- 1959 152 St Unit #316 Surrey, BC V4A 9E3
- In-person and virtual counselling available
- Accepting New Clients
At Love This Therapy, we recognize the rich tapestry of the human mind and celebrate the diversity within it. We’re all about celebrating what makes us unique, and we believe in the beautiful diversity of our minds and hearts. Offering specialized counselling services designed to assist those who identify as neurodivergent, our practice reaches out to children, teenagers, and parents affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Additionally, we are an approved service provider with The Autism Funding Unit and able to direct bill. Don’t hesitate to reach out if your are interested in direct billing or if you have any questions.
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Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that begins early in childhood and lasts throughout a person’s life. The term “spectrum” in ASD signifies that the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations. Individuals with autism may exhibit repetitive behaviors, have difficulty with social situations, and may struggle with speech and nonverbal communication skills. However, it’s important to note that autism is a highly individualistic condition – no two people with autism are exactly alike. They will each have a unique set of behaviors and abilities.
Many people with autism also have unique strengths. They may have an excellent memory, superior visual and auditory learning capabilities, or heightened abilities in certain academic or creative areas. An important part of understanding autism involves recognizing the unique strengths and abilities associated with being neurodivergent.
The understanding of autism has come a long way and has evolved over time to embrace a perspective of neurodiversity, which recognizes and respects neurological differences just as any other human variation. Neurodivergence refers to variations in the brain regarding sociability, learning, attention, mood, and other mental functions. Using this lens, autism is seen simply as a variation of functioning. In other words, neurodiversity is seen as something to be respected and celebrated. In our counselling practice, we respect and honor neurodivergent individuals, acknowledging their unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions.
Autism presents unique strengths, such as attention to detail, innovative thinking, in-depth knowledge in specific areas, consistency, and a unique perspective of the world. We believe that these strengths, when recognized and cultivated, can significantly enhance an individual’s quality of life and their ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
At Love This Therapy in South Surrey, we have a team of compassionate and highly competent counsellors who offer specialized counselling services for neurodivergent individuals. Our counsellors employ a strength-based approach, which involves identifying and cultivating inherent strengths while addressing the challenges that come with autism. By utilizing both Behavioral Consultation and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), among other therapeutic interventions, we aim to foster one’s sense of meaning resilience, self-esteem, and personal growth.
Behavioral Consultation is one therapeutic intervention that can be particularly helpful for parents and caregivers of children with autism. It involves developing practical strategies to manage challenging behaviors, enhance communication skills, and promote positive interactions. It can be particularly helpful for autistic teens in managing the stresses of adolescence and navigating social complexities.
The foundation of behavioral consultation lies in understanding one’s behavior within different contexts. Consultants observe how an individual with autism interacts with their environment and will identify patterns of behaviors. They then work to understand the triggers for these behaviors and suggest modifications in both behavior and environment to promote more positive interactions.
People with autism often thrive in structured, predictable environments. Behavioral consultants can help create such environments, which can reduce anxiety and improve adaptive behaviors. This might involve establishing routines and creating structured spaces for various activities.
Behavioral consultants use evidence-based practices, like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), to teach new skills and behaviors. This could include social skills, communication abilities, and adaptive behaviors like dressing or eating. The consultant can also help individuals develop coping strategies for managing sensory issues or changes in routine.
Behavioral consultation isn’t just about working with the individual with autism. It also involves empowering parents, caregivers, and educators with the knowledge and tools they need to support the individual effectively. Consultants provide education about autism and behavior management strategies, as well as emotional support, enhancing the family’s ability to manage challenges and promote positive development.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a highly effective, evidence-based psychological intervention that can offer significant benefits to individuals with ASD. At its core, CBT is designed to help individuals understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. For people with autism, who often experience challenges in these areas, this understanding can be instrumental. By identifying patterns in thoughts and behaviors, CBT allows individuals with autism to better comprehend their emotional responses and the subsequent behaviors.
Many individuals with autism also struggle with co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression. CBT has been proven to be effective in managing these conditions. It provides tools to cope with feelings of anxiety, identify and challenge negative thought patterns, and enhance mood regulation. This process, in turn, improves overall emotional health and well-being.
CBT can also be useful in addressing social difficulties often associated with autism. Through role-playing and other CBT techniques, individuals can learn to interpret social cues, understand others’ perspectives, and improve their communication and interaction skills.
Autistic individuals often struggle with inflexible thinking and repetitive behaviors. CBT can help in recognizing and understanding these patterns, developing more flexible thought processes, and enhancing adaptive behaviors. For instance, through CBT, an individual might learn alternative strategies to handle changes in routines, thus reducing distress and improving adaptability.
Play Therapy is an incredibly effective method, especially for younger individuals with autism who may find verbal communication challenging. Through play, children with autism can communicate emotions and experiences non-verbally. This form of therapy helps aid the development of enhanced social skills, problem-solving capabilities, fine and gross motor skills, and fosters a deeper comprehension of themselves and their surroundings. It allows them to learn and practice new skills in a safe, supportive environment, making it easier for them to navigate the social world.
Art Therapy is an excellent tool for both children and adults with autism. It enables them to be able to convey and explore their feelings without the requirement for verbal expression. For those who struggle with articulating their emotions through words, art provides a fun and stimulating way to externalize their internal experiences. This therapeutic approach not only enhances self-esteem and stress management but also offers an opportunity to explore and develop creative potential.
Understanding and embracing neurodivergence is a journey filled with challenges, victories, learning, and growth. At Love This Therapy, we are committed to walking this journey with you, providing professional guidance and compassionate support.
We aim to celebrate neurodivergence, empower neurodivergent individuals, and create a society that not only accepts, but values neurodiversity. Whether you are an individual with autism, a parent of a neurodivergent child, or a teenager trying to navigate the world of autism, we are here for you.
Neurodivergence is not a limitation—it’s a strength, a unique perspective, a way of being that contributes to the rich tapestry of human diversity. Together, we can navigate the complexities, grow the strengths, and build a fulfilling, meaningful life.
In this journey, we use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help those with autism navigate challenges, develop coping strategies, enhance personal strengths, and embrace their neurodivergence.
Counselling for neurodivergent individuals—especially those with autism—is not about ‘fixing’ a ‘problem.’ It’s about harnessing potential, cultivating resilience, and promoting mental well-being. It’s about understanding, acceptance, and growth. Our counselling services provide a safe, compassionate space where one can express themselves, explore their strengths, and develop skills to navigate life’s challenges.
As a team of counsellors experienced in autism counselling, we are passionate about advocating for neurodivergent individuals, raising awareness about neurodiversity, and dismantling stereotypes associated with autism. We are here to support you, champion you, and journey with you as you navigate life as a neurodivergent individual.
No matter where you or your child is at on the autism journey, you don’t have to travel alone. With understanding, patience, and the right guidance, individuals with autism and their families can lead fulfilling lives, contribute positively to society, and even transform challenges into strengths.
At our clinic, we welcome you to a community that understands, supports, and values neurodiverse individuals for who they are, from strengths and struggles, to victories and aspirations; they all matter here. With our support, one’s journey with autism can be one of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment.
Autism does not define you or your child. It’s a part of them, but it’s not all of them. They are a unique individual with strengths, capabilities, and the potential for greatness.
Through our specialized autism counselling services, we aim to empower individuals with autism to realize their potential, embrace their neurodivergence, and live a fulfilling, meaningful life. The journey starts here. Welcome to Love This Therapy.
Upon receiving an official diagnosis for yourself or your child, you have the opportunity to access Autism Funding support. To initiate this process, please visit the official website of the Government of British Columbia at www.gov.bc.ca and navigate to the Autism Funding section. There, you can select the “Apply for autism funding” option. Following your approval, we will proceed to submit a Request to Pay form on your behalf to Love This Therapy. It is important to note that the approval for the Request to Pay form may take up to 8 weeks. Contact us to explore counselling options while waiting during those 8 weeks.
Once the Request to Pay form is approved, we can facilitate direct billing for counselling services to The Autism Funding Unit. This ensures that you can access the necessary therapy and support in a convenient and timely manner.
In our daily acts of living, loving, working, healing, learning & playing, we would like to acknowledge with gratitude that we are on the traditional & unceded territory of the Katzie, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and other Coast Salish Peoples. Huy ch q’u.
