I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in southern California for 15 years, working with children, adults and families. I have over 24 years of experience with the neuro-atypical diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Individuals with either of these neuro-atypical disorders experience many social challenges, sensory challenges, and misperceptions by the outside world (along with a lot of bad/unhelp advice). It can bring tremendous relief to receive relevant suggestions and understanding of the life experiences that accompany these diagnoses. I have extensive experience working with individuals their and families in navigating what to do next after receiving a developmental diagnosis, such as ASD. It surprises so many families that there are many resources to assist with the struggles they have gone through or anticipate that they will go through. I have helped parents to understand their neuro-atypical child better, and the neuro-atypical person to understand themselves and their roles in life better. This has lead to the person with the neuro-atypical diagnosis experiencing more successes in their roles as a student/co-worker, classmate, family member, partner, and friend.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, we'll cover introductions and any questions you may have about the therapy process. We'll discuss what you would like to accomplish in therapy and your current challenges, then plan how to best meet your goals.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My 24 years of experience in working with developmental and neuro-divergent diagnoses have allowed me to psycho-educate, communicate and teach a variety of techniques and strategies to individuals and families at a level that makes sense to each. I have curated information and resources relevant to both the most frequent and unique needs and concerns I have been asked about. I continue to add to my techniques, resources and information, which facilitates addressing your individual treatment plan in a manner that is meaningful to you.
About Sandra Erdelac
Sandra Erdelac offers therapy covered by Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Humanistic
The humanistic approach has been the foundation for the entirety of my practice. I have worked in systems that require Evidence Based Practices and setting measurable goals. However everything begins and concludes with the human being in front of me. Each person has their strengths and challenges, as they go through their life experiences. I have found helping families and individuals understand their place in the world and utilize their strengths and motivations to make positive changes in their lives to be the most effective part of therapy. Beginning therapy can be the most challenging part of treatment. My unconditional positive regard at our first meeting has helped to change perceptions of therapy and form healing relationships.
Psychoeducation
Another foundational layer to my therapeutic approach is psychoeducational. Understanding development, diagnoses, prognosis, and the function of behaviors helps families and individuals apply techniques with specific intention and success. For so many, understanding their experiences through psychoeducation has brought immediate relief.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Many Evidence Based Practices have CBT as a foundation, as it is very useful in demonstrating change to external observers. Throughout my work in behavioral health, I have practiced use of CBT for 24 years. I find the layering of achievable goals in modifying thoughts and behaviors gives a tangible sense of the successes each person reaches.