Patricia Lomando, LCSW, RPT-S, provides neurodivergent affirming and trauma informed services for the child, adolescent, and adult. She has devoted over 22 years of her career toward passions of depression, anxiety, parent empowerment, teen transitions, and autism support. Using polyvagal theory, expressive arts, CBT, and play therapy approaches, she explores mood patterns, expands preventive/coping strategies and helps identify those sometimes elusive gifts that are part of every neurotype. When incorporated, these client driven approaches integrate to make healing an empowering, fun and self explorative experience. Autism is a focus that Ms. Lomando has personal and professional ties to. As a Certified Autplay Provider (with multiple specializations in autism), Patricia finds great joy in joining autistic children and their families in navigating the sometimes chaotic world of services and questions so inherent in our neurodivergent world. Floortime, Play Project, CBT, DBT, and Solutions focused approaches are used with adults, children, parent groups and family sessions. All interventions are based in mutual respect and collaboration. Are you a mother or caregiver feeling drained and struggling through the ongoing chaos of the pandemic, feeling depleted as the matriarch of the whole family with multiple children, infants, toddlers, highly sensitive children, gifted and/or neurodiverse littles that mean everything to you but who you may find effortful to connect with when the energy/emotional resources to manage so many roles has dwindled from fuel to fumes? It's okay to reclaim that individual identity, to rebuild healthy working boundaries and to strengthen self regulation (in response to triggers) so you may support and coregulate the littles who mean the most to you. Patricia enjoys dyadic therapy with mothers and their little ones as much as supporting mothers through what can sometimes be a confusing and exhausting transition. Early challenges, developmental delays, maternal anxiety and depression are all areas Patricia has felt honored to be a part of. All life transitions that involve identity can be times of such turmoil and as a Registered Play Therapist, she further specializes in supporting children and teenagers navigating the struggles of not fitting in, of feeling misunderstood in their families, of struggling to find their inner voice to ultimately find their own acceptance of self. Patricia uses multiple virtual tools balanced with creative materials/toys on both ends of the screen to offer an optimal telehealth experience. All diagnoses and personalities are met from a stance of acceptance, support and client efficacy. Strengths are highlighted, various learning styles are appreciated, and homeschooling families are welcomed.