Intellectual Disability

I have worked as a music therapist with both children and adults who have varying intellectual and developmental disabilities. Music-based experiences provide alternate means of engagement and expression beyond the verbal or written realm. I practice from the mindset that every person deserves the right to have accessible means of understanding themselves and connecting with others and that it does not need to look the same for everyone.

I have personal experience with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), having family members who face these issues, as well as being involved in this community. I have experience working with Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum, Cerebral Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and more. Working with the families of individuals facing IDD to help manage the stress that may come with managing these disabilities, as well as anticipatory grief, and strategies for self-care.

I have 3 years experience working in an agency setting providing psychotherapy to adult individuals with intellectual disabilities. I always support client in independence and self-determination. I am comfortable teaching communication skills, anger management, mindfulness and coping skills. I can work with families while maintaining confidentiality, privacy and dignity for my clients.

Outside of my career as a mental health counselor, I have worked in Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Programs for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD) for over 6 years. Making sessions accessible for neurodiverse populations is a passion of mine, and inclusion has been a core value for me throughout my lifetime as a sibling of an individual with a disability. I have experience working with individuals with diagnoses such as Down Syndrome, Autism, and ID.

The majority of my internship hours were completed by providing Applied Behavioral Analyses (ABA), through Positive Behavioral Support (PBS) to families and caregivers of those with special needs. I trained family members and caregivers on how to best provide support to shape challenging behaviors of their loved one with special needs. I worked with children and adults on the Autism spectrum, as well as a variety of other intellectual disabilities.

There is so often a lack of resources for individuals who have intellectual disabilities are seeking an informed therapist who understand their unique needs. I have over 14 years of experience working with individuals who have disabilities. In therapy, interventions are adapted to the individual needs of the person and their support systems.

I have worked with adults with developmental/intellectual/cognitive disabilities as a job coach within a strengths-based, community integration framework.

I have a minor in special education and I have worked with this population in various capacities for a decade. There is a large gap between mental health services and I/DD services that I hope to bridge. I’ve seen people with I/DD who could use someone who is there purely for support and to help them to love themselves more. I’ve seen more than a few parents and caregivers who could use that same support.