If you or someone you love is autistic and would like some extra support, I am here for you!
The CDC estimated in 2018 that approximately 1 in every 59 children meets criteria for a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder – although many believe these numbers to be an underestimate. Autism is also believed to be severely underdiagnosed in girls and women (see Halladay et al., 2015).
Some of the most common indicators of autism include:
Typically, autism is identified early in life (elementary school age). However, as public awareness about autism has increased, many adults have begun to recognize autistic traits in themselves. This has led to an explosion of referrals for people seeking help for autism and being autistic.
So, I decided to open my own practice to help meet the needs of the community!
My name is Sarah Hart, MA, and I specifically provide therapy for autistic teens and adults (as well as support figures and family members) from all over the Portland, Oregon, area.
If you are ready to go ahead and get started, please contact me today. To learn more about how psychotherapy can help, read on!
How does psychotherapy help autistic people?
Therapy can help autistic people in three main ways: communicating with others, learning to manage stress, and developing a sense of individuality and independence.
First, therapy can help autistic people learn important communication skills in a safe, judgment-free space. You can learn to share your thoughts and feelings with others, express your needs, and overcome relationship obstacles. Similarly, you can also get helpful feedback from the therapist to help enhance your interactions outside the therapy office.
Second, therapy can help you learn to manage stress effectively and efficiently. Autistic people can benefit from specific sensory coping strategies to help them deal with being overstimulated in certain environments (e.g., busses, shopping centers, parties, etc.). Stress management can also help you feel free and more capable of handling whatever life throws your way.
And third, therapy can help you learn to become more yourself. You can learn to develop a healthy autistic identity and understand what it means to be neurodiverse. Similarly, you can learn to become more self-sustaining and independent from others, as many autistic teens and adults feel they have to depend too much on other people, and they crave the freedom to do things on their own.
If you or a loved one is interested in trying therapy, let’s connect! I provide specifically tailored services for autistic people and their loved ones – and I would love to work with you!
What does therapy look like with Sarah Hart?
I believe that, with the right support, anyone can overcome life’s challenges – including you.
My sessions are entirely confidential and held in the comfort of my Portland office. I work hard to create a safe space where you can share without fear of judgment or criticism because I know how difficult it can be to ask for help.
Our first meeting is called the intake interview, during which I will ask you questions about your story to get a sense of what might be contributing to the problem. This also gives us a chance to get to know each other and answer any questions you might have before moving forward with therapy.
There is no “one size fits all” approach to treatment, which is why I use techniques from several therapeutic modalities into my practice to provide the help and healing you need. I primarily draw from Gestalt, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). This allows me to use a flexible, multifaceted approach to understand what might be contributing to your difficulties.
As you begin therapy, you can learn how to:
- Make sense of your unique story
- Have self-awareness and control
- Understand your thoughts and emotions
- Use self-compassion and acceptance
- Make progress towards your goals and aspirations
- Deal with thoughts of self-harm and suicide
- Think positively and be mindful
- Be active and have energy
- Cope with stress and worry
- Rediscover your sense of purpose and direction
You can learn to notice your thoughts and become aware of your inner experiences without letting them control your life. I work to boost your quality of life by bolstering inner strengths, shifting old and unhelpful patterns, and teaching useful skills that can help you achieve your goals.
You deserve a life free from the hurt and the hopelessness. You deserve a chance at wellness, a chance to pursue your goals. And I believe that, together, we can make that happen.
Interested? Let’s Work Together!
Interested in hearing more about my practice? Want to learn more about me and my story? Check out my About Me page! My hope is that you feel welcome and encouraged as you look through my site so that, when you are ready, we can begin your wellness journey.
Want to learn more about how I can help? I would love to hear from you. Click on Contact in the menu above!
In addition to therapy for autism, I also help teens and adults with:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Autism (individuals and those who love them)
- Relationship problems
- Major life transitions
- Grief and loss
- Stress management
- And much more!
Contact me today to get started!
Phone Number: 503 967 9767
Office Address: 2931 Northeast Broadway Street | Top Floor | Portland, Oregon 97212
(503) 967-9767 | Sarah.Hart.Therapy@gmail.com