Autism Therapists in Spencer, IA
As a mother of a daughter with autism, I have firsthand experience with the intense process of seeking answers and working through personal and family struggles, which fuels my dedication to supporting you in your path to peace and fulfillment.
My expertise includes training in EMDR, DBT, CBT, and TF-CBT, and I have a particular focus on helping individuals manage and recover from eating disorders. Therapy helps us learn and understand who we are with some humor and self discovery my aim is to help you and walk along you side you.
As a mother of a daughter with autism, I have firsthand experience with the intense process of seeking answers and working through personal and family struggles, which fuels my dedication to supporting you in your path to peace and fulfillment.
My expertise includes training in EMDR, DBT, CBT, and TF-CBT, and I have a particular focus on helping individuals manage and recover from eating disorders. Therapy helps us learn and understand who we are with some humor and self discovery my aim is to help you and walk along you side you.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally drained, trying to manage anxiety, past experiences, relationship stress, or a major life transition while still showing up for school, work, or the people you care about. You want support that feels safe, genuine, and respectful, without pressure or judgment.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally drained, trying to manage anxiety, past experiences, relationship stress, or a major life transition while still showing up for school, work, or the people you care about. You want support that feels safe, genuine, and respectful, without pressure or judgment.
If you’ve ever thought about starting therapy, now is a great time and I am ready to work with you wherever you are on your journey. My therapy sessions are provided in a warm and welcoming environment, where you will be accepted no matter what. I serve clients of all ages and I am able to meet you in person or through virtual therapy.
If you’ve ever thought about starting therapy, now is a great time and I am ready to work with you wherever you are on your journey. My therapy sessions are provided in a warm and welcoming environment, where you will be accepted no matter what. I serve clients of all ages and I am able to meet you in person or through virtual therapy.
My social work philosophy takes on a client-centered holistic approach to psychotherapy. I am dedicated to working with individuals, children, couples, and families to achieve the mental health and relationships they desire.
My social work philosophy takes on a client-centered holistic approach to psychotherapy. I am dedicated to working with individuals, children, couples, and families to achieve the mental health and relationships they desire.
More Therapists Nearby
Have you ever wanted learn how finding acceptance with your thoughts, emotions & actions/behaviors affect the life you are living? I look forward to visiting with you about your desire to become more aware & observant of your choices & the environments you spend your time in. I enjoy working with clients of all ages & diverse backgrounds. I have observed human behavior for a better part of my life. I utilize Mindfulness (CBT) and multiple therapeutic modalities.
Have you ever wanted learn how finding acceptance with your thoughts, emotions & actions/behaviors affect the life you are living? I look forward to visiting with you about your desire to become more aware & observant of your choices & the environments you spend your time in. I enjoy working with clients of all ages & diverse backgrounds. I have observed human behavior for a better part of my life. I utilize Mindfulness (CBT) and multiple therapeutic modalities.
Online Therapists
Life can feel overwhelming—for you or your child—and it’s not always clear where to start. Maybe your child is struggling with anxiety, big emotions, or behavior that doesn’t make sense. Maybe you feel stuck or exhausted, carrying experiences that still feel heavy. You don’t have to do this alone. I offer a calm, supportive space where we gently understand what’s underneath and work toward lasting change. Together, we look at both what’s happening now and the deeper “why,” so healing feels meaningful, not temporary.
Life can feel overwhelming—for you or your child—and it’s not always clear where to start. Maybe your child is struggling with anxiety, big emotions, or behavior that doesn’t make sense. Maybe you feel stuck or exhausted, carrying experiences that still feel heavy. You don’t have to do this alone. I offer a calm, supportive space where we gently understand what’s underneath and work toward lasting change. Together, we look at both what’s happening now and the deeper “why,” so healing feels meaningful, not temporary.
We are here to walk with you when you need it most. Lutheran Family Service (LFS) has an expert team of compassionate therapists and counselors to help you with marital and relationship problems, depression and suicidal thoughts, anxiety and worry, trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, grief and loss, parenting concerns, life transitions, work and career concerns, or chronic mental illness.
We are here to walk with you when you need it most. Lutheran Family Service (LFS) has an expert team of compassionate therapists and counselors to help you with marital and relationship problems, depression and suicidal thoughts, anxiety and worry, trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, grief and loss, parenting concerns, life transitions, work and career concerns, or chronic mental illness.
I come to work each day with the same goal: To make a difference in the lives of others. My approach to therapy is to get to know each client I serve and build an individual treatment plan that helps them achieve their goals and thrive. My office is a safe space where you can feel comfortable opening up and finding the skills that are the best fit for you. It’s my belief that personal awareness is key to bringing forth change. The more you are aware of your feelings and thoughts, the more you can make a change. Together, let’s take the steps you need to make a positive change in your life.
I come to work each day with the same goal: To make a difference in the lives of others. My approach to therapy is to get to know each client I serve and build an individual treatment plan that helps them achieve their goals and thrive. My office is a safe space where you can feel comfortable opening up and finding the skills that are the best fit for you. It’s my belief that personal awareness is key to bringing forth change. The more you are aware of your feelings and thoughts, the more you can make a change. Together, let’s take the steps you need to make a positive change in your life.
You are more than a number at The Heart of Play. You are deserving of a place where you feel warm, welcome, seen, heard, validated, safe, and trusting. You deserve to share your story and know you are truly valued and respected in your journey. The Heart of Play recognizes the heart of healing requires vulnerability, courage, integrity, and bravery. We will walk alongside you in your journey, joining you in your vulnerability and healing as equals. We are not the experts on you— you are! You, all of you, are welcome here. That is our approach.
You are more than a number at The Heart of Play. You are deserving of a place where you feel warm, welcome, seen, heard, validated, safe, and trusting. You deserve to share your story and know you are truly valued and respected in your journey. The Heart of Play recognizes the heart of healing requires vulnerability, courage, integrity, and bravery. We will walk alongside you in your journey, joining you in your vulnerability and healing as equals. We are not the experts on you— you are! You, all of you, are welcome here. That is our approach.
Trained in psychotherapy and QEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback. I can treat a host of disorders using QEEG brain mapping, neurofeedback and neurostimulation such as depression, anxiety, ptsd, OCD, ODD, Adhd, autism, and many more. I am working towards my BCN (Board Certified Neurofeedback) currently through the BCIA. Neurostimulation and neuromodulation show the brain how to behave, which quickly alleviates symptoms of mental health disorders. Both online and in person appointments available.
Trained in psychotherapy and QEEG brain mapping and neurofeedback. I can treat a host of disorders using QEEG brain mapping, neurofeedback and neurostimulation such as depression, anxiety, ptsd, OCD, ODD, Adhd, autism, and many more. I am working towards my BCN (Board Certified Neurofeedback) currently through the BCIA. Neurostimulation and neuromodulation show the brain how to behave, which quickly alleviates symptoms of mental health disorders. Both online and in person appointments available.
We all just want to live our best lives, have meaningful relationships, and take care of the people and things important to us. In my 31 years of practice, I’ve worked with individuals of all ages and from all walks of life. We all find ourselves struggling or in conflict from time to time. Managing these is difficult and can lead to lack of self worth, feeling unseen or unheard, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, eating disorders, and relationship losses. I am here to support you as you explore doing the work necessary to become True to You!
We all just want to live our best lives, have meaningful relationships, and take care of the people and things important to us. In my 31 years of practice, I’ve worked with individuals of all ages and from all walks of life. We all find ourselves struggling or in conflict from time to time. Managing these is difficult and can lead to lack of self worth, feeling unseen or unheard, mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, eating disorders, and relationship losses. I am here to support you as you explore doing the work necessary to become True to You!
Life can be challenging, especially when navigating the complexities of autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, or relationship struggles.
As a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, I work with individuals, couples, and families to address a wide range of concerns, including mood and personality disorders, communication issues, and emotional regulation. I tailor therapy to each person’s unique needs, drawing from evidence-based approaches such as (CBT), DBT, and EMDR.
Life can be challenging, especially when navigating the complexities of autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, or relationship struggles.
As a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, I work with individuals, couples, and families to address a wide range of concerns, including mood and personality disorders, communication issues, and emotional regulation. I tailor therapy to each person’s unique needs, drawing from evidence-based approaches such as (CBT), DBT, and EMDR.
Family Services provides mental health services to individuals and families. At the heart of the organization is a team of highly experienced, licensed therapists and a psychiatrist who are equipped to provide tools necessary to navigate life.
Our services are dedicated to ensuring that we help individuals of all ages and backgrounds overcome problems interfering with daily life.
Assistance is provided in a variety of settings including individual, group, couple and family counseling.
Family Services provides mental health services to individuals and families. At the heart of the organization is a team of highly experienced, licensed therapists and a psychiatrist who are equipped to provide tools necessary to navigate life.
Our services are dedicated to ensuring that we help individuals of all ages and backgrounds overcome problems interfering with daily life.
Assistance is provided in a variety of settings including individual, group, couple and family counseling.
I am trained in EMDR, trained in DNMS parts work, hold certifications in Heart Math, certification in Linear Autism Method (LAM), and certification in ILS Safe and Sound Protocol.
I believe in focusing on the whole person and taking in perspective all the parts that make you your individual self.
I have strong values of trust, compassion, individuality, respect, and openness. I will make every effort to provide you with a comfortable space to work on your goals.
I am trained in EMDR, trained in DNMS parts work, hold certifications in Heart Math, certification in Linear Autism Method (LAM), and certification in ILS Safe and Sound Protocol.
I believe in focusing on the whole person and taking in perspective all the parts that make you your individual self.
I have strong values of trust, compassion, individuality, respect, and openness. I will make every effort to provide you with a comfortable space to work on your goals.
My approach is rooted in a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness practices. CBT helps you identify and reframe negative thought patterns that may be impacting your mood and behavior. I use Person-Centered Therapy to ensure that every session is led by your needs, providing you with a non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard and valued. I also incorporate Mindfulness techniques to help you stay present, manage stress, and cultivate a sense of peace in your daily life. My approach is designed to support both your emotional growth and mental well-being.
My approach is rooted in a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness practices. CBT helps you identify and reframe negative thought patterns that may be impacting your mood and behavior. I use Person-Centered Therapy to ensure that every session is led by your needs, providing you with a non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard and valued. I also incorporate Mindfulness techniques to help you stay present, manage stress, and cultivate a sense of peace in your daily life. My approach is designed to support both your emotional growth and mental well-being.
My passion is helping others heal and gain insight into the issues that they are experiencing. I practice a person centered approach as I believe that we tend to be our own best experts. I emphasize a collaborative style during session to help you progress towards you goals. Personal growth and healing does not have to be something that is an abstract concept, but rather can be a possibility. It helps to have someone who is unbiased and is present to help you navigate life’s challenges and traumas. I also feel passionate about working with adolescents as they navigate the complexities of the transition from youth to adulthood.
My passion is helping others heal and gain insight into the issues that they are experiencing. I practice a person centered approach as I believe that we tend to be our own best experts. I emphasize a collaborative style during session to help you progress towards you goals. Personal growth and healing does not have to be something that is an abstract concept, but rather can be a possibility. It helps to have someone who is unbiased and is present to help you navigate life’s challenges and traumas. I also feel passionate about working with adolescents as they navigate the complexities of the transition from youth to adulthood.
We Specialize in Diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (with the ADOS).
The mission of Mental Health Associates is to provide the highest quality mental health services, with a commitment to each individual at any stage of their life, and to provide research-based therapeutic services by highly trained and independently licensed professionals.
We Specialize in Diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (with the ADOS).
The mission of Mental Health Associates is to provide the highest quality mental health services, with a commitment to each individual at any stage of their life, and to provide research-based therapeutic services by highly trained and independently licensed professionals.
I received both Bachelor's degrees in Child Development and Family Relations, and a Masters Degree in Social Work and worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor for 3 years in Iowa, with both adults and adolescents. Prior to this, I worked with all age groups, treating a wide range of mental health issues, not limit to but including, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, attachment, and family matters with couples. I have a passion for providing families and individuals the help needed to find balance, and grow in their knowledge of health and peaceful living.
I received both Bachelor's degrees in Child Development and Family Relations, and a Masters Degree in Social Work and worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor for 3 years in Iowa, with both adults and adolescents. Prior to this, I worked with all age groups, treating a wide range of mental health issues, not limit to but including, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, attachment, and family matters with couples. I have a passion for providing families and individuals the help needed to find balance, and grow in their knowledge of health and peaceful living.
Nolan Marie Vitzthum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW, ACSW, RPT-S, EMDR
Humboldt, IA 50548
We all have stories to tell, my role is to help you feel empowered to come into contact with your internal and external environments to share yours. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor and Certified EMDR Therapist. I believe in the power of healing through connection. I feel this is what makes the therapeutic process so wonderful—creating a space of safety and trust for you to grow and heal in sharing your story and working through some of the most vulnerable parts of your life. Let's work together to help you re-write your story and create a narrative which truly represents you.
We all have stories to tell, my role is to help you feel empowered to come into contact with your internal and external environments to share yours. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor and Certified EMDR Therapist. I believe in the power of healing through connection. I feel this is what makes the therapeutic process so wonderful—creating a space of safety and trust for you to grow and heal in sharing your story and working through some of the most vulnerable parts of your life. Let's work together to help you re-write your story and create a narrative which truly represents you.
I love helping people heal and to be a part of that process with them. We are either healing or healed, lets get through this together. I offer a range of modalities such as EMDR and art therapy, which get the whole brain on board and are both evidence based practices. Connecting with your therapist is one thing and effective interventions is another. I like working with individuals, couples, and families to develop this relationship and address the concerns they present with. Treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and general life stressors are what I do best.
I love helping people heal and to be a part of that process with them. We are either healing or healed, lets get through this together. I offer a range of modalities such as EMDR and art therapy, which get the whole brain on board and are both evidence based practices. Connecting with your therapist is one thing and effective interventions is another. I like working with individuals, couples, and families to develop this relationship and address the concerns they present with. Treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and general life stressors are what I do best.
See more therapy options for Spencer
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.