Therapy for Siblings of and Individuals with Special Needs in NY
Siblings
Being a sibling of a brother or sister with special needs can be challenging and rewarding, and can evoke many feelings in between.
Growing up where a family or parents’ attention often was focused on the special needs child, can make the other sibling feel not cared for or seen.
Feelings of uncertainty about where do I fit into this family, feelings about surpassing their sibling, and also being placed in the role of the caretaker, are some of the feelings that my clients experience.
While many clients have empathy and understanding of why this took place in their families, they also have longstanding feelings of sadness, anger, resentment, and anxiety.
Through individual psychotherapy, I work to create a space where my clients, who are siblings, can explore and express all of their emotions.
Often in therapy, many of my clients work on how to develop and foster their relationship with their special needs sibling.
For adult siblings, examining concerns and feelings around expectations of their role with their special needs sibling, as their parents age, also becomes an area of focus.
Individuals with Special Needs
I have extensive experience working with individuals who are on the autism spectrum, as well individuals with other learning differences, their partners, and families.
Often therapy is sought due to challenges navigating friendships and social situations, including issues that surface with their own romantic partners and spouses.
Other areas that we frequently explore include feelings about college and work, finding and sustaining a job, feelings of anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues.
I believe that individuals with special needs and learning challenges have their own unique talents, strengths, and abilities.
