Autism Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA

Hi! In a world where so many of us regularly get the message that we are flawed, I think it is important to start by saying something that we might not hear so regularly, which is, that it is okay to be you. But if I’m being honest, being yourself is not always an easy thing to do. As a therapist, I place priority in creating a therapy environment where clients feel safe to share the most authentic versions of themselves without fear of judgement. In addition to a safe therapeutic space, my goal is to assist clients on their paths towards self-expression and self-acceptance no matter where they are in their journey.

I specialize in psychological assessment. Whether you would benefit from accommodations at school or work, need testing for private school admission/gifted placement, require an evaluation for employment or a medical procedure, are facing legal problems due to mental health issues, are interested in clarifying a diagnosis, or simply desire more insight into yourself and your strengths and weakness, I can help you obtain the answers you need. I am one of several psychologists at CCES, a specialized practice committed to providing the most up-to-date, comprehensive and objective psychological evaluations. Types of evaluations include:

My primary focus in private practice is evaluation and assessment for a variety of psychological conditions, such as ADHD, Autism , Mood Disorders, Learning Disabilities and Personality Disorders. The second focus I have is treatment. I have an integrative approach to therapy in which I use multiple modalities that fit my clients’ individual needs. Some of the modalities I use are interpersonal therapy, supportive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I also view other factors that can affect the client, such as cultural, medical, and environmental factors.

I provide psychological assessment of mood, psychosis, trauma, developmental, and personality concerns. The consequences of a problem are often apparent, such as when a child is experiencing academic problems at school, or an adult struggles to maintain personal or professional relationships. The problem itself, however, can often be unclear. A quality assessment can provide you with a heightened understanding of your functioning, including your strengths and growth areas. The assessment will include practical recommendations to enhance the quality of your personal, work, or academic functioning.

Dr. Aponte is one of three psychologists working at Central Coast Evaluation Services, a highly specialized practice committed to providing the most up-to-date, comprehensive and objective psychological evaluations. We can also assist as a neutral and impartial expert witness or consultant. Whatever challenge lies ahead, your likelihood of success is enhanced by a clear understanding of the strengths that can get you there, the hurdles you are likely to face, and strategies to make the most of those strengths while mitigating weaknesses. At CCES, we aim to provide impactful analysis and recommendations to facilitate your success.

Accepting new clients. Are you experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression? During this trying time, it is important to develop skills to take care of yourself both mentally and physically.

We are an ABA agency who helps individuals with developmental disabilities and their families live enriching independent lives. We teach communication skills, functional living skills, social skills, play skills, amongst others. We also specialize in reducing problematic behaviors that may cause harm to the individual or others.

I feel grateful for the opportunity to support clients in working towards fulfillment and authenticity in their lives. My work focuses on empowerment and healing using a strengths-based, humanistic approach. I use a variety of modalities including expressive arts therapy and EMDR, both highly effective methods proven to help people process and heal from trauma and distressing life events.

"As above, so below". The ancient saying reminds us that the ways in which we experience life and encounters with others are based on patterns of behavior and beliefs about ourselves in the world that have developed over time. Often these patterns and beliefs serve us well, other times they create inner turmoil, frustration, and confusion. As a therapist, I am committed to the facilitating the process for you of discovering unconscious patterns and beliefs, how they have been beneficial or harmful, and learning to make consciously informed responses to the problematic situations in life that you are facing.

Do you struggle with Depression, Anxiety, ODD, ADHD , PTSD, Low self-esteem, and living in the present? Does your child have behavioral and/or attachment problems? Utilizing evidenced based psychotherapy interventions, I can help you identify and change negative thoughts patterns, implement effective behavioral management strategies, replace negative behaviors with positive behaviors and live a more wholesome life.

Anxiety, depression and relationship issues are common problems many are experiencing today. My primary motive as a psychotherapist is to help individuals live more meaningful and productive lives in harmony with their families and community. Through effective talk therapy individuals become more courageous, truthful and engaged in the pursuit of individual, family and social harmony.

I specialize in assessing and diagnosing various learning, social, emotional, behavioral and developmental disabilities in children, adolescents and adults. I provide comprehensive psychological evaluations in the following areas: forensic (civil and criminal), public safety, academic, cognitive, and medical. I am a qualified medical examiner (QME) and POST-certified. In addition to psychological evaluations, I can assist as a neutral and independent expert witness or consultant.

Prometheus Psychological Services offers a full range of outpatient psychological services. The services include psychological assessment and a variety of therapies. People use our services for depression, anxiety, and problems in relationships. Treatment can also be utilized to address anger, marital conflict, and low self-esteem. Work with children and adolescents can focus on behavior problems at home and at school, developmental disabilities, and attention deficit disorders. We can also tailor programs for individuals with learning disabilities and problems with daily living. Many athletes are turning to us to help them reach their peak performance. Together we can develop a specific program tailored to your particular sport and your unique strengths and weaknesses. Our services can help athletes manage anxiety, develop relaxation techniques, and enhance leadership skills. Others have sought our services for help with a lack of consistency, to address difficulty maintaining focus, or to aid with recovery from injury. We can assist with goal setting, confidence, and visualizing yourself being successful, in an attempt to help you reach your full potential.

Need a therapist to jump into the thick of the muck with you, create a safe place where you can be vulnerable or talk about all the things you never thought you would say out loud? You've found your therapeutic sweet spot! You have a story & deserve to talk to someone. I geek out over meeting you where you are and understanding your unique needs. Whether brief,  life transition, a safe outlet, or a longer goal, you deserve to be heard, and you deserve self-care. Live true to yourself and be proud to show up for yourself!

I became a therapist to help individuals and couples successfully navigate the difficulties of life and relationships. I provide a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment for each of my clients so that they might move towards healing and growth in their lives. My passion is to help individuals and couples find the intimacy they desire by uncovering specific patterns and obstacles to intimacy and building on their strengths so that they have the relationships they truly desire.

Life has a way of providing us with times where we feel so hurt, messy, or emotionally raw that we may find ourselves wishing to be alone and hide - perhaps even from ourselves. Therapy provides a safe space and opportunity to delve into our relationships with others, ourselves, past events, and hopes in order to illuminate our preferred way of navigating through life. In my work with children and adolescents, I value learning the personal narratives that influence their sense of self, who they feel they are "supposed" to be, who they wish to be, and the problems that keep getting in the way.

I am a Certified Transformational Life Coach with Master's degrees in Psychology and Education. I help my clients to work through various life transitions: developing healthier habits, letting go of self-defeating behaviors, managing anxiety, and discovering how to create a life worth living! My unique gift is to help people learn the skills and practices they can use to move through fear and doubt to arrive at a place of authenticity and presence. I specialize in bringing together the body and the mind to bring my clients into a state of health, balance, and wholeness.

I'm glad your curiosity about finding a therapist has led you here. My experience in mental health work includes Gestalt, CBT, psycho-dynamic, humanistic, client-centered, mindfulness based and self-acceptance training. Please call with specific questions. We may be a good fit if you are open to exploring your inner-space, learning new ways of thinking and new coping strategies, and connecting with your own personal wisdom while addressing life's inevitable challenges. I've been doing psychotherapy for 28 years and, in addition to seeing my private clients, I have supervised MFT and MSW interns in clinic settings.