Dr. Willar specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families who are facing co-occurring mental health challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder including anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation, social and behavioral concerns as well as associated parenting and family problems.

Dr. Willar typically works with high functioning children and adolescents (ages 7-18) with autism spectrum disorder and their families. In order to benefit most from the psychotherapy provided, it is recommended that clients possess relatively developmentally appropriate verbal and cognitive skills.

Dr. Willar’s approach to treatment is collaborative, as she works with individuals and families to identify areas of strengths in order to create an individualized, strength based and evidence-informed treatment plan.

Moreover, Dr. Willar is committed to the use of evidence-based treatments supported by scientific research and primarily practices Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modified for those impacted by autism spectrum disorder, in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities. CBT is short-term, goal oriented, skill based and aims to modify thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to improve overall well being.

For parents, Dr. Willar provides behavioral parent training, an empirically supported treatment focused on teaching parents new ways to manage their child’s difficult behavior.