Does this sound like you?
- You may be wondering if you are on the autism spectrum.
- You've been diagnosed with autism.
- You feel different or like an alien.
- You have unique strengths, but understanding social cues has always been a struggle.
- You're feeling lonely often.
- You try so hard to fit in that you feel like an imposter.
- Making or keeping friends can be hard.
- You feel misunderstood.
- Dealing with anxiety and depression is part of your journey.
- No matter how hard you try, you keep having miscommunications.
- You have experienced trauma and/or bullying.
- Your child has been diagnosed with autism, and now you’re wondering if you’re autistic, too.
If any of these resonate with you, you may possess what is commonly known as "autistic traits." These traits mean that you perceive the world differently from most people. You may feel uncomfortable being yourself in a neurotypical world. It can be difficult to connect with those around you, which can leave you feeling overwhelmed, undervalued, and without hope.
To overcome these challenges and move forward in a healthy and confident manner, it is crucial to seek support from a mental health professional who understands neurodiversity and the unique struggles you face in your daily life. Our autism therapy team provides counseling services to neurodiverse individuals throughout California via Online Therapy.
Autism and Anxiety
You may experience heightened anxiety and a constant feeling of being on edge. The fear of making mistakes and being judged for it can be overwhelming. Social situations can be particularly challenging as you strive to fit in and be accepted by your peers, family, and colleagues. The worry of being rejected or ridiculed for not getting things right can leave you feeling paralyzed with fear, and hesitant to take any action that might lead to negative outcomes or upset others.
Many neurodiverse and autistic individuals experience anxiety as a result of difficulty recognizing and managing emotions. With the help of individual counseling, you will learn coping strategies to manage your anxiety, utilize calming techniques to reduce distress, and find ways to better express yourself in social situations. You will also gain insight into your unique needs so that you can advocate for yourself more effectively. Our neurodiversity-affirming therapists are well-equipped to support you on your journey toward emotional well-being and self-acceptance.
Autism and Depression
It can be incredibly challenging and isolating to navigate a neurotypical world as a neurodiverse individual. It's common to feel like you don't belong, no matter how much effort you put in. Sometimes, you may have tried opening up to others about your struggles, only to be met with dismissal or indifference, which can make you feel even worse.
Similar to anxiety, many of our clients may experience feelings of depression, sadness, and loneliness. We want you to know that we see your struggles and your emotions are valid. When you meet with one of our neurodiversity-affirming therapists, you will be met with unconditional acceptance and understanding. Learn more about our compassionate team here.
Autism and Trauma
There is a meaningful correlation between autism and trauma. In fact, many individuals who are autistic have encountered trauma in diverse ways. You might have faced challenges like dealing with bullying, being targeted, physical assault, exploitation, or falling victim to scams. The impact of trauma, if not addressed, can be long-lasting and devastating. It can leave you feeling both helpless and hopeless.
At Open Doors Therapy, we have a team of neurodiversity-affirming therapists who are trained in trauma-informed care. They specialize in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and helping them navigate their lives while addressing the trauma they've experienced. We are here to provide a safe and understanding environment for your unique journey.
Autism and Relationship Challenges:
Understanding social cues and interpreting body language can be a challenge for many autistic individuals, making it hard to form meaningful relationships. As a result, navigating relationships can present its own set of challenges. While the desire for connection and romance remains, dating and being in a relationship may evoke anxiety. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy partnership can be demanding due to potential misunderstandings.
As neurodiversity-affirming therapists, we understand the impact of these experiences on your romantic life. Our aim is to empower you with the confidence to pursue dating and relationships. Additionally, we provide guidance in navigating the emotions of sadness and disappointment that may arise from breakups or rejections, fostering healthy coping mechanisms. Remember, you have the strength to try again when you're ready. We are here to support you every step of the way as you navigate the complexities of life and relationships.
Our Approach to Individual Counseling: What to Expect From Individual Autism Therapy
Wondering what to expect from individual autism therapy? The experience varies based on the unique challenges and strengths you bring, and what kinds of support help you feel safe to share and learn. Typically, you'll have regular sessions, usually 50 minutes per week, with a therapist at Open Doors Therapy who understands and supports neurodiversity.
As you build trust with and feel truly heard by your therapist, the real therapeutic work begins. Together, you'll collaboratively address the issues that matter to you, at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Through counseling, you'll gain insights to help you better understand yourself and practical strategies to enhance communication, navigate social interactions with more ease, reduce anxiety, strengthen problem-solving skills, and more.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
Most importantly, your therapist will provide a neurodiversity-affirming space for you to explore your neurodivergent identity with compassion and non-judgment. Your autism therapist knows that you are the expert on yourself. Your therapist sees their role as a guide who helps you tune in to your feelings and needs. They help you listen to your own inner wisdom about how to honor and support your neurodiversity. Your therapist won’t try to teach you to pretend to be neurotypical. They will help you uncover your authentic self, build confidence, advocate for your needs, and connect with others in ways that are meaningful to you.
Remember, individual autism therapy is tailored to your unique needs, honoring and celebrating the diverse ways your mind works.
You are an individual, so we will tailor your therapy experience to help you meet your individual goals. For instance, some of the therapeutic approaches we use include Internal Family Systems (IFS), Strengths-Based Approach, Person-Centered, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Art Therapy. Through your work in counseling sessions, you’ll begin to build skills and overcome the challenges that are causing you to feel frustrated or overwhelmed. You’ll grow in confidence and skills.
As with many of our individual counseling clients, you may decide to transition to group therapy to build your social confidence and connect with other neurodiverse peers who can relate and empathize with you. If you're experiencing family issues, you may also decide to begin autism family therapy.
Our Goal for Individual Autism Therapy:
Our ultimate goal is to empower you to embrace your neurodiversity with confidence. We are here to help you recognize and appreciate the unique traits that make you wonderfully you. Instead of teaching you how to conform to societal norms, we will provide support in nurturing your innate abilities to empathize, listen, validate, and appreciate yourself and others. These are the abilities that already exist within you. By tapping into these inherent qualities, you will witness a remarkable transformation in your life.
Fee/Rate:
$220-$260 per 50-minute session*
Learn more about fees and payment.
*Sessions are offered only online (HIPPA-compliant Zoom).
How Do I Start Counseling?
Sometimes it may feel hard or overwhelming to find a provider who feels like a good fit or to take that first step of reaching out. However, you deserve support from a professional who is validating and neurodiversity-affirming.
The first step is to set up a free consultation.
We understand the struggles you face, and we truly believe you are doing your best.
Schedule a Free Consult
Specific Benefits of Individual Autism Therapy at Open Doors Counseling
Through individual counseling sessions with one of our autism mental health professionals, you’ll increase your self-awareness and learn new skills including:
Coping techniques and relaxation strategies to help you cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, sensory sensitivities, and more.- Strategies to reduce social anxiety and improve your communication and social skills
- How to build closer relationships and friendships
- Techniques to reduce worries around setting goals and making changes in your life
- How to tolerate change more easily and increase flexible thinking
- The ability to empathize with others and accept other's points of view
- Increased self-advocacy, determination, and resilience.
In therapy, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your identity, challenges, and concerns in a nonjudgmental space. As you begin to identify what you care about in life and how to make your life more fulfilling we will build the skills to help you reach those new goals. Then, you’ll have the space to practice the new skills you are learning and the support to problem solve any challenges that come up.