Autism Therapists in Hamden, CT
I work with individuals, couples, and families to process trauma, support neurodivergent experiences, and improve communication, connection, and emotional well-being.
Are you ready to explore what’s going on beneath the surface?
Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by trauma, navigating a big life transition, or burned out from juggling too many roles. Or maybe your child is struggling to express big emotions, and you’re looking for support that actually meets them where they are.
Therapy with me is a space where you don’t have to mask, perform, or pretend. Together, we focus on helping you feel grounded, empowered, and more connected to who you are—while honoring the passions, creativity, and quirks that make you you.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, with a special focus on:
I work with individuals, couples, and families to process trauma, support neurodivergent experiences, and improve communication, connection, and emotional well-being.
Are you ready to explore what’s going on beneath the surface?
Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by trauma, navigating a big life transition, or burned out from juggling too many roles. Or maybe your child is struggling to express big emotions, and you’re looking for support that actually meets them where they are.
Therapy with me is a space where you don’t have to mask, perform, or pretend. Together, we focus on helping you feel grounded, empowered, and more connected to who you are—while honoring the passions, creativity, and quirks that make you you.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults, with a special focus on:
Our expert team specializes in supporting children with autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, and diverse mental health needs.
By partnering with families and educators, we empower children to build emotional and social skills, helping them reach their full potential in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Our expert team specializes in supporting children with autism, neurodevelopmental disorders, and diverse mental health needs.
By partnering with families and educators, we empower children to build emotional and social skills, helping them reach their full potential in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Managing life, transitions and stressors may seem like an impossible task. If you can relate to this statement, you are not alone. Many people are feeling anxiety, sadness, and self doubt. However, you are bravely taking the first step to make a change; by exploring your options for a healthier and happier you. I welcome the opportunity to partner with you to help identify, and guide you in your pursuit of finding balance and healing; by drawing on individuals and families unique strengths.
Managing life, transitions and stressors may seem like an impossible task. If you can relate to this statement, you are not alone. Many people are feeling anxiety, sadness, and self doubt. However, you are bravely taking the first step to make a change; by exploring your options for a healthier and happier you. I welcome the opportunity to partner with you to help identify, and guide you in your pursuit of finding balance and healing; by drawing on individuals and families unique strengths.
Neurodivergent and creative people need more than just words!
I have significant experience in working with late-diagnosed autistic adults. Sometimes we use creative and meditative interventions (what I call "Mindful Creativity") to create a comfortable and supportive environment. I find this helps clients who may need to move around more or who find "traditional" therapy stressful.
Neurodivergent and creative people need more than just words!
I have significant experience in working with late-diagnosed autistic adults. Sometimes we use creative and meditative interventions (what I call "Mindful Creativity") to create a comfortable and supportive environment. I find this helps clients who may need to move around more or who find "traditional" therapy stressful.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or struggling to navigate life’s challenges? I work with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and couples who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, or stress related to school, work, and family responsibilities. Together, we create a supportive and judgment-free space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions, develop healthy coping skills, build resilience, and work toward meaningful and lasting change.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or struggling to navigate life’s challenges? I work with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and couples who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, or stress related to school, work, and family responsibilities. Together, we create a supportive and judgment-free space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions, develop healthy coping skills, build resilience, and work toward meaningful and lasting change.
Are you experiencing a personal crisis in your life right now? If you need someone to help you regain your balance and direction in your life, perhaps I can help. Together we can chart a new direction or get you back on track. Call me. Listed below you will find that I have recently been certified in Divorce mediation and that I am working towards sex therapy certification. If either of these areas of concern are of interest to you, please call and ask about how I may help you.
Are you experiencing a personal crisis in your life right now? If you need someone to help you regain your balance and direction in your life, perhaps I can help. Together we can chart a new direction or get you back on track. Call me. Listed below you will find that I have recently been certified in Divorce mediation and that I am working towards sex therapy certification. If either of these areas of concern are of interest to you, please call and ask about how I may help you.
As a neurodivergent-affirming counselor, I take a holistic approach that honors your lived experience while exploring the systems, identities, and pressures shaping your life, including supporting neurodivergent adults navigating masking, burnout, identity, and authenticity.
I’m a compassionate and curious therapist who collaborates with you to understand your story and how it shaped this moment in your life. I strive to create a space where you can show up authentically and feel fully seen. My work is grounded in neurodivergent-affirming, sex-positive, anti-racist, and gender-inclusive care. Let's unlearn what's become harmful.
As a neurodivergent-affirming counselor, I take a holistic approach that honors your lived experience while exploring the systems, identities, and pressures shaping your life, including supporting neurodivergent adults navigating masking, burnout, identity, and authenticity.
I’m a compassionate and curious therapist who collaborates with you to understand your story and how it shaped this moment in your life. I strive to create a space where you can show up authentically and feel fully seen. My work is grounded in neurodivergent-affirming, sex-positive, anti-racist, and gender-inclusive care. Let's unlearn what's become harmful.
Given with the struggles with the world it is important that you have space where you can show up as your authentic self, no matter what that looks like. My goal is to help you create that space. My name is Caitlin, and I am a Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA). I work with adolescents and adults, offering a compassionate, collaborative approach. I strive to create a safe, welcoming space where clients feel supported and understood.
Given with the struggles with the world it is important that you have space where you can show up as your authentic self, no matter what that looks like. My goal is to help you create that space. My name is Caitlin, and I am a Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA). I work with adolescents and adults, offering a compassionate, collaborative approach. I strive to create a safe, welcoming space where clients feel supported and understood.
Additionally, one of my favorite things to do is work with adolescents who are on the autism spectrum by offering social skills/building connections groups to help them build peer relationships.
I am called to SERVE. I have worked as a clinician for almost two decades and have had the pleasure of working with clients of all genders, from all racial backgrounds with various ages and needs. I meet my clients where they are emotionally with the goal of getting them to where they want to be in life by working through life's challenges and roadblocks. The 7 years of training I received as a clinician and supervisor at the Yale Child Study Center have influenced my attention to detail, assessment, and collaboration. I encourage you to take this amazing journey of self-discovery and healing from inside and out with me.
Additionally, one of my favorite things to do is work with adolescents who are on the autism spectrum by offering social skills/building connections groups to help them build peer relationships.
I am called to SERVE. I have worked as a clinician for almost two decades and have had the pleasure of working with clients of all genders, from all racial backgrounds with various ages and needs. I meet my clients where they are emotionally with the goal of getting them to where they want to be in life by working through life's challenges and roadblocks. The 7 years of training I received as a clinician and supervisor at the Yale Child Study Center have influenced my attention to detail, assessment, and collaboration. I encourage you to take this amazing journey of self-discovery and healing from inside and out with me.
My clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed, like they're out of their depth, or finding themselves locked in patterns that they just can't seem to break. I work to understand the complexity of your situation and where you're coming from, and then pairing that with evidence-based strategies that are designed to address and overcome those challenges you're facing and patterns that no longer serve you. My goal is for you to leave our meetings feeling understood and empowered with a plan or strategy to put into practice in the week ahead. My clients describe my style as authentic, candid & warm, and I frequently incorporate humor!
My clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed, like they're out of their depth, or finding themselves locked in patterns that they just can't seem to break. I work to understand the complexity of your situation and where you're coming from, and then pairing that with evidence-based strategies that are designed to address and overcome those challenges you're facing and patterns that no longer serve you. My goal is for you to leave our meetings feeling understood and empowered with a plan or strategy to put into practice in the week ahead. My clients describe my style as authentic, candid & warm, and I frequently incorporate humor!
Are you a divorced parent struggling to make a parenting plan that meets your children’s needs? Does every conversation with your ex end in an argument? Do you want to find a way to co-parent effectively but feel exhausted by the divorce process? When you’re divorcing and have children, making decisions about parenting time and duties can be daunting. You have to have these conversations with someone you struggle to communicate with. You and your former spouse can create new, fulfilling lives while raising happy, healthy children with the proper support.
Are you a divorced parent struggling to make a parenting plan that meets your children’s needs? Does every conversation with your ex end in an argument? Do you want to find a way to co-parent effectively but feel exhausted by the divorce process? When you’re divorcing and have children, making decisions about parenting time and duties can be daunting. You have to have these conversations with someone you struggle to communicate with. You and your former spouse can create new, fulfilling lives while raising happy, healthy children with the proper support.
My training and interests center on attachment, trauma, and challenges around pregnancy and birth. Events at this time along with the enduring traces of the past can have powerful effects on later relationships and the emotional health of adults and children. I work help relationships get off to a good start or back on track and to unravel the enduring effects of the past on experiences in the present. I believe that the relationship with your therapist is the springboard for change and I strive to create a sensitive, supportive, and thoughtful atmosphere in which this can blossom.
My training and interests center on attachment, trauma, and challenges around pregnancy and birth. Events at this time along with the enduring traces of the past can have powerful effects on later relationships and the emotional health of adults and children. I work help relationships get off to a good start or back on track and to unravel the enduring effects of the past on experiences in the present. I believe that the relationship with your therapist is the springboard for change and I strive to create a sensitive, supportive, and thoughtful atmosphere in which this can blossom.
Jennifer Barba is the founder of CT Healing Center and a highly respected clinician with over 30 years of experience supporting adolescents, adults, and families. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with resilience, and compassion.
Jennifer has extensive expertise in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, mood disorders, psychosis, and complex mental health conditions. Skilled in comprehensive diagnostic assessments and treatment for individuals and families.Her clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based treatment. Training includes DBT, CBT, TF CBT, forensics & CCTAP
Jennifer Barba is the founder of CT Healing Center and a highly respected clinician with over 30 years of experience supporting adolescents, adults, and families. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with resilience, and compassion.
Jennifer has extensive expertise in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, mood disorders, psychosis, and complex mental health conditions. Skilled in comprehensive diagnostic assessments and treatment for individuals and families.Her clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based treatment. Training includes DBT, CBT, TF CBT, forensics & CCTAP
I have experience treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder ( ASD), and working with neurodiverse couples, as well as providing couple and family therapy.
My approach is both professional and empathetic, creating a supportive space where clients feel understood and seen.
I have experience treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder ( ASD), and working with neurodiverse couples, as well as providing couple and family therapy.
My approach is both professional and empathetic, creating a supportive space where clients feel understood and seen.
I help people find their inner compass, or guidance system. So many people tell me that they: can't reach their goals (health, relationship, career) ; feel stuck in endless negative patterns; or believe they are capable of more, but struggle to share their gifts. Does that sound like you? Many of us base all our decisions on outside authorities/expectations and rarely connect with and consult our own inner compass. We 'go with the flow" and hide our deepest gifts, even from ourselves. But if you aren't calibrated to your own truth, you can't set your GPS.
I help people find their inner compass, or guidance system. So many people tell me that they: can't reach their goals (health, relationship, career) ; feel stuck in endless negative patterns; or believe they are capable of more, but struggle to share their gifts. Does that sound like you? Many of us base all our decisions on outside authorities/expectations and rarely connect with and consult our own inner compass. We 'go with the flow" and hide our deepest gifts, even from ourselves. But if you aren't calibrated to your own truth, you can't set your GPS.
I work with high-functioning children and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, self-harm, OCD, and social anxiety. I have specialized training in dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and expressive art therapy to effectively regulate emotions, reduce problematic behavior, and enhance interpersonal effectiveness skills. I provide time-limited, goal-directed treatment to help you work through their challenges and learn to become your own therapists. Clients often see a reduction of symptoms early on in treatment.
I work with high-functioning children and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, self-harm, OCD, and social anxiety. I have specialized training in dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and expressive art therapy to effectively regulate emotions, reduce problematic behavior, and enhance interpersonal effectiveness skills. I provide time-limited, goal-directed treatment to help you work through their challenges and learn to become your own therapists. Clients often see a reduction of symptoms early on in treatment.
I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
Psychological evaluations / assessments can be utilized to determine eligibility for specific services or accommodations in school or the workplace. They may be required by a court order or in legal/forensic cases. Also, a psychological evaluation may be needed in cases involving professional licensing boards, child custody matters, and immigration.
I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
Psychological evaluations / assessments can be utilized to determine eligibility for specific services or accommodations in school or the workplace. They may be required by a court order or in legal/forensic cases. Also, a psychological evaluation may be needed in cases involving professional licensing boards, child custody matters, and immigration.
I have training in various modalities of energy healing and considerable experience working with neurodivergent clients.
Limited openings! I am a heart-centered therapist who is engaged and ready to assist you on your journey to wellness. I have helped many people who struggle with anxiety, trauma, depression, ADHD, and relationship issues. I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for my clients to feel and release their emotions in order to create a new empowered narrative for their life. As a systemic therapist, I look at the whole person and address issues on the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical levels. I also use Gestalt psychotherapy to help resolve unfinished emotional business.
I have training in various modalities of energy healing and considerable experience working with neurodivergent clients.
Limited openings! I am a heart-centered therapist who is engaged and ready to assist you on your journey to wellness. I have helped many people who struggle with anxiety, trauma, depression, ADHD, and relationship issues. I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space for my clients to feel and release their emotions in order to create a new empowered narrative for their life. As a systemic therapist, I look at the whole person and address issues on the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical levels. I also use Gestalt psychotherapy to help resolve unfinished emotional business.
As a person-centered therapist, I believe that each individual’s journey is unique and deserves to be honored with compassion and respect. I view the therapeutic process as a collaborative journey of growth, self-discovery, and transformation. My goal is to support clients as they navigate challenges, increase self-awareness, and develop the tools needed to create meaningful change. I have experience working with adolescents, young adults, and adults, and I am dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment that promotes healing, empowerment, and personal growth.
As a person-centered therapist, I believe that each individual’s journey is unique and deserves to be honored with compassion and respect. I view the therapeutic process as a collaborative journey of growth, self-discovery, and transformation. My goal is to support clients as they navigate challenges, increase self-awareness, and develop the tools needed to create meaningful change. I have experience working with adolescents, young adults, and adults, and I am dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment that promotes healing, empowerment, and personal growth.
With a deep passion for helping others reach their full potential, I support individuals navigating challenges such as anxiety, poor self-image, addressing past trauma, depression, and disordered eating patterns. In a nonjudgmental and compassionate environment, we will work together to create a personalized plan that promotes insight, self-awareness, and long-term growth, helping you achieve a happier, healthier life.
By exploring the root causes of your symptoms and understanding the “why” underneath, we can identify and address maladaptive patterns and develop healthy effective strategies for managing and overcoming them.
With a deep passion for helping others reach their full potential, I support individuals navigating challenges such as anxiety, poor self-image, addressing past trauma, depression, and disordered eating patterns. In a nonjudgmental and compassionate environment, we will work together to create a personalized plan that promotes insight, self-awareness, and long-term growth, helping you achieve a happier, healthier life.
By exploring the root causes of your symptoms and understanding the “why” underneath, we can identify and address maladaptive patterns and develop healthy effective strategies for managing and overcoming them.
See more therapy options for Hamden
Nearby Autism Therapists Searches for Hamden
- Ansonia
- Branford
- Cheshire
- Derby
- East Haven
- New Haven
- North Haven
- Orange
- Seymour
- Wallingford
- West Haven
- Woodbridge
Autism Therapists
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.
How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.
How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.
How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.