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How can family therapy help?

Family therapy is not just about helping the child with autism—it’s about supporting the entire family unit to function more positively, reduce stress, and create a nurturing environment where all members can grow and feel understood.

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Supports Parental Mental Health

  • Parents of children with autism often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and even depression.

  • Friends and even family members may distance themselves because they can't relate to the unfamiliar behavior of someone with autism leading to the family being more socially isolated.

  • Stress built up from lack of sleep, coordinating therapeutic services, advocating and little respite can take it's toll on the caregiver. 

  • Therapy provides a safe space for parents to express emotions, reduce feelings of guilt or frustration and learn stress-management techniques.

Improves Family Communication

  • Children with autism may have communication difficulties, leading to misunderstandings or frustration within the family.

  • Family therapy helps parents and siblings develop more effective ways to communicate and connect with their child.

Builds Consistency in Parenting Approaches

  • Autism often requires specific behavioral strategies and structured routines.

  • Family therapy helps align parenting styles, ensuring consistency in discipline, expectations, and support for the child.

Educates and Empowers Families

  • Therapists can teach families about autism, behavioral interventions, and how to advocate for their child in educational and medical settings.

  • This helps parents feel more confident and in more control.

Strengthens Sibling Relationships

  • Siblings of children with autism may feel neglected or confused by the extra attention their brother or sister needs.

  • Therapy can include siblings, helping them process their emotions and foster a more understanding and inclusive family dynamic.

Promotes Long-Term Adaptation

  • Family therapy helps parents plan for the future, including transitions to adulthood and independent living.

  • It supports emotional resilience over the long term.

Providers who can help

Works of Heart Therapy

Contact: Marisa Lawrence ATR-BC LPC, Registered, Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor

Services: Counseling, Art Therapy, Art Therapy Assessments, Supervision, and Consultation for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Where: 628 Twin Ponds Rd, Breinigsville, Pa 18031

Call: 484-891-1131

Email: marisa.lawrence.lpc@gmail.com

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Bethlehem Pediatric Services

Where: 701 West Union Ave, Unit 10, Bethlehem PA 18018

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Virginia Herzog, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC

Neurodiverse Counseling Associates, LLC

Where: 2132 S 12th St, Suite 402, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18103

Call: (272) 808-0447

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Laura K. McGraw-Cook, PhD

Where: 3005 Brodhead Road, Suite 282, Bethlehem, PA 18020

Call: 610-360-5090

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MCC Family Services

Where: 800 Clarmont Ave, Suite B, Bensalem, PA 19020

Call: (267) 525-7000

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Merakey

Where: 87 S Commerce Way, Bethlehem, PA 18017

Phone: 610-814-4850

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OMNI

Peer specialists assist individuals in establishing meaningful social connections, accessing education and employment support, and navigating the system.

Locations: PA: Colmar, Allentown, Bristol, Bethlehem, Chester, Hazelton, Kingston, Scranton, Tobyhanna, Upper Darby, Wilson Borough

Call: 215-997-2000

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PA Mentor

Where: 3450 High Point Blvd Suite 160, Bethlehem, PA 18017

Call: 610-867-3173

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Pinebrook Family Answers

SHAPE provides education on parenting, stress management, anger management, parent-child relationships, budgeting, and establishing a support system. Program staff is thoroughly trained and experienced in teaching parenting and family life skills as well as knowledgeable about community resources.

Where: Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Wind Gap

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Valley Youth House

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy offers evidence-based treatment at school or in home for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.

Where: 3400 High Point Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18017

Call: (610) 820-0166

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ZimZum Consulting Collaboration

​Where: 191 Main street, Suite 103, Emmaus, PA 18049

Call: 610-973-5335

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