Empowering Families to Thrive Beyond the Diagnosis
If you are a parent, caregiver, or family member navigating life with autism, know that you are not alone. Reaching out for support through counseling is not a sign of weakness—it’s an act of courage and love for both yourself and your child. In today’s world, it’s time to move beyond outdated stigmas and embrace the reality that mental health care serves as a powerful resource for growth, resilience, and hope. Everyone deserves access to compassionate guidance, and every family can benefit from tools to manage stress and foster connection.
Addressing stress management for parents of children with special needs is critical, as “parent well-being increases child well-being”. Our Founder, Jamie McGillivary, MS, LLP, BCBA, LBA, states that “early intervention for parental coping skills” is critical not only for the parents navigating their child’s diagnosis, but also for the child’s development. Research tells us that parents can be effective agents of change for their children’s behaviors and skill development. Additionally, children and teens with autism often need help addressing their emotional needs, anxiety, and social challenges.
Healing Haven’s counseling and stress management services cover a wide range of needs. For parents we help them navigate this autism, or other diagnoses, manage stress, and learn behavioral modification skills. For the child or teen with autism we help them learn skills to manage their emotions and interact in the world around them. Additionally, we help siblings process the emotions that come from having a brother or sister on the spectrum and provide them with strategies to cope.
Our Counseling Team: Compassionate Partners in Your Journey
You don’t have to face these challenges in isolation. Our Counseling team is led by our very first counseling provider, Danielle Harrison, MA, LPC. Danielle started as an ABA therapist in 2012 while in her undergraduate psychology program. After receiving her master’s in counseling she transitioned to the role of Counselor. Her experience in ABA therapy is a valuable tool that she uses often in her counseling sessions, whether it’s with children, or while providing Parent Training.
Most of our Counselors have a background in ABA Therapy and therefore utilize techniques of applied behavior analysis. They also use Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients work through the emotions that may be causing them trouble. Our Counselors also provide Parent Consultation to help families understand the concepts of reinforcement and discipline to help them set up reinforcement systems at home.
Some clients do not have an autism diagnosis, but struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD or other issues. Our Counselors are not only able to work with the child, but also able to equip parents to manage emotions and reduce disruptive behaviors.
Breaking Through Stigma and Finding Strength
It’s normal to feel uncertain or even hesitant about counseling at first. But seeking help is a brave step that can lead to newfound understanding, acceptance, and confidence. By working together with a compassionate counselor, families can break through the stigma surrounding mental health and learn healthy strategies to support one another. Progress may come in small steps, but every step counts, and you’re not alone on this path.
Navigating the Diagnosis and Building Resilience
Our Counselors are skilled at helping parents work through their emotions to help them accept their child’s diagnosis. Once a parent can come to terms with their child’s struggles and appreciate their strengths, their stress often lessens and their relationship with their child strengthens.
Another aspect of our counseling services includes working with teens with autism who struggle with belonging, finding friends at school, and relating with their peers.
And because an autism diagnosis impacts the entire family, our counselors also support siblings in helping them learn to navigate their often complex family dynamics.
In Need of Help?
Remember: seeking counseling is a proactive and empowering choice for any family. With the right support, you can cultivate resilience, deepen family bonds, and thrive together—no matter what challenges you face.
If you are a parent in need of help for yourself, or your child is struggling with autism, ADHD, depression or anxiety, we are here to help! Just fill out the Contact Us form and our team will follow up with you.