Autism Therapists in Thornton, CO
Shaina Holderness
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Thornton, CO 80229
Waitlist for new clients
Shaina Holderness is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 22 years of experience working with individuals and families with neurodiverse backgrounds. She has been in hospital settings providing clinical care for individuals experiencing co-morbid diagnosis such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and OCD. She obtained her Master's Degree in Community Counseling from Regis University in 2012. She worked closely with families at Children's Hospital Colorado on the Neuropsychiatric Special Care Unit.
Shaina Holderness is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 22 years of experience working with individuals and families with neurodiverse backgrounds. She has been in hospital settings providing clinical care for individuals experiencing co-morbid diagnosis such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and OCD. She obtained her Master's Degree in Community Counseling from Regis University in 2012. She worked closely with families at Children's Hospital Colorado on the Neuropsychiatric Special Care Unit.
Rocky Mountain Behavioral Medicine
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Thornton, CO 80229
We provide neurodevelopmental evaluations that test for learning disorders and ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluations, neuropsychological evaluations that look at brain functioning for those who have suffered a stroke, brain injury, or Alzheimer's, and psychological evaluations which can provide insight into the individual's behaviors and personality.
Our approach utilizes the biopsychosocial approach to evaluation and treatment; this means we strive to understand the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence the health and wellness of our clients. Our services are often referred to as "behavioral medicine" or "medical psychology;" this is due to taking a holistic approach in our treatment considering the whole person - physical, mental, emotional, and social. We often work collaboratively with other professions such as primary care physicians, occupational therapists, social workers, chaplains, and others who are important to one's individual network of care.
We provide neurodevelopmental evaluations that test for learning disorders and ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder evaluations, neuropsychological evaluations that look at brain functioning for those who have suffered a stroke, brain injury, or Alzheimer's, and psychological evaluations which can provide insight into the individual's behaviors and personality.
Our approach utilizes the biopsychosocial approach to evaluation and treatment; this means we strive to understand the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence the health and wellness of our clients. Our services are often referred to as "behavioral medicine" or "medical psychology;" this is due to taking a holistic approach in our treatment considering the whole person - physical, mental, emotional, and social. We often work collaboratively with other professions such as primary care physicians, occupational therapists, social workers, chaplains, and others who are important to one's individual network of care.
Diane Hansen, MA LPC provides counseling for teens, adults, couples, and families. Her specialties include Adoption, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Child/Teen Behavioral, Depression, Faith-Based Counseling, Family Counseling, Group Counseling, Grief and Loss, Independent Living Skills Training, PTSD, Sexual Abuse, Social Skills Training, and Trauma. She believes that most people are operating the best they can in life and can make changes to improve themselves with some insight into the struggles they have.
Diane Hansen, MA LPC provides counseling for teens, adults, couples, and families. Her specialties include Adoption, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Child/Teen Behavioral, Depression, Faith-Based Counseling, Family Counseling, Group Counseling, Grief and Loss, Independent Living Skills Training, PTSD, Sexual Abuse, Social Skills Training, and Trauma. She believes that most people are operating the best they can in life and can make changes to improve themselves with some insight into the struggles they have.
Bev S Weiler
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Thornton, CO 80241
While I am interested in working with a wide variety of individuals and issues, I have two main areas of expertise. First, I am passionate about working with young people searching for insight into difficult life circumstances. I have experience across the spectrum working with gifted children and adolescents, as well as justice-involved youth, LGBTQ individuals, and youth across cultures. I also provide intelligence and learning disability assessments.
While I am interested in working with a wide variety of individuals and issues, I have two main areas of expertise. First, I am passionate about working with young people searching for insight into difficult life circumstances. I have experience across the spectrum working with gifted children and adolescents, as well as justice-involved youth, LGBTQ individuals, and youth across cultures. I also provide intelligence and learning disability assessments.
Michael Carlaw @ Rising Sun Counseling Center
Counselor, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Thornton, CO 80241
The hardest battle is between who you are and who you want to be. I want to help you win that battle, and I want to help you be the best you, you can be. Whether that is facing a health issue, behavioral troubles in school, not succeeding at work, or whatever other troubles you might be facing, I want to help you succeed in all facets of your life.
The hardest battle is between who you are and who you want to be. I want to help you win that battle, and I want to help you be the best you, you can be. Whether that is facing a health issue, behavioral troubles in school, not succeeding at work, or whatever other troubles you might be facing, I want to help you succeed in all facets of your life.
Liz Leahey
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Thornton, CO 80602
I can support you if you’re wanting to live a more authentic, connected life, where you are living out of your personal code of ethics. It is my goal as a therapist to help bring you back to a felt sense of connection with your body. I specialize in working with teen and adult clients who are going through transitional phases, experiencing relationship issues, or are in need of processing some heavy life events. Therapy doesn’t exist in a vacuum. For those of us with marginalized identities, whether that be neurodivergence, chronic illness, or you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, I want you to feel seen and heard.
I can support you if you’re wanting to live a more authentic, connected life, where you are living out of your personal code of ethics. It is my goal as a therapist to help bring you back to a felt sense of connection with your body. I specialize in working with teen and adult clients who are going through transitional phases, experiencing relationship issues, or are in need of processing some heavy life events. Therapy doesn’t exist in a vacuum. For those of us with marginalized identities, whether that be neurodivergence, chronic illness, or you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, I want you to feel seen and heard.
I’m here to be present alongside you on your journey to know and be your true self, to find peace with your past, present, and future. My unique mindfulness-based practice is centered in compassion and inclusion, drawing from several multi-cultural experiences across the globe. I specialize in mindful eating and nutrition, religious trauma, and sexuality and sexual identity. With a cognitive behavioral approach and a passion for community resilience and reconciliation,
I’m here to be present alongside you on your journey to know and be your true self, to find peace with your past, present, and future. My unique mindfulness-based practice is centered in compassion and inclusion, drawing from several multi-cultural experiences across the globe. I specialize in mindful eating and nutrition, religious trauma, and sexuality and sexual identity. With a cognitive behavioral approach and a passion for community resilience and reconciliation,
Kathryn Montgomery
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CHT, BCC
Verified Verified
Thornton, CO 80241 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Despite hours of talking and trying, are you still feeling defeated or overwhelmed because changes you say you want haven't materialized? Are you feeling *Stuck* in circumstances, feelings, and patterns of behavior you can't budge? Well, you're not broken -- you just need to learn how to use ALL of your resources. The parts of you that allow and sustain change are in every atom of your body - not just in your head. Allow me to help with WAY more than talk. You really can escape the imprisonment of *Stuck* and get some traction in your life. Yes ... really, you can!
Despite hours of talking and trying, are you still feeling defeated or overwhelmed because changes you say you want haven't materialized? Are you feeling *Stuck* in circumstances, feelings, and patterns of behavior you can't budge? Well, you're not broken -- you just need to learn how to use ALL of your resources. The parts of you that allow and sustain change are in every atom of your body - not just in your head. Allow me to help with WAY more than talk. You really can escape the imprisonment of *Stuck* and get some traction in your life. Yes ... really, you can!
Counseling is my passion. It is my passion because I have seen lives and families change through this powerful growth and healing medium. Many people find themselves feeling stuck and frozen in their lives and circumstances. They don't believe they have choices or options. Counseling provides clients with the opportunity to make life changes and acquire tools to navigate life in a new way. This enables them to make changes in their families, relationships, jobs and future goals.
Counseling is my passion. It is my passion because I have seen lives and families change through this powerful growth and healing medium. Many people find themselves feeling stuck and frozen in their lives and circumstances. They don't believe they have choices or options. Counseling provides clients with the opportunity to make life changes and acquire tools to navigate life in a new way. This enables them to make changes in their families, relationships, jobs and future goals.
Noel Fayth McKillip
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Thornton, CO 80229 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am a compassionate, research-driven counseling candidate with therapeutic experience in trauma, substance abuse, family counseling, and child and adolescent development. My occupational journey began as an elementary school teacher; my therapeutic journey began in forensic counseling, working with adults on probation. There, I discovered an intimate link between childhood maladjustment and the development of thoughts and behaviors that dramatically increase the likelihood of incarceration and poor health outcomes.
I am a compassionate, research-driven counseling candidate with therapeutic experience in trauma, substance abuse, family counseling, and child and adolescent development. My occupational journey began as an elementary school teacher; my therapeutic journey began in forensic counseling, working with adults on probation. There, I discovered an intimate link between childhood maladjustment and the development of thoughts and behaviors that dramatically increase the likelihood of incarceration and poor health outcomes.
Courageous Counseling Colorado
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT-S, SWC, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Thornton, CO 80241
Currently, our intern, Rebecca has availability for clients after school in Olde Town Arvada on Thursdays and Fridays! We are a team of therapists who use strength-based and expressive therapies to help children, teens, adults, and families work through difficulties, learn more about yourself, learn new coping strategies, and take tangible steps towards your goals. We have dedicated our careers to supporting families in our community and are passionate about advocating for and supporting our LGBTQIA+ community.
Currently, our intern, Rebecca has availability for clients after school in Olde Town Arvada on Thursdays and Fridays! We are a team of therapists who use strength-based and expressive therapies to help children, teens, adults, and families work through difficulties, learn more about yourself, learn new coping strategies, and take tangible steps towards your goals. We have dedicated our careers to supporting families in our community and are passionate about advocating for and supporting our LGBTQIA+ community.
The path through life can be difficult and leave you feeling overwhelming and stuck. In turn, it becomes challenging to feel like yourself and enjoy everyday activities. I believe that getting in touch with your authentic self will help you face those blocks that hold you back.
The path through life can be difficult and leave you feeling overwhelming and stuck. In turn, it becomes challenging to feel like yourself and enjoy everyday activities. I believe that getting in touch with your authentic self will help you face those blocks that hold you back.
VitalCare Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LPC, R-ATR, RPT, R-DMT
Verified Verified
Thornton, CO 80221
VitalCare offers a diverse group of clinicians ready to help you move toward growth, balance, and fulfillment. Therapists tailor their approach to your short and long-term goals. They will help you find your strengths and use them to work with the obstacles, challenges, pain, and fear that may have led you to therapy. To learn more about VitalCare and our therapists, visit our website - https://vitalcare.us/meet-the-team/
VitalCare offers a diverse group of clinicians ready to help you move toward growth, balance, and fulfillment. Therapists tailor their approach to your short and long-term goals. They will help you find your strengths and use them to work with the obstacles, challenges, pain, and fear that may have led you to therapy. To learn more about VitalCare and our therapists, visit our website - https://vitalcare.us/meet-the-team/
Carol Vidaurre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Thornton, CO 80241 (Online Only)
I am so glad you are here! Finding support can be overwhelming and confusing. My focus is with individuals who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, post trauma response, grief or loss. These experiences may come about from a host of life experiences that may include trauma, serious illness, life transitions, end of life issues, caregiver fatigue, life transitions or the death of a loved one. It is such a healthy choice to seek support when one is struggling. I applaud you for taking this step!
I am so glad you are here! Finding support can be overwhelming and confusing. My focus is with individuals who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, post trauma response, grief or loss. These experiences may come about from a host of life experiences that may include trauma, serious illness, life transitions, end of life issues, caregiver fatigue, life transitions or the death of a loved one. It is such a healthy choice to seek support when one is struggling. I applaud you for taking this step!
Taylor Linn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Thornton, CO 80221 (Online Only)
Hello! I am a licensed professional counselor and I am committed to making a positive impact on each client I work with. I work with a variety of ages, specializing in young adults, and my work history has focused in crisis work, anxiety, depression, and trauma. However, I have trained in many areas and work with clients with a variety of concerns and diagnoses. I hope to be able to help guide you through your therapeutic journey and create a collaborative, supportive, therapeutic relationship that meets your needs.
Hello! I am a licensed professional counselor and I am committed to making a positive impact on each client I work with. I work with a variety of ages, specializing in young adults, and my work history has focused in crisis work, anxiety, depression, and trauma. However, I have trained in many areas and work with clients with a variety of concerns and diagnoses. I hope to be able to help guide you through your therapeutic journey and create a collaborative, supportive, therapeutic relationship that meets your needs.
As a counselor, I often utilize a person-centered and strengths-based approach. I also frequently utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I am very passionate in guiding my clients on their journey towards living a mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically fulfilling life! I am a firm believer that all people have the skills and power within them to achieve the life they desire. I look at each client’s strengths and individual circumstances and characteristics and walk aside them in their journey.
As a counselor, I often utilize a person-centered and strengths-based approach. I also frequently utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I am very passionate in guiding my clients on their journey towards living a mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically fulfilling life! I am a firm believer that all people have the skills and power within them to achieve the life they desire. I look at each client’s strengths and individual circumstances and characteristics and walk aside them in their journey.
More Therapists Nearby
Hi, my name is Lidia Kamionka and I have worked with a wide range of individuals from toddlers to adults. My primary areas of interest include social skills, adaptive living skills, self-advocacy, functional communication training (FCT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). I am passionate about helping all our clients, and want to make a difference that will benefit them in all aspects of their lives. I believe that ABA is the best approach to helping make this happen.
Hi, my name is Lidia Kamionka and I have worked with a wide range of individuals from toddlers to adults. My primary areas of interest include social skills, adaptive living skills, self-advocacy, functional communication training (FCT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). I am passionate about helping all our clients, and want to make a difference that will benefit them in all aspects of their lives. I believe that ABA is the best approach to helping make this happen.
Caitlin Miller McTague
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Northglenn, CO 80234
In my ideal client, I envision someone who is open to self-exploration, growth, and positive change. There are many challenges they may be facing, including mental illness, substance abuse, relationship difficulties, and unresolved emotional wounds. I believe that clients need a safe and nonjudgemental space and new tools to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. My ideal client is motivated to break free from negative patterns, embrace their strengths, and cultivate a sense of well-being and purpose.
In my ideal client, I envision someone who is open to self-exploration, growth, and positive change. There are many challenges they may be facing, including mental illness, substance abuse, relationship difficulties, and unresolved emotional wounds. I believe that clients need a safe and nonjudgemental space and new tools to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life. My ideal client is motivated to break free from negative patterns, embrace their strengths, and cultivate a sense of well-being and purpose.
I'm accepting new clients, especially telehealth clients, Sunday through Tuesday. I have some limited in-person availability on Wednesdays in Broomfield. It's so important to have someone to talk to - unfortunately we don't always have that opportunity. As a therapist, I strive to have my clients feel like they can be seen and heard in a comfortable and confidential setting. I use strengths-based, person-centered techniques to help my clients work towards self-awareness and personal growth. I prioritize self-compassion skills - the art of giving ourselves the same understanding and empathy that we give to others.
I'm accepting new clients, especially telehealth clients, Sunday through Tuesday. I have some limited in-person availability on Wednesdays in Broomfield. It's so important to have someone to talk to - unfortunately we don't always have that opportunity. As a therapist, I strive to have my clients feel like they can be seen and heard in a comfortable and confidential setting. I use strengths-based, person-centered techniques to help my clients work towards self-awareness and personal growth. I prioritize self-compassion skills - the art of giving ourselves the same understanding and empathy that we give to others.
I approach new clients with a blend of curiosity and empathy. I view all mental health problems through a lens of human development and as occurring within multiple systems (the family, school, work, etc.). I prefer to work in partnership with clients and/or their families to provide education, skills training, practice, and reinforcement of new ways of thinking and behavior that reduce distress and dysfunction.
I approach new clients with a blend of curiosity and empathy. I view all mental health problems through a lens of human development and as occurring within multiple systems (the family, school, work, etc.). I prefer to work in partnership with clients and/or their families to provide education, skills training, practice, and reinforcement of new ways of thinking and behavior that reduce distress and dysfunction.
See more therapy options for Thornton
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Thornton
- Arvada
- Brighton
- Broomfield
- Commerce City
- Denver
- Erie
- Lafayette
- Louisville
- Northglenn
- Superior
- Westminster
- Wheat Ridge
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.