TLC has developed a specialized Counseling department dedicated to providing mental health support to those with communicative disorders. Our Counselor, Kristine Origone, has more than 15 years of experience supporting students with complex communication needs as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant in various settings and five years of counseling experience across the developmental span. Now, she is providing therapy to TLC clients under the supervision of Catherine Fisher, LCSW.
Our Counselor is able to provide counseling to anyone who needs it, including littles (through play), children and teens, adults and families. She is also specially equipped to support clients who communicate with AAC, need scaffolding to support comprehension or expression, and/or have intense or otherwise complex needs. She applies a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach as a primary modality, adjusted with consideration of individual needs and supports.
TLC’s Counseling department was developed in direct response to our team repeatedly meeting clients who had been denied access to mental health services due to the complexity of their communication disorders. As mental health services are so incredibly helpful in processing events and emotions in order to move forward and live our best life, we felt the need for this department in our bones. Now, with a variety of approaches and strategies available, each client will be able to find their own special pathway to improved mental health and emotional wellbeing. If you have ever thought counseling was out of the question, consider TLC’s specialized approach!
AAC users welcome!
AAC users welcome!
AAC users welcome!
We advocate for everyone's unalienable right to communication, and that includes the right to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods and supports to engage in mental health services. Counselors are not given this training; but TLC's Counselor has 15+ years of experience with using visual supports and AAC devices!
Play-Based Therapy
AAC users welcome!
AAC users welcome!
Many clients benefit from a play-based model of counseling, where play schemas help the client relate their experiences and views of the world in a less intimidating or confusing manner. This modality is used most often with children, but can also be successful for some older clients with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
Scaffolded Language Supports
Scaffolded Language Supports
Scaffolded Language Supports
Our therapists have deep tool kits filled with immense knowledge, creative expertise and effective resources. We use client strengths, preferences and learning styles to build skills in fun ways that really make a difference.
Individual & Family Therapy
Scaffolded Language Supports
Scaffolded Language Supports
We can treat the whole family, helping them learn to navigate emotions and facilitate communication within the family system. We provide therapeutic support for overall family stressors to improve familial relationships. Often, siblings and parents are just as stressed (if not more) than their child with disabilities, and deserve services to help them process their experiences, as well!