General Intro About

I have a counseling practice working with adults individually and in groups. I work with clients in a solution-focused style of psychotherapy, primarily focusing on current challenges and issues. I help clients to better understand their personal histories, patterns of feelings, reactions and decisions as they affect their current functioning at work, school, and in their personal relationships. Using a cognitive-behavioral approach as the underpinning of my therapeutic style, I help clients to examine and change the thought process behind behaviors and take a hands-on and proactive approach to helping clients make changes. Over the years, my work in various settings has helped me specialize in distinct transitional times of the life cycle. 

Early Adulthood:

During early adulthood, individuals are launching out into the world and learning think independently, solve problems, and manage day to day challenges. Those with ADHD, anxiety, and difficulty with executive functioning are sometimes unprepared in their ability to cope with stressors, make informed and confident decisions, and set and achieve goals. This time in life is especially difficult for those who have struggled with completing educational goals and are uncertain about the future. I have found that this lack in confidence and direction often results in lack of motivation. In my work with young adults, I thoroughly assess and evaluate the individual for mental health diagnoses, and will work collaboratively with you in treating mental health concerns and setting attainable short and long term goals. We work together on building a path and creating a direction uses inherent skills and talents which naturally lead you in a positive direction in your education, interpersonal relationships, and career goals.

ADHD in College
The transition to college is often difficult for students with ADHD. In addition to the increased academic demands, students are challenged by the decreased structure they became accustomed to in high school. When parents are no longer nearby to help with waking up in the morning, meal planning, managing money, etc, students with ADHD struggle with these day to day events. Academically, students have more freedom in the choices they make in when and how they do their work. Many have not yet formed good study and learning skills, and are for the first time feeling challenged by the rigor of the academics. I teach college students with ADHD and related disorders the necessary skills and strategies to gain independence and work more effectively by

1. advising during course registration and helping construct a realistic and ADD-friendly workload,
2. learning self-advocacy and locating resources for help on campus.
3. counseling to help them develop better daily habits and patterns that can allow them to focus on their academic work.
4. Developing study skills and learning strategies tailored to fit individual preferences and personality
5. Developing healthy sleep and nutritional habits
6. guidance in the choice of a college major that is a good match with interests, abilities and challenges.
7. Consulting with disability support personnel at college.

 

Workplace and Career Concerns

Work-Life Balance
Adults spend a large proportion of time in the workplace, and much of our identity and self concept is directly tied to our occupation. The demand of the workplace often places tremendous strain on family and personal life. When the work-life balance is off, symptoms begin to emerge subtly, and if ignored can cause conflict and home or work, and sometimes anxiety, depression as well as stress-related health problems.  I work with individuals and groups on aiming for ideal work-life balance between your career, family and personal time through

1. learning organizational skills,
2. improving time management,
3. setting appropriate boundaries at home at work, and
4. teaching clients to recognize and signs of burnout.

Career Exploration
In assisting clients who are unsatisfied in their current occupation or are thinking about making a career change, I use standardized assessment tools to evaluate personality and occupational interests. This information, in conjunction with coaching, support, and feedback, is used to help individuals make positive changes in their career.

Workplace Productivity
My goal is to help clients to use natural abilities and skills as well as learn strategies to cope with deficits which may be interfering with your job performance. I work with individuals and workplace groups in challenges including:

1. Planning, organizing and completing tasks and projects
2. Increasing group cohesion and effectiveness
3. Managing interpersonal conflicts with colleagues and supervisors,
4. Work and Family Balance
5. Career Development

 

Group Services

Dr. Wells runs a group tailored to young adults with ADHD. The topics in the group are geared toward transitional issues of early adulthood which are especially difficult for those affected by ADHD and problems with executive functioning. Group topics incuded are:

1. Understanding ADHD
2. Managing Stress and Tension
3. Personality and your Work
4. Living Independently
5. Managing your Money
6. Self Advocacy at School and Work
7. Study Skills
8. Family and Peer Relationships
9. Time Management
10. Job Searching and Resume Writing