In this episode, Sarah Wayland shares with us a bit about the developing brain and the differing aspects of those with an autism spectrum disorder.
She shares personal stories about the importance of the child relationship and how fluctuations in the parents’ emotional regulation can effect the child.
Sarah discusses how children with an autism spectrum disorder often struggle with social situations and how we can support them through parent consultation and working directly with the child themselves.
Sarah Wayland is a certified RDI™ Consultant, parent coach, and Special Needs Care Navigator at the company she founded, Guiding Exceptional Parents. She helps parents of children with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, and other brain-based differences learn how to confidently and effectively help their children at home, at school, and in the community. As an RDI™ consultant, Dr. Wayland works with parents of kids who have trouble connecting with others to show them how to teach their children the essential skills that make relationships work. By learning about everyone in the family and collaborating with them, she helps families develop customized strategies that work.
Dr. Wayland got her B.A. from Rice University, her Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from Brandeis University, and had two postdoctoral fellowships - one at Northeastern University and another at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She has worked as a software designer, and as a researcher, but her most valuable training came from parenting her two boys, both exceptional. You can learn more at www.guidingexceptionalparents.com.
In this episode, Althea Simpson shares with us about how she uses food to support her clients in session when necessary.
She explains that some clients may have experienced the trauma of neglect and being without food in their past which can feel extremely dysregulating to clients.
When we use food in session, we help our clients to feel nurtured and cared about.
Althea Simpson is the founder of Brighter Day Therapeutic Solutions and Unicorn Life Play Therapy Training. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. Additionally, Althea has a B.S. in Business Management; MBA in Marketing: and MSW in Organizational Leadership. Althea’s passion for helping individuals go from “Hurt to Healed” aided in her decision to return to George Mason University to complete requirements to become a Clinical Social Worker and specialize in trauma recovery. Althea’s experience in the fields of business and mental health spans 20 years. Althea is pursuing her PhD in Business Psychology Consulting at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Althea Simpson, LCSW, LICSW, CCTP, SAP, CAMS-II, RPT-S, CSOTP Resident
Brighter Day Therapeutic Solutions, PLLC
Website: www.brighter-day.net
Symposium Website: www.blackplaytherapy.com
In this episode, Samantha Willis shares with us about the painful experiences that our LGBTQ youth often go through alone. She stressed the importance of acceptance and compassion.
She mentions the benefits of displaying symbols, such as a rainbow, that communicate a message that she is a safe person to authentically share with.
She recommends that therapists connect with other therapists in their area to maximize benefits for clients in search of a therapist that can support their unique needs.
Samantha earned a Master’s of Education in Counseling and Guidance with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Montevallo. She also earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Social Work with a Minor in Philosophy and Religion from the University of Montevallo. Samantha is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Alabama, a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and Registered Play Therapist. Samantha has a certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She utilizes peer-reviewed and evidence-based therapeutic techniques in her practice such as play therapy, sand tray therapy, and art therapy. Samantha is a Body-Brain sand tray specialist and uses the techniques with all ages.
Samantha works primarily with clients who have experienced trauma, experience dissociative symptoms, are in the LGBTQ+ community, or are transgender. Samantha is currently a student at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) studying Gender Studies and is currently writing her thesis entitled “Transgender and Non-Binary Lived Experiences Among Southern Appalachian Youth: Correlations of Mental Health and Interpersonal Relationship Dynamics Before, During, and After the Coming out Process.”
Samantha Willis, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, Registered Play Therapist
Avail Services, LLC
Websites: avail.services, avail.institute
In this episode, Sandra explains how shame impacts a child’s development. She offers some tips to process through shame as well as presents a technique that therapists can use to support their clients through the healing process.
Sandra B. Stanford, LMHC, has a heart for people who find themselves in hard situations. Because of this passion, she earned her Master’s Degree in Psychological Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University (Orlando campus). She currently is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor practicing at Charis Counseling Center in Titusville, FL.
Sandra is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which helps in the healing process for people who have experienced traumatic events. She is a Daring Way Facilitator in Brene Brown’s organization which focuses on “I am enough…now!
Sandra also works with couples and is the founder of Our Marriage Matters retreats and conferences.
Sandra received her BS in Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University (Palm Beach campus) in 1986. She and her wonderful husband, David, have been married since 1988. They have two precious adult children, Jonathan and Anna Beth and a son in love, Christopher, new grandson Ashton and 2 Airedale grand-dogs named Sherlock and Weta.
Sandra B. Stanford, MS, LMHC MH13286
EMDR CERTIFIED THERAPIST
Certified Daring Way ™ Facilitator
Founder Our Marriage Matters Retreats/Workshops
https://sandrabstanfordcounseling.com/