Counseling Services
No Cost Counseling Groups
The counseling department at Autism Partnership offers a No Cost Parent Connection Group several times throughout the year. This group is designed for parents and care-providers that are interested in meeting others raising a child on the autism spectrum. Through the experiences shared by the participants we will focus upon the emotional impact of ASD on parents and families, as well as exchange resources and encouragement.
Please let us know of your interest in being a part of this group experience. To RSVP or to find out more information, including upcoming dates, e-mail the Clinical Director, Marlene Driscoll, M.A., LMFT
Counseling Services
Counseling support is only available for residents of the state of California
Autism Partnership offers a wide range of counseling support. Our experienced clinicians are available for individual and couple counseling and parent support services. Because we specialize in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) we have an awareness of the unique challenges individual with ASD and their families are experiencing. Our goal is to increase family stability, create strong sibling support, and assist individuals with ASD gain a fuller understanding of themselves and potential. We are experienced in helping those challenged by other issues such as social skills deficits, social anxiety, ADHD, general anxiety, and depression. Our clinical team is trained in providing cognitive-behaviorally oriented counseling services that focus on the individual’s cognitions, emotions, experiences, understanding of self and relationship dynamics.
For children or teens on the spectrum, counseling can be a helpful adjunct to other interventions or as part of a transition plan from more intensive supports. Siblings of children on the spectrum often need an understanding and supportive place to learn about autism and share how the diagnosis impacts their lives. For parents we offer individual and couples sessions to address the short and long term needs of families.
This service may be of interest to you or someone you know if they are struggling with:
- The short term and long term implications of the diagnosis for themselves or their family.
- Feelings of being over-whelmed, anxious, misunderstood or depressed.
- Questions about coping with the challenges of today and the future.
- Relationship difficulties experienced with peers, family members, co-workers or others.
- Adjusting to changes in daily life and expectations.
All counseling sessions are provided at our Seal Beach office.
Marlene Driscoll
MA, LMFT
Marlene is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has specialized in working with those impacted by ASD for over 25 years. She joined Autism Partnership in 1994 and has provided program supervision, school consultation, mentoring and Site Direction. She contributed to the writing of several ABA related books including A Work in Progress, It’s Time for School!, and Crafting Connections. She is currently the Clinical Director for Autism Partnership and provides counseling services to children, individuals, and couples.
Counseling Services FAQs
What types of counseling services do you provide?
We specialize in offering individual and couple counseling for those with social skills impairments, ADHD, social or general anxiety, and individuals with a diagnosis of ASD, their siblings, parents or care providers. We have extensive experience with these concerns as they are expressed across the lifespan and we work with children, adolescents and adults.
We are passionate about providing quality support to parents to help them navigate treatment and services and improve their confidence in their parenting skills and decision making. Our counselors are skilled at combining their knowledge of practical behavior management and interpersonal therapeutic support to address practical and emotional challenges facing parents. Whether clients are interested in weekly sessions or wish to schedule once a month or “as needed” sessions, we are available. Sessions may be scheduled for individuals or couples.
Who provides counseling services?
Counseling at Autism Partnership is provided by either a License Marriage and Family Therapist or a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate. Our counselors have extensive experience working with those impacted by ASD and the unique issues and challenges faced by them and those that care for them. We operate under the direct supervision of licensed psychologists.
What is addressed in counseling?
Goals of counseling include:
- Assisting parents in processing the diagnosis, expectations, treatment options, and the emotions surrounding raising a child on the autism spectrum
- Monitoring and addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression and effective coping
- Understanding the diagnosis and its impact
- Improving emotional awareness, expression and identification
- Understanding the impact of thoughts on emotions and behaviors
- Exploring inter-personal relationships and providing information regarding maintaining healthy relationships
- Addressing stress, distress tolerance and developing effective coping tools
- Instruction regarding relationships and sexuality
Do you only work with clients that have Autism Spectrum Disorder?
No. Our counselors are experiences in treating a wide range of issues, not just autism spectrum disorder. Of course we offer support to parents, siblings and family members of those affected by ASD. However, we are also available to help those challenged by other issues such as ADHD, relationship issues, life transitions, parenting, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, and depression.
What should I expect from counseling services?
Our therapists will establish a safe and structured environment in which clients can feel comfortable discussing their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Counselors help clarify options, assist with setting goals, explore feelings, provide instruction/information and correct misconceptions.
How do I know if counseling is a good fit for my child or adolescent?
The therapists at Autism Partnership know that not everyone is ready to benefit from counseling services. We provide an in-take and initial assessment period for all our minor clients to evaluate their ability to participate in and benefit from this type of support. Typically, children with fair to good conversational skills and minimal behavioral difficulties are good candidates to participate meaningfully in counseling. Of course, individual motivation and a desire to improve significantly impact progress.
Typically a referral for counseling services occurs if a child has questions about the diagnosis or is learning about the diagnosis, has demonstrated issues with depression, anxiety, distressing thoughts or feelings, low self-concept, relationship problems, emotional dysregulation or stress. Counseling may be particularly helpful to those children that are fading more intensive services and need to process their greater independence and responsibilities.
Do you offer sibling support?
Parents have frequently asked if we provided support to siblings of children with ASD. All family members are impacted when one receives a diagnosis and subsequent services. We have found sessions with siblings to be extremely beneficial in recognizing the challenges the sibling is confronting and providing a non-judgmental, understanding environment to discuss their feelings and needs.
Where does the counseling take place?
Sessions occur at the Seal Beach office, Santa Monica Clinic or via tele-health.
