clients in the addiction recovery community. I also enjoy working with neurodiverse adults and teens (with diagnoses like Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD) and their families.
I have been in practice for nearly 20 years. I treat children, teens and adults who have difficulty with social skills, suffer from social anxiety, or difficulty with emotional regulation. I offer individual and group therapy for those struggling with communication, understanding their emotions, and understanding themselves in the context of their relationships with others. I help adults, teens, and children improve their self-esteem, learn better communication skills, and enjoy more satisfying relationships with friends and family.
I have been in practice for nearly 20 years. I treat children, teens and adults who have difficulty with social skills, suffer from social anxiety, or difficulty with emotional regulation. I offer individual and group therapy for those struggling with communication, understanding their emotions, and understanding themselves in the context of their relationships with others. I help adults, teens, and children improve their self-esteem, learn better communication skills, and enjoy more satisfying relationships with friends and family.
My interventions are rooted in providing psychoeducation and honoring client self-determination, helping clients to better understand their experiences. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions to assist children, youth, and young adults in recognizing the interconnectedness between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which enables them to develop and implement personalized coping strategies to reduce anxiety and depression. I have also received training in mindfulness-based interventions aimed at assisting clients in using breathwork and meditation to reduce their stress.
My interventions are rooted in providing psychoeducation and honoring client self-determination, helping clients to better understand their experiences. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions to assist children, youth, and young adults in recognizing the interconnectedness between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which enables them to develop and implement personalized coping strategies to reduce anxiety and depression. I have also received training in mindfulness-based interventions aimed at assisting clients in using breathwork and meditation to reduce their stress.
Paula F Mierzejewski
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94903
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who came to practice later in life and believe my life's experience makes me a better therapist. I enjoy working with children and older adults facing life transitions. I treat children who suffer from anxiety and depression and those that are victims of abuse, abandonment, and homelessness. I support Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Clients. Iwork with adults facing a life transition. This may be caring for an older parent, loss of a loved one, or a life threatening illness. These situations trigger a mixed bag of emotions that can be overwhelming.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who came to practice later in life and believe my life's experience makes me a better therapist. I enjoy working with children and older adults facing life transitions. I treat children who suffer from anxiety and depression and those that are victims of abuse, abandonment, and homelessness. I support Transgender & Gender Non-Conforming Clients. Iwork with adults facing a life transition. This may be caring for an older parent, loss of a loved one, or a life threatening illness. These situations trigger a mixed bag of emotions that can be overwhelming.
Julie S Lehman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Rafael, CA 94901
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working affirmatively with sex and gender diversity and sex-positive communities (LGBTQ+, non-normative relationships, non-monogamy, polyamory, ace/aro, intersex, gender nonconformity/fluidity, BDSM/kink, leather, fetish, sex work, STI+). I welcome clients with issues around sexual functioning, minority stress, neurodivergence, diffability, depression/anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, and any relationship issues. I'm a well-trained integrative sex therapist with a network of collaborative providers.
I specialize in working affirmatively with sex and gender diversity and sex-positive communities (LGBTQ+, non-normative relationships, non-monogamy, polyamory, ace/aro, intersex, gender nonconformity/fluidity, BDSM/kink, leather, fetish, sex work, STI+). I welcome clients with issues around sexual functioning, minority stress, neurodivergence, diffability, depression/anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, and any relationship issues. I'm a well-trained integrative sex therapist with a network of collaborative providers.
I am a California-licensed psychologist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I have extensive experience treating stress, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, trauma, and somatic illness, and is an expert on bio-psycho-social functioning. I work with individuals and families struggling with chronic mental and physical conditions that challenge health, well-being, work-life balance, and daily functioning. I am adept at working within multiple cultures with great sensitivity.
I am a California-licensed psychologist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I have extensive experience treating stress, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, trauma, and somatic illness, and is an expert on bio-psycho-social functioning. I work with individuals and families struggling with chronic mental and physical conditions that challenge health, well-being, work-life balance, and daily functioning. I am adept at working within multiple cultures with great sensitivity.
My style is trauma-informed, person-centered, and feedback-informed. I involve the individual from our first appointment in exploring and identifying their goal for therapy, creating a measurable and realistic goal; creating a plan that feels feasible for the individual, and using feedback to measure progress and therapeutic alliance along the way to inform treatment and readiness for graduation. I am a firm believer in "beginning therapy with the end in mind" and keeping the therapeutic space a working space where we work to gain insight and resolve problems all while at the pace and readiness of the individual.
My style is trauma-informed, person-centered, and feedback-informed. I involve the individual from our first appointment in exploring and identifying their goal for therapy, creating a measurable and realistic goal; creating a plan that feels feasible for the individual, and using feedback to measure progress and therapeutic alliance along the way to inform treatment and readiness for graduation. I am a firm believer in "beginning therapy with the end in mind" and keeping the therapeutic space a working space where we work to gain insight and resolve problems all while at the pace and readiness of the individual.
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I thoroughly enjoy supporting teens, parents, individuals and couples reach their full sense of being at ease in themselves. I believe in neurodiversity; that each individual is "wired" in their own particular and unique way, and that therapy supports making the best of one's neurology. I assist clients discover their inner wisdom, and engage in exploration of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that impede, and augment, the creations of harmonious relationships, and full potential. I offer a warm and caring presence, and yet engage dynamically, and authentically.
I thoroughly enjoy supporting teens, parents, individuals and couples reach their full sense of being at ease in themselves. I believe in neurodiversity; that each individual is "wired" in their own particular and unique way, and that therapy supports making the best of one's neurology. I assist clients discover their inner wisdom, and engage in exploration of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that impede, and augment, the creations of harmonious relationships, and full potential. I offer a warm and caring presence, and yet engage dynamically, and authentically.
We specialize in the treatment of children, teens, adults and families. We use ACT, CBT, art and play therapy to work with children who are struggling with friendships, impulse control issues, the effects of divorce, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Our evidence based practices are especially helpful for children with OCD, separation anxiety, fears and phobias, attachment and adoption issues, sleep issues, and post traumatic stress. As a parent you can also benefit by gaining new insights about your child and getting guidance and consultation.
We specialize in the treatment of children, teens, adults and families. We use ACT, CBT, art and play therapy to work with children who are struggling with friendships, impulse control issues, the effects of divorce, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Our evidence based practices are especially helpful for children with OCD, separation anxiety, fears and phobias, attachment and adoption issues, sleep issues, and post traumatic stress. As a parent you can also benefit by gaining new insights about your child and getting guidance and consultation.
Melanie Reyes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94903 (Online Only)
Perhaps you are visiting today to obtain answers to confusion, peace in the torment, clarity from the chaos, healing from the pain. Maybe you just want someone to understand your pain. You might be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or hopeless. Whatever your reasoning may be I am dedicated to helping you achieve hope and healing. Thank you for taking the first step to work toward your personal healing journey. I am passionate about understanding, accepting, and empathizing with my clients. I approach therapy holistically, which encompasses spirit, body, and mind.
Perhaps you are visiting today to obtain answers to confusion, peace in the torment, clarity from the chaos, healing from the pain. Maybe you just want someone to understand your pain. You might be feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or hopeless. Whatever your reasoning may be I am dedicated to helping you achieve hope and healing. Thank you for taking the first step to work toward your personal healing journey. I am passionate about understanding, accepting, and empathizing with my clients. I approach therapy holistically, which encompasses spirit, body, and mind.
Iain Jasko
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Rafael, CA 94901
I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and am particularly passionate about working with transgender & gender-nonconforming teens and adults. As a trans-identified provider, I bring a firsthand understanding of the challenges and nuances of identity exploration, allowing me to offer empathetic and affirming support to a diverse array of individuals. I am skilled at supporting clients in navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relational concerns.
I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, and am particularly passionate about working with transgender & gender-nonconforming teens and adults. As a trans-identified provider, I bring a firsthand understanding of the challenges and nuances of identity exploration, allowing me to offer empathetic and affirming support to a diverse array of individuals. I am skilled at supporting clients in navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and relational concerns.
Any scary event or even a medical diagnosis can wreak havoc & any daily routine is quickly found unmanageable. If the physical body fails you, it affects your mood. If emotions are out of wack, it affects your health. Either way, you deserve to feel in control and you can reclaim control. The goal is to highlight your strengths and minimize or eliminate any obstacles to healthy wellness. A direct benefit of engaging in effective help elevates your protective factors against emotional decay now a known correlate with disease. Together we can restore a sense of control, balance, and develop your future goals. You deserve to be happy.
Any scary event or even a medical diagnosis can wreak havoc & any daily routine is quickly found unmanageable. If the physical body fails you, it affects your mood. If emotions are out of wack, it affects your health. Either way, you deserve to feel in control and you can reclaim control. The goal is to highlight your strengths and minimize or eliminate any obstacles to healthy wellness. A direct benefit of engaging in effective help elevates your protective factors against emotional decay now a known correlate with disease. Together we can restore a sense of control, balance, and develop your future goals. You deserve to be happy.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California. I have been working in the Bay Area for 10 years now as a psychotherapist. I have experience working with adolescents, couples and children. I believe that therapy is a collaborative relationship that can transform a persons perspective. I utilize many different therapeutic approaches such as DBT and emotion focused therapy.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California. I have been working in the Bay Area for 10 years now as a psychotherapist. I have experience working with adolescents, couples and children. I believe that therapy is a collaborative relationship that can transform a persons perspective. I utilize many different therapeutic approaches such as DBT and emotion focused therapy.
There are times in our life when we might feel overwhelmed and confused when trying to manage today's stressors. Fortunately, because you are seeking help, you don't have to go through it alone. Often we need guidance when navigating the challenges and feelings that come when difficulties arise. In a supportive and empathetic environment, issues such as: grief and loss, sadness/depression, anxiety, life transitions, personal growth, low self-esteem, trauma, chronic pain, ADHD difficulties, as well as child/parent struggles, can be addressed through a strength-based and solution-oriented approach.
There are times in our life when we might feel overwhelmed and confused when trying to manage today's stressors. Fortunately, because you are seeking help, you don't have to go through it alone. Often we need guidance when navigating the challenges and feelings that come when difficulties arise. In a supportive and empathetic environment, issues such as: grief and loss, sadness/depression, anxiety, life transitions, personal growth, low self-esteem, trauma, chronic pain, ADHD difficulties, as well as child/parent struggles, can be addressed through a strength-based and solution-oriented approach.
Hello! Hola! Olá! I trained at UC Berkeley and the UCSF Department of Psychiatry (Ph.D. and clinical hours). I am a trauma expert helping clients embody emotional safety, relieve pain, and improve energy levels after suffering developmental trauma or shocks to the nervous system (medical procedures, interpersonal conflict, falls, and collisions). Born in Spain to Colombian parents, I am multicultural and multilingual (English, Spanish, Portuguese), a Fulbright scholar, and a former Adjunct Professor in graduate psychology (CIIS, 2016-2020). I am a Buddhist practitioner and student of Jungian Psychology.
Hello! Hola! Olá! I trained at UC Berkeley and the UCSF Department of Psychiatry (Ph.D. and clinical hours). I am a trauma expert helping clients embody emotional safety, relieve pain, and improve energy levels after suffering developmental trauma or shocks to the nervous system (medical procedures, interpersonal conflict, falls, and collisions). Born in Spain to Colombian parents, I am multicultural and multilingual (English, Spanish, Portuguese), a Fulbright scholar, and a former Adjunct Professor in graduate psychology (CIIS, 2016-2020). I am a Buddhist practitioner and student of Jungian Psychology.
To those navigating the complexities of parenting, carrying the weight of past hurts, or striving to find harmony in their relationships, I see you. I specialize in supporting parents and caregivers concerned about their teenager's behavior and those looking to improve family relationships and reduce conflict. As a family therapist, I tackle various family challenges like addiction, disordered eating, and teen behavior. I assist with challenging transitions, supporting neurodivergent families, healing intergenerational trauma, and addressing burnout in high-achieving families.
To those navigating the complexities of parenting, carrying the weight of past hurts, or striving to find harmony in their relationships, I see you. I specialize in supporting parents and caregivers concerned about their teenager's behavior and those looking to improve family relationships and reduce conflict. As a family therapist, I tackle various family challenges like addiction, disordered eating, and teen behavior. I assist with challenging transitions, supporting neurodivergent families, healing intergenerational trauma, and addressing burnout in high-achieving families.
See more therapy options for San Rafael
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Autism Therapists
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.