EXPERTISE
Dr. Willar specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families who are facing co-occurring mental health challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder including anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation, social and behavioral concerns as well as associated parenting and family problems.
Furthermore, Dr. Willar is distinguished as a social skills trainer, utilizing the PEERS© curriculum.
CLIENTS
Dr. Willar typically works with high functioning children and adolescents (approximate ages 7-18+) with autism spectrum disorder and their families. In order to benefit most from the psychotherapy provided, it is recommended that clients possess relatively developmentally appropriate verbal and cognitive skills.
TREATMENT APPROACH
Dr. Willar's approach to treatment is collaborative, as she works with individuals and families to identify areas of strengths in order to create an individualized, evidence-informed treatment plan.
Moreover, Dr. Willar is committed to the use of evidence-based treatments supported by scientific research and primarily practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modified for those impacted by autism spectrum disorder, in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities. CBT is a relatively short-term, goal oriented, skill based treatment, which aims to modify thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to improve overall well being.
For parents, Dr. Willar provides behavioral parent training, an empirically supported treatment focused on teaching parents new ways to manage their child’s difficult behavior. Dr. Willar is also a trained SPACE© provider.
PEERS© social skill groups for teens are currently being offered. Please find the 2024 recruitment information flyer HERE.
