Autism Therapists in Westfield, NJ
I work with children and their families using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). My practice focuses on children with special needs, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety and other behavioral challenges. I provide ABA direct services for children, supervision of these direct services, school consultation and parent training. These services are provided using evidence based treatments with the goal of increasing socially significant behaviors and skill acquisitions. I work with families to address struggles at home and to generalize skill building to parents through parent training. ABA Therapy.
I work with children and their families using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). My practice focuses on children with special needs, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety and other behavioral challenges. I provide ABA direct services for children, supervision of these direct services, school consultation and parent training. These services are provided using evidence based treatments with the goal of increasing socially significant behaviors and skill acquisitions. I work with families to address struggles at home and to generalize skill building to parents through parent training. ABA Therapy.
Goldman specializes in the treatment of Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder across the span of early childhood to adulthood.
Mr. Goldman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, families and groups. He holds a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University and a Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island. Mr. Goldman also holds a certificate in school social work for the state of New Jersey. Mr. Goldman spent 7 years working with children and adolescents in an emotionally disturbed private school program. He gained experience with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, school avoidance, learning disabilities and the special education process.
Goldman specializes in the treatment of Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder across the span of early childhood to adulthood.
Mr. Goldman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, families and groups. He holds a Master of Social Work from Arizona State University and a Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island. Mr. Goldman also holds a certificate in school social work for the state of New Jersey. Mr. Goldman spent 7 years working with children and adolescents in an emotionally disturbed private school program. He gained experience with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, school avoidance, learning disabilities and the special education process.
Ovation Behavior Group provides comprehensive ABA therapy for individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities. Our team uses evidence-based practices and personalized treatment plans to increase independence and improve quality of life. We design our services to meet our clients’ individual needs and identify the right team of trained professionals to provide ongoing support. Our play-based approach creates a natural environment conducive to learning.
Ovation Behavior Group provides comprehensive ABA therapy for individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities. Our team uses evidence-based practices and personalized treatment plans to increase independence and improve quality of life. We design our services to meet our clients’ individual needs and identify the right team of trained professionals to provide ongoing support. Our play-based approach creates a natural environment conducive to learning.
I am also pasionate about working with individuals and families in the autism community.
Sometimes life throws us challenges that seem insurmountable. A loved child diagnosed with autism, a spouse who seems out of sync with us, problems with school or work, worries about the future... I have more than 20 years' experience working with children, teens and adults, and helping them improve the quality of their lives. My approach is rooted on psychodynamic psychotherapy, and I provide a warm and caring environment that promotes growth and emotional fulfillment. The goal is to help my clients live a more authentic life, improved honesty, empathy, and playfulness.
I am also pasionate about working with individuals and families in the autism community.
Sometimes life throws us challenges that seem insurmountable. A loved child diagnosed with autism, a spouse who seems out of sync with us, problems with school or work, worries about the future... I have more than 20 years' experience working with children, teens and adults, and helping them improve the quality of their lives. My approach is rooted on psychodynamic psychotherapy, and I provide a warm and caring environment that promotes growth and emotional fulfillment. The goal is to help my clients live a more authentic life, improved honesty, empathy, and playfulness.
Misty A Shores
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CCS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Westfield, NJ 07090
I am a Buddhist psychotherapist. I focus on mind-body integration, health, and wellness. I help clients recognize their potential, their strengths, and to eliminate blocks that keep them from actualizing or creating beneficial change in their lives. I specialize in treating anxiety, ADHD, Autism, PTSD/PTSI, grief, loss, and navigating difficult life transitions. I value holding space for clients in a nonjudgmental and compassionate manner. I encourage clients to transform, to transcend, and to transmute pain into personal power and help them find their purpose.
I am a Buddhist psychotherapist. I focus on mind-body integration, health, and wellness. I help clients recognize their potential, their strengths, and to eliminate blocks that keep them from actualizing or creating beneficial change in their lives. I specialize in treating anxiety, ADHD, Autism, PTSD/PTSI, grief, loss, and navigating difficult life transitions. I value holding space for clients in a nonjudgmental and compassionate manner. I encourage clients to transform, to transcend, and to transmute pain into personal power and help them find their purpose.
Nancy Arvizzigno
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Westfield, NJ 07090
Waitlist for new clients
I facilitate groups that focus on people going through a divorce, support for parents who have a child with Autism and a new group for single women.
I believe that healthy people participate in counseling to become healthier. Sometimes we need some support and assistance along the way to heal from our childhood, let go and move on from some challenges that we have faced or deal with some current difficult issues or losses. I would like to be the person who guides you through this growth process that counseling will provide. It is wonderful to have someone listen just to you and to reflect and understand how you are feeling. I will celebrate with you as you grow and meet your goals. Call today for a free phone consultation.
I facilitate groups that focus on people going through a divorce, support for parents who have a child with Autism and a new group for single women.
I believe that healthy people participate in counseling to become healthier. Sometimes we need some support and assistance along the way to heal from our childhood, let go and move on from some challenges that we have faced or deal with some current difficult issues or losses. I would like to be the person who guides you through this growth process that counseling will provide. It is wonderful to have someone listen just to you and to reflect and understand how you are feeling. I will celebrate with you as you grow and meet your goals. Call today for a free phone consultation.
Lisa Afflitto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Westfield, NJ 07090 (Online Only)
Living life with a chronic illness is often lonely and difficult. Having worked as a chronic illness mental health provider for the last 7 years, I can truly understand and support individuals who live their lives with a disease that is often invisible to others. I also work with parents and other caregivers who have a child with a chronic illness, or other unique challenges. I also have many years of experience counseling adults with depression, anxiety, high functioning autism spectrum disorder, and mood disorders.
Living life with a chronic illness is often lonely and difficult. Having worked as a chronic illness mental health provider for the last 7 years, I can truly understand and support individuals who live their lives with a disease that is often invisible to others. I also work with parents and other caregivers who have a child with a chronic illness, or other unique challenges. I also have many years of experience counseling adults with depression, anxiety, high functioning autism spectrum disorder, and mood disorders.
I also work with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Hi! My name is Dr. Ed Callaghan. I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and am fully licensed in the state of New Jersey. I am the co-founder of the Integrative Therapy Institute of NJ and it’s Director of Child Services. I specialize in working with preschool and school-age children as well as adolescents and adults. I am especially proficient at working with children with ADHD, behavioral problems, and school-related difficulties--especially problems related to poor school performance, distractibility, and motivation/drive. I am also VERY SUCCESSFUL at bridging conflictual relationships between teens and their parents.
I also work with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Hi! My name is Dr. Ed Callaghan. I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and am fully licensed in the state of New Jersey. I am the co-founder of the Integrative Therapy Institute of NJ and it’s Director of Child Services. I specialize in working with preschool and school-age children as well as adolescents and adults. I am especially proficient at working with children with ADHD, behavioral problems, and school-related difficulties--especially problems related to poor school performance, distractibility, and motivation/drive. I am also VERY SUCCESSFUL at bridging conflictual relationships between teens and their parents.
I provide neuropsychological evaluations for the purpose of: Identifying issues that impact learning (such as, problems with attention, reading, writing and mathematics), Identifying an intellectual disability or intellectual giftedness, Diagnosing neurodevelopmental disorders (such as Autism Spectrum Disorder), and diagnosing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias.
I provide neuropsychological evaluations for the purpose of: Identifying issues that impact learning (such as, problems with attention, reading, writing and mathematics), Identifying an intellectual disability or intellectual giftedness, Diagnosing neurodevelopmental disorders (such as Autism Spectrum Disorder), and diagnosing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias.
I provide social skills training to children and teenagers who have difficulty making and maintaining friendships - some of whom have autistic spectrum disorders. I see children and teenagers on an individual basis to work on behavioral issues and other concerns and will frequently involve the whole family in order to improve communication and other dynamics. I also provide neurofeedback therapy to children and adults with ADHD and other disorders.
I provide social skills training to children and teenagers who have difficulty making and maintaining friendships - some of whom have autistic spectrum disorders. I see children and teenagers on an individual basis to work on behavioral issues and other concerns and will frequently involve the whole family in order to improve communication and other dynamics. I also provide neurofeedback therapy to children and adults with ADHD and other disorders.
autism, ADHD, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, dementia, depression, anxiety, insomnia, dyslexia etc) and in turn develop targeted intervention and treatment plans to ensure attainment of optimum life functioning.
Dr. Couvadelli is an adult and pediatric Neuropsychologist/Psychologist with areas of expertise in clinical neuropsychology, cognitive rehabilitation and health psychology. Dr. Couvadelli obtained her PhD in Behavioral Medicine with a focus on Cognitive Neuroscience. She completed an internship in clinical psychology/neuropsychology, a fellowship in cognitive rehabilitation, and a three-year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology. Dr. Couvadelli has served as the head of Pediatric Neuropsychology at JFK Medical Center, NJ and she holds the appointment of Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Seton Hall University School of Health/Medical Sciences.
autism, ADHD, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, dementia, depression, anxiety, insomnia, dyslexia etc) and in turn develop targeted intervention and treatment plans to ensure attainment of optimum life functioning.
Dr. Couvadelli is an adult and pediatric Neuropsychologist/Psychologist with areas of expertise in clinical neuropsychology, cognitive rehabilitation and health psychology. Dr. Couvadelli obtained her PhD in Behavioral Medicine with a focus on Cognitive Neuroscience. She completed an internship in clinical psychology/neuropsychology, a fellowship in cognitive rehabilitation, and a three-year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology. Dr. Couvadelli has served as the head of Pediatric Neuropsychology at JFK Medical Center, NJ and she holds the appointment of Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Seton Hall University School of Health/Medical Sciences.
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I provide behavioral consultation and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children and their families. My focus is on clients with behavioral challenges, ADHD, anxiety symptoms, and ASD, as well as common challenge areas, such as tantrums, feeding, toileting, and sleep. I work with families to improve the skills and overall quality of life of their child and other family members through pragmatic, evidence-based treatment and coaching, infusing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into ABA. I also help families with Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), program evaluations, IEP reviews, and home program consultation.
I provide behavioral consultation and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to children and their families. My focus is on clients with behavioral challenges, ADHD, anxiety symptoms, and ASD, as well as common challenge areas, such as tantrums, feeding, toileting, and sleep. I work with families to improve the skills and overall quality of life of their child and other family members through pragmatic, evidence-based treatment and coaching, infusing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into ABA. I also help families with Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), program evaluations, IEP reviews, and home program consultation.
An ideal client for a mental health professional would be an individual with a mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc., who demonstrates the motivation to change and improve their well-being. This client should be committed to attending therapy sessions regularly, keeping appointments, and actively engaging in the therapeutic process to manage or overcome their diagnosis.
An ideal client for a mental health professional would be an individual with a mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc., who demonstrates the motivation to change and improve their well-being. This client should be committed to attending therapy sessions regularly, keeping appointments, and actively engaging in the therapeutic process to manage or overcome their diagnosis.
Jennifer Stradling (adolescent/teen specialist)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
Westfield, NJ 07090
I would identify my ideal client as an adolescent who is experiencing mental health issues and/or interpersonal difficulties. This could include an individual experiencing PTSD-related symptoms, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and other mental health-related issues. This could also include an individual experiencing life stressors/transitions, difficulties in developing healthy and sustainable relationships, complex grief, and lack of self-esteem and role identification. The goals of an ideal client would include improving mental health-related symptoms through the application of coping skills, communication skills, and self-esteem.
I would identify my ideal client as an adolescent who is experiencing mental health issues and/or interpersonal difficulties. This could include an individual experiencing PTSD-related symptoms, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and other mental health-related issues. This could also include an individual experiencing life stressors/transitions, difficulties in developing healthy and sustainable relationships, complex grief, and lack of self-esteem and role identification. The goals of an ideal client would include improving mental health-related symptoms through the application of coping skills, communication skills, and self-esteem.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the field. I have worked in hospital settings such as inpatient psych, outpatient mental health, juvenile drug programs and in the public school system on a child study team. My areas of expertise include working with children, adolescents, and adults, ages 7 and up, and their families on a variety of issues. Some of these issues include but are not limited to anxiety, ADHD, depression, mood disorders, learning disabilities, behavioral issues, school issues, family conflicts and relationship issues, as well as many other life stressors that can affect us.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the field. I have worked in hospital settings such as inpatient psych, outpatient mental health, juvenile drug programs and in the public school system on a child study team. My areas of expertise include working with children, adolescents, and adults, ages 7 and up, and their families on a variety of issues. Some of these issues include but are not limited to anxiety, ADHD, depression, mood disorders, learning disabilities, behavioral issues, school issues, family conflicts and relationship issues, as well as many other life stressors that can affect us.
My Ideal client would be someone willing to put in the work to achieve their goals. My ideal client may be struggling with self-esteem, body image, or relationship issues. They may be in a relationship that contributes to their low self-esteem and want to find the strength and confidence they need in order to leave it behind.
My Ideal client would be someone willing to put in the work to achieve their goals. My ideal client may be struggling with self-esteem, body image, or relationship issues. They may be in a relationship that contributes to their low self-esteem and want to find the strength and confidence they need in order to leave it behind.
Beginning therapy can be a difficult process, and selecting the “right” therapist is an important and positive first step. In a safe and supportive environment, I bring 30-plus years of experience and ongoing training in cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, parenting and family therapies. I work in a highly effective results-oriented manner with children (4 years and older), adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, developmental disorders, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges and performance-related stress in the workplace, classroom or home.
Beginning therapy can be a difficult process, and selecting the “right” therapist is an important and positive first step. In a safe and supportive environment, I bring 30-plus years of experience and ongoing training in cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, parenting and family therapies. I work in a highly effective results-oriented manner with children (4 years and older), adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, mood disorders, developmental disorders, relationship difficulties, parenting challenges and performance-related stress in the workplace, classroom or home.
My ideal client is a younger adult struggling with anxiety and poor self-esteem, as well as experiencing many life transitions. They are struggling with friends, relationships, academics/careers and feel they do not have a purpose. This client wants to build their confidence and communication with others. Their goal is to become a happier version of themselves with understanding how to cope with life stressors in a healthy manner. They want to achieve this goal to reduce the feelings of anxiety and depression.
My ideal client is a younger adult struggling with anxiety and poor self-esteem, as well as experiencing many life transitions. They are struggling with friends, relationships, academics/careers and feel they do not have a purpose. This client wants to build their confidence and communication with others. Their goal is to become a happier version of themselves with understanding how to cope with life stressors in a healthy manner. They want to achieve this goal to reduce the feelings of anxiety and depression.
Families are important to me, and learning to communicate in a world where technology and careers can disconnect the family—building bonds and relationships, learning to encourage and recognize the positive in others, and rebuilding relationships. To find the importance, look at past trauma individually, explore the impact trauma has on current situations, and heal the trauma to inspire the future and achieve success.
Families are important to me, and learning to communicate in a world where technology and careers can disconnect the family—building bonds and relationships, learning to encourage and recognize the positive in others, and rebuilding relationships. To find the importance, look at past trauma individually, explore the impact trauma has on current situations, and heal the trauma to inspire the future and achieve success.
At Play And Talk With Us, we provide play and social skill groups for neurodiverse and neurotypical children 3-15 years. We work to develop skills in groups and support parents on generalizing them to the home and community. Skills we work on include, but are not limited to: developing joint attention - social play skills like turn taking, sharing, developing stages of play, and joining a group at play - social language skills including conversational turns and asking reciprocal questions/comments - social/emotional and self-regulation - nonverbal social language - friendship development.
At Play And Talk With Us, we provide play and social skill groups for neurodiverse and neurotypical children 3-15 years. We work to develop skills in groups and support parents on generalizing them to the home and community. Skills we work on include, but are not limited to: developing joint attention - social play skills like turn taking, sharing, developing stages of play, and joining a group at play - social language skills including conversational turns and asking reciprocal questions/comments - social/emotional and self-regulation - nonverbal social language - friendship development.
See more therapy options for Westfield
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Westfield
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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.