Autism Therapists in Grand Rapids, MN
You might wonder if ADHD or Autism is part of the picture or if you’re just burned out from juggling too much for too long.
I'm a relational trauma therapist and I specialize in helping overwhelmed adults untangle the stress, shame, and emotional intensity that often come with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and people-pleasing. Whether you're navigating challenging interpersonal relationships, struggling to move forward, or just trying to feel like yourself, you're not alone.
You might wonder if ADHD or Autism is part of the picture or if you’re just burned out from juggling too much for too long.
I'm a relational trauma therapist and I specialize in helping overwhelmed adults untangle the stress, shame, and emotional intensity that often come with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and people-pleasing. Whether you're navigating challenging interpersonal relationships, struggling to move forward, or just trying to feel like yourself, you're not alone.
We work with Neurodivergent folks guiding them with issues related to executive dysfunction IE: can't get started on a task, stay on track, or get things done.
We have SAME day and NEXT day appts available for you.
Do you frequently ask yourself, "what is wrong with me", or "why am I like this?" Are you struggling right now? Let us help you figure out whats holding you back. Many times, there are underlying issues that are not addressed such as ADHD, OCD, trauma, or other issues. Reach out to us to turn that narrative into "I am who I am" and "I like who I am".
We work with Neurodivergent folks guiding them with issues related to executive dysfunction IE: can't get started on a task, stay on track, or get things done.
We have SAME day and NEXT day appts available for you.
Do you frequently ask yourself, "what is wrong with me", or "why am I like this?" Are you struggling right now? Let us help you figure out whats holding you back. Many times, there are underlying issues that are not addressed such as ADHD, OCD, trauma, or other issues. Reach out to us to turn that narrative into "I am who I am" and "I like who I am".
I tailor my approach to each client, drawing from a range of therapeutic modalities. My therapeutic style is emotionally focused and integrates somatic and holistic practices within a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-centered framework
I have experience supporting individuals navigating complex trauma, personality disorders, attachment challenges, grief, neurodivergence, and PTSD. My work is socially informed and responsive to the systemic and community factors shaping the experiences of BIPOC, immigrant, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
I am a Certified Grief-Informed Professional and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
I tailor my approach to each client, drawing from a range of therapeutic modalities. My therapeutic style is emotionally focused and integrates somatic and holistic practices within a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-centered framework
I have experience supporting individuals navigating complex trauma, personality disorders, attachment challenges, grief, neurodivergence, and PTSD. My work is socially informed and responsive to the systemic and community factors shaping the experiences of BIPOC, immigrant, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
I am a Certified Grief-Informed Professional and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Online Therapists
Jennifer Thomas
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Brainerd, MN 56401
Waitlist for new clients
I am deeply committed to your mental health and well-being, I am here to support you on your journey to healing and growth. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, stress, and the challenges of daily life. I provide a person-centered approach that ensures therapy is tailored to your unique needs. I aim to create a supportive and safe environment where you feel heard and understood. My sessions are characterized by authenticity and empathy, allowing you to express yourself freely and work through challenges at your own pace.
I am deeply committed to your mental health and well-being, I am here to support you on your journey to healing and growth. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, stress, and the challenges of daily life. I provide a person-centered approach that ensures therapy is tailored to your unique needs. I aim to create a supportive and safe environment where you feel heard and understood. My sessions are characterized by authenticity and empathy, allowing you to express yourself freely and work through challenges at your own pace.
With over 25+ years of experience, I provide psychotherapy for teens and adults whose lives or quality of life have been disrupted by anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, chronic pain, or other significant life transitions. My work is grounded in evidence-based practices and tailored to each individual’s needs.
With over 25+ years of experience, I provide psychotherapy for teens and adults whose lives or quality of life have been disrupted by anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, chronic pain, or other significant life transitions. My work is grounded in evidence-based practices and tailored to each individual’s needs.
At our clinic, we offer clinical settings for services over a lifetime. Our adolescent and adult program considers it a privilege to partner with clients in processing and moving through their journey to healing, well-being, and self-actualization. Keeping an open mind and being utterly nonjudgmental while working with others is important. Our style is very open and fluid. We respect each person as unique and feel excited by the many facets of human diversity daily. We are comfortable working with individuals, children, and families dealing with various stressors and/or presenting with different mental concerns.
At our clinic, we offer clinical settings for services over a lifetime. Our adolescent and adult program considers it a privilege to partner with clients in processing and moving through their journey to healing, well-being, and self-actualization. Keeping an open mind and being utterly nonjudgmental while working with others is important. Our style is very open and fluid. We respect each person as unique and feel excited by the many facets of human diversity daily. We are comfortable working with individuals, children, and families dealing with various stressors and/or presenting with different mental concerns.
Welcome! My name is Leah DeBoer (they/she pronouns), and I am happy to congratulate you on making a big step towards healing and wellness! As a therapist, I strongly believe in personalizing my approach to your specific needs, personality, and preferences. I believe in building a strong relationship because truthfully sharing vulnerable information requires trust. This is especially true for working through trauma and trauma responses - I do not expect you to share your entire trauma history day one of working together. I believe in judgement free practice where you come exactly as you are, and I will meet you where you are at.
Welcome! My name is Leah DeBoer (they/she pronouns), and I am happy to congratulate you on making a big step towards healing and wellness! As a therapist, I strongly believe in personalizing my approach to your specific needs, personality, and preferences. I believe in building a strong relationship because truthfully sharing vulnerable information requires trust. This is especially true for working through trauma and trauma responses - I do not expect you to share your entire trauma history day one of working together. I believe in judgement free practice where you come exactly as you are, and I will meet you where you are at.
If you are seeking accessible, collaborative, and affirming therapy you're in the right place. I approach therapy from a systemic lens, recognizing that many mental health challenges emerge within the context of our relationships—with others, with ourselves, and with the world around us.
Grounded in my experience of therapy's transformative potential, I work alongside clients to explore growth, healing, and connection. I believe that therapy is for everyone especially when approached with openness, curiosity, and a clear sense of purpose.
If you are seeking accessible, collaborative, and affirming therapy you're in the right place. I approach therapy from a systemic lens, recognizing that many mental health challenges emerge within the context of our relationships—with others, with ourselves, and with the world around us.
Grounded in my experience of therapy's transformative potential, I work alongside clients to explore growth, healing, and connection. I believe that therapy is for everyone especially when approached with openness, curiosity, and a clear sense of purpose.
You really can have a life of abundance, peace, and joy! Starting therapy can be difficult, as some people are afraid that they won't be able to experience a real connection with their therapist. I can promise you that I am as genuine as it gets! We will work together to achieve whatever goals you want in life while enjoying the process as much as possible and experiencing yourself in new ways. Calling a therapist can be intimidating, but I hope you will take a moment (and maybe a deep breath) to call and see how I can help.
You really can have a life of abundance, peace, and joy! Starting therapy can be difficult, as some people are afraid that they won't be able to experience a real connection with their therapist. I can promise you that I am as genuine as it gets! We will work together to achieve whatever goals you want in life while enjoying the process as much as possible and experiencing yourself in new ways. Calling a therapist can be intimidating, but I hope you will take a moment (and maybe a deep breath) to call and see how I can help.
Many of my clients present with PTSD, ADHD, ASD, OCD, or life adjustments.
I center on the uniqueness of my clients, integrating self- discovery, talk and trauma therapy approaches, including Narrative & Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Parts Work/ Internal Family Systems approaches, Solution-Focused techniques, Flash Technique, Mindfulness, Somatic techniques, & Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
Many of my clients present with PTSD, ADHD, ASD, OCD, or life adjustments.
I center on the uniqueness of my clients, integrating self- discovery, talk and trauma therapy approaches, including Narrative & Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Parts Work/ Internal Family Systems approaches, Solution-Focused techniques, Flash Technique, Mindfulness, Somatic techniques, & Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
Life is hard sometimes and right now things can seem even tougher. Are you or your child experiencing symptoms associated with depression, stress, anxiety, trauma? Are you having difficulty making connections with your child/significant other? Building trust and rapport between a client and therapist forms the foundation of all progress made in therapy. I believe that everyone has a life story to tell that is unique to who they are to their life experiences, and I can help guide you through the difficulties.
Life is hard sometimes and right now things can seem even tougher. Are you or your child experiencing symptoms associated with depression, stress, anxiety, trauma? Are you having difficulty making connections with your child/significant other? Building trust and rapport between a client and therapist forms the foundation of all progress made in therapy. I believe that everyone has a life story to tell that is unique to who they are to their life experiences, and I can help guide you through the difficulties.
My name is Laura Birnbaum and I have my license as an Independent/Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). I have special interests in supporting people through grief and loss, domestic violence and emotional/psychological abuse.
My name is Laura Birnbaum and I have my license as an Independent/Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). I have special interests in supporting people through grief and loss, domestic violence and emotional/psychological abuse.
I'm a Certified Autism Informed Professional.
Practicing since 2009. Khalea specializes in somatic work connecting the body with thoughts and emotions in order to learn, grow and overcome trauma. With her kind yet straightforward way of communicating she often pairs yogic mindfulness with DBT skills, is solution focused and also believes in honoring what is coming up. She has experience in acute mental health and enjoys thinking out of the box with couples wanting to be in the same team and individuals who struggle with PTSD, panic, sleep issues and substance use disorders.
I'm a Certified Autism Informed Professional.
Practicing since 2009. Khalea specializes in somatic work connecting the body with thoughts and emotions in order to learn, grow and overcome trauma. With her kind yet straightforward way of communicating she often pairs yogic mindfulness with DBT skills, is solution focused and also believes in honoring what is coming up. She has experience in acute mental health and enjoys thinking out of the box with couples wanting to be in the same team and individuals who struggle with PTSD, panic, sleep issues and substance use disorders.
This includes individuals with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, chemical dependency issues, sexual and gender identity issues, compulsive behavior, autism spectrum disorders, attention or focusing problems, relationship or marital conflict, and much more.
Catalyst Mental Health is dedicated to excellence on both a clinical and an organizational level, which is why it joined the B-Corporation movement in 2019 and became certified as a B-Corporation for the first time 2023. Our mission is to "to create, develop, and maintain a mental health organization that is healthy, sustainable, and professionally enriching for all of its employees, so that they in turn are in turn empowered to provide the most compassionate, dynamic, and effective services possible to each and every client, community, and neighborhood that they serve." For more information, see the annual benefit report posted on the homepage of our website, via the link at the bottom.
This includes individuals with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, chemical dependency issues, sexual and gender identity issues, compulsive behavior, autism spectrum disorders, attention or focusing problems, relationship or marital conflict, and much more.
Catalyst Mental Health is dedicated to excellence on both a clinical and an organizational level, which is why it joined the B-Corporation movement in 2019 and became certified as a B-Corporation for the first time 2023. Our mission is to "to create, develop, and maintain a mental health organization that is healthy, sustainable, and professionally enriching for all of its employees, so that they in turn are in turn empowered to provide the most compassionate, dynamic, and effective services possible to each and every client, community, and neighborhood that they serve." For more information, see the annual benefit report posted on the homepage of our website, via the link at the bottom.
My ideal clients are individuals (6-18) and families who are struggling with connection from continuous family conflict, generational trauma, and creating unhealthy patterns. Parents may struggle with implementing structure, being emotionally close with their children while children or teens refuse to comply and act out due to not being able to communicate their needs. The family or individual wants to work on rebuilding trust, strengthening relationships, and creating a sense of safety within the home.
My ideal clients are individuals (6-18) and families who are struggling with connection from continuous family conflict, generational trauma, and creating unhealthy patterns. Parents may struggle with implementing structure, being emotionally close with their children while children or teens refuse to comply and act out due to not being able to communicate their needs. The family or individual wants to work on rebuilding trust, strengthening relationships, and creating a sense of safety within the home.
I enjoy working with people that are experiencing symptoms of autism, depression, anxiety, trauma, borderline personality disorder, insomnia, etc.
As a dedicated therapist, I am committed to helping my clients achieve their best mental health by fostering a compassionate and supportive environment. I believe that every individual has the potential for growth and healing, and my approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and personalized care. By utilizing therapeutic techniques tailored to each person's unique experiences and needs, I work collaboratively with my clients to identify their goals and develop effective coping strategies.
I enjoy working with people that are experiencing symptoms of autism, depression, anxiety, trauma, borderline personality disorder, insomnia, etc.
As a dedicated therapist, I am committed to helping my clients achieve their best mental health by fostering a compassionate and supportive environment. I believe that every individual has the potential for growth and healing, and my approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and personalized care. By utilizing therapeutic techniques tailored to each person's unique experiences and needs, I work collaboratively with my clients to identify their goals and develop effective coping strategies.
Bethany is deeply committed to social equality and actively tries to establish an inclusive, safe environment for all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, race, ethnicity, religious or spiritual origin, or other factors. Bethany particularly enjoys supporting & working with LGBTQ and transgender people of all ages. Bethany provides therapy for humans experiencing relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, schizophrenia, personality disorders, mood disorders, attachment trauma, survivors of complex trauma, & adjustment disorders.
Bethany is deeply committed to social equality and actively tries to establish an inclusive, safe environment for all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, race, ethnicity, religious or spiritual origin, or other factors. Bethany particularly enjoys supporting & working with LGBTQ and transgender people of all ages. Bethany provides therapy for humans experiencing relationship conflict, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, schizophrenia, personality disorders, mood disorders, attachment trauma, survivors of complex trauma, & adjustment disorders.
I have special experience working with the LGBTQIA2S+ community and folks with ADHD or on the Autism Spectrum.
I have completed extensive post-graduate training in a variety of modalities, including Somatic Experiencing, nervous system informed approaches, and ARTherapy.
A typical session with me is client led, which means you are in the driver's seat. Choice is so important in therapy- and I welcome feedback about what's working and what isn't.
I have special experience working with the LGBTQIA2S+ community and folks with ADHD or on the Autism Spectrum.
I have completed extensive post-graduate training in a variety of modalities, including Somatic Experiencing, nervous system informed approaches, and ARTherapy.
A typical session with me is client led, which means you are in the driver's seat. Choice is so important in therapy- and I welcome feedback about what's working and what isn't.
As a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, I serve Adults with ASD and their families.
Why Chose Me?
As a Certified Autism Specialist, I bring a wealth of knowledge and skills specific to ASD, ensuring a nuanced and informed approach to therapy.
As a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, I serve Adults with ASD and their families.
Why Chose Me?
As a Certified Autism Specialist, I bring a wealth of knowledge and skills specific to ASD, ensuring a nuanced and informed approach to therapy.
My specializations include working with neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD and autism, as well as addressing family trauma and navigating complex family systems.
I believe that therapy should be a partnership between therapist and client, fostering open communication and trust. Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, my approach emphasizes collaboration and empowerment, helping you take ownership of your journey.
My specializations include working with neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD and autism, as well as addressing family trauma and navigating complex family systems.
I believe that therapy should be a partnership between therapist and client, fostering open communication and trust. Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, my approach emphasizes collaboration and empowerment, helping you take ownership of your journey.
See more therapy options for Grand Rapids
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.