Intellectual Disability

I was a part of a team at Riverside Community care, where I provided individual therapy for adult clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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.

Sam believes in adaptive approaches to evidence based practices. Many times people with intellectual disabilities are limited to behaviorist-driven approaches. I believe person centered, client directed approaches are central to work with clients who have cognitive impairments.

I worked as a Direct Support Professional (also known as a Direct Care Specialist) where I would provide in-home care for individuals with developmental disabilities. I have worked with individuals of all ages and abilities. Some examples include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, and Down Syndrome. I also have experience working with non-verbal individuals.

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 extensive experience working with both youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. I have enjoyed working with this population professionally, both during my counseling career and prior to. I have worked in group homes, as a caregiver and case manager, in homeless shelters, and in a clinical community mental health setting with individuals in this population.

I have experience in working with ID/DD individuals and ASD. I work with individuals and teams to modify traditional treatment interventions/approaches to best serve the individual to manage presenting symptoms that disrupt daily functioning. Clients are treated with integrity and the importance of valuing all abilities.

Cognitive problem solving and crisis intervention group sessions and individually experience with IDD, MH and the elderly population, and those with possible previous addictions attributed to disorders. Participated actively in the clinical treatment planning for individuals under the direct guidance of Psychiatrist and Therapists (Behavioral).