Higgins Counseling & Psychological Services, Inc.

It is never too early or too late to develop skills to create the life you want & deserve. With guided discovery, insight, hope, & motivation, you can feel better. You can replace unhealthy thinking patterns & behaviors with healthy ones that will positively affect your moods, actions, energy level, & relationships. You can gain peace of mind, a brighter perspective & grateful attitude. You are worth it!

*8/2023 - currently very full & not accepting any new patients for psychological evaluation

Great to meet you! I look forward to helping guide and empower clients to feel better and make healthy changes in their lives that are in line with their most important values.

I'm an empathic listener offering you a safe sounding board and nurturing validation. I can help guide and motivate you to use coping skills to feel better and make any necessary changes to improve your life. Often, therapy can help you tap into your own inner wisdom and ability to grow and heal. CBT, ACT, DBT, and Positive Psychology are my main therapeutic approaches. I have more than 20 years of experience providing compassionate client-centered counseling and have recently integrated some somatic (body-based) therapy approaches into these. I have some training in EMDR, EFT, and more.

My therapy techniques involve flexibility, cooperation and collaboration. I can offer different things depending on your preferences and styles. Mainly, I hope that you feel empowered, more hopeful, and better equipped to manage life's ups and downs after each session. Cognitive behavioral therapy often involves learning to identify, then reframe your thoughts, feelings and actions / reactions to be more in line with your values and well-being.

Clients in counseling can expect to gain hope, validation of feelings, change core negative beliefs, take actions to improve positive coping skills to improve moods & functioning. Specific, measurable, achievable, and timely (SMART) goals are collaborative. You may learn to practice calming ways to relax, increase self-esteem, match your actions with your values, & use daily mindfulness techniques.

If you would like to verify private medical insurance coverage prior to appointments and set up credit card profile for copayments, please go to Headway Provider portal. Please verify that Headway can process your insurance with me at provider info & insurance verification. Most Telehealth and in-person appointments, consents, releases of information, electronic health records, and any homework assignments for reading or journaling will be maintained using Simple Practice patient portal.

*I am not accepting any new psychological evaluation / testing appointments until 2024. Also, I do not have any in-person appointments available at this time, and only limited hours for new telehealth patients. I can only accept CA clients for therapy as I am licensed in CA.

Also, please check out my book Pawsitive Affirmations from Rescued Pet Therapy Dogs on Amazon.

Office Address:
1140 Railroad Street, Paso Robles, CA, 93446 USA
(805) 237-0993 - Shared Office Fax at Paso Robles Counseling & Therapy

Pawsitive Affirmations from Rescued Therapy Dogs

GLAD technique - Gratitude, Learning, Achievement, Delight

Releasing and Welcoming - burning bowl ritual of letting go of the negative thoughts and feelings then inviting in replacement positive thoughts and feelings

Mindfulness Activities

Resource Tapping and Tapping In - Laurel Parnell EMDR

Happiness Games and Activities https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/201711/ten-plus-happiness-games-and-activities

Greater Good Magazine - Positive Psychology - calming your mind in stressful times

ADDitude Magazine about ADHD / ADD

Autism Speaks -- Autism Support and Info

https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/parents-guide-autism

PsychCentral

American Psychological Association

Association for Play Therapy

If this is an emergency, call 911 and SLO MHET Available 24/7 at 1 (800) 838 -1381 for psychiatric emergency response team (PERT) in SLO.

Additional crisis support at:

Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Call 988 - Chat online - Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 - Trans Lifeline - Call 1-877-565‑8860 - The Trevor Project - Call 1-800-246‑7743 - Text "START" to 678-678 - Chat online - Veterans Crisis Line - Call 988, then PRESS 1 - Text 838255 - Chat online - Whatsapp - Crisis Text Line

Links to CBT, DBT, and other free handouts and worksheets for supplements to therapy sessions:

CBT, DBT, ACT, & more worksheets and info - CBT Worksheets | Therapist Aid

DBT info & worksheets - Resources - Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Tools

Psychology Tools CBT, DBT, ACT, & more worksheets & info - Worksheets - Psychology Tools

CBT, DBT, ACT, & more worksheets & info - CCI - Self Help Resources for Mental Health Problems

Communication, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Relationships Links: The Center for Nonviolent Communication | Center for Nonviolent Communication (cnvc.org) - 5 Satir Categories for Understanding Communication Styles (sourcesofinsight.com) - The Gottman Institute https://www.gottman.com - The 5 Love Languages: How to Receive and Express Love (verywellmind.com) - Your Complete Non-Violent Communication Guide (positivepsychology.com)

Transitions Mental Health Association links: Workshops and Classes |

Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) (t-mha.org) TMHA Growing Grounds Nursery volunteer and employment opportunities: Growing Grounds Farm & Nursery | Transitions Mental Health Association (t-mha.org) Supported Employment | Transitions Mental Health Association (t-mha.org) employment opportunities for those with mental health issues

SLO County Mobile Mental Health Emergency Response Team (MHET) San Luis Obispo County Mental Health Evaluation Team (MHET) | Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA) (t-mha.org) 1-800-838-1381

SLO County Behavioral Health Department Behavioral Health - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov)

SLO County Crisis and Stabilization Unit Crisis Stabilization Unit - County of San Luis Obispo (ca.gov)

Tri Counties Regional Center (tri-counties.org) support services for individuals and parents of children with development disabilities COPE IOP intensive outpatient program Outpatient Mental Health & Substance Use Program - Cottage Health

Hospice of San Luis Obispo County | (hospiceslo.org)

GALA (galacc.org) for Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Trans, Questioning, Queer Support resources Resources - GALA (galacc.org)

Suggested Autism Related Web Sites -

Signs and Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders | CDC Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. CDC is working to find out how many children have ASDs, discover the risk factors, and raise awareness of the signs. www.cdc.gov https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/signs.html

Is My Child Autistic? Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms Test - ADDitude Symptom Tests [Self-Test] Is My Child Autistic? Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder If your child is acquiring social and communication skills slower than his or her peers, take this self-test for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and then share the results with a mental health professional for evaluation. www.additudemag.com https://www.additudemag.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-symptoms-test-children/?src=embed_link

Autism Diagnosis - Association for Science in Autism Treatment-asatonline.org Research indicates that early autism diagnosis is critically important. Parents and caregivers should be aware of some of the earliest signs of autism.

Foundations of Autism Spectrum Disorders Online Course | Center for Parent Information and Resources The National Professional Development Center on ASD developed foundational information on Autism Spectrum Disorders including recommended and evidence-based practices for early identification and diagnosis, as well as for intervention and education. www.parentcenterhub.org https://www.parentcenterhub.org/foundations-of-autism-course/ -

Autism Speaks Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and families www.autismspeaks.org www.AutismSpeaks.org

The Autism Research Institute ARI works to advance the understanding of autism by funding research and facilitating education on its causes and the potential treatments. Home | www.autism.org

Evidence-Based Practices for Children, Youth, and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder | Center for Parent Information and Resources National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders’ 2014 update on evidence-based practices for children and youth with autism. www.parentcenterhub.org https://www.parentcenterhub.org/evidence-based-practices-autism/

HELPFUL YOUTUBE LINKS

Links to improve Communication and relationships - (117) CNVC org Session #1 Introduction Nonviolent Communication Training Course Marshall Rosenberg - YouTube - (117) The Gottman Institute - YouTube - (117) How Not to Be Defensive in Relationships - YouTube - (117) The School of Life - YouTube

Links to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy skills -

(108) Psych Hub - YouTube - (108)

getselfhelp - YouTube - (108)

Self-Help Toons - YouTube (108)

Therapist Aid - YouTube - (108)

DBT-RU - YouTube - (108) Psychotherapy Academy - YouTube - (108)

The Mental Health Toolbox - YouTube - (108)

Dr. Russ Harris - Acceptance Commitment Therapy - YouTube - (108)

Qualia Counselling Services - YouTube - (108)

Therapy in a Nutshell - YouTube - (108)

Barbara Heffernan - YouTube -(108) Dr. Tracey Marks - YouTube - (108)

The Holistic Psychologist - YouTube - (117)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - YouTube - (117)

The Lukin Center - YouTube - (117)

PsychotherapyNet - YouTube - (117)

Accept Yourself and All Your Thoughts, Feelings, and Emotions with Dr. Steven Hayes and Luke Iorio - YouTube - (117)

The Zen Social Worker - YouTube

Kids and teens links to mindfulness, stress reduction, anger management, ADHD, social anxiety, and more - (115) Mindful Kids - YouTube - (115) Cosmic Kids Yoga - YouTube - (115) Self-Awareness for Kids - YouTube - (115) GoNoodle | Get Moving - YouTube - (115) Kreative Leadership - YouTube - (115) The Partnership In Education - YouTube - (115) Mylemarks - YouTube - (117) Navigating Teen Life - YouTube - (115) Mental Health Center Kids - YouTube - (115) The Mindfulness Teacher - YouTube (115) Psych2Go - YouTube - (115) AboutKidsHealth - YouTube - (117) How to ADHD - YouTube - (117) Magnus Nordmo - YouTube - (117) Flaxseeds & Fairytales - Guided Meditations - YouTube

Somatic Processing Techniques and Yoga Therapy -

Somatic Full Practice (JHU) - YouTube (115)

Hannah Uiri - YouTube - (115)

Yoga for Anxiety | Trauma Informed Yoga - YouTube -

(115) Somatic Grounding Exercise - YouTube - (115)

Somatic Full Practice #1: Body Scan - YouTube - (115)

Essential Somatics - YouTube - (115)

How To Do A Vagus Nerve Massage - YouTube - (115)

Somatic Practice for Trauma and Stress Release - YouTube - (115)

Peter Levine's Secret to Releasing Trauma from the Body - YouTube - (115)

The Three Steps of Letting Go, with Tara Brach - YouTube - (115)

Healing the Nervous System From Trauma: Somatic Experiencing - YouTube - (115) How to Release Emotions Trapped in Your Body 10/30

How to Process Emotions Like Trauma and Anxiety - YouTube - (115)

1 Intro to Somatics Course | Stress Tension Patterns | Lesson 1 of the Free Somatics Course - YouTube - (115)

2 Look Inward Assessment Chapter 2 of Somatics Basics Course with Eric Cooper - YouTube - (115)

How Limbic System Therapy Can Help Resolve Trauma - YouTube - (115)

Bessell van der Kolk: Overcome Trauma With Yoga - YouTube - (115)

6 ways to heal trauma without medication | Bessel van der Kolk | Big Think - YouTube

Emotional Freedom Technique EFT Tapping resource links - (116) The Tapping Solution - YouTube - (116) Tapping To Heal The Inner Child and Letting Go Of Shame | Tapping With Renee - YouTube - (116) The Surprising Power of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) #IATE - YouTube - (116) How to use EFT Tapping to Accelerate Healing | Jack Canfield - YouTube - (116) Feeling Triggered: EFT- Tapping with Julie Schiffman - YouTube - (116) EFT Tapping Sequence - YouTube - (116) How to Do EFT - YouTube - (116) EFT: The Basic Recipe by Founder Gary Craig - YouTube

Meditation Links (108) Guided Mindfulness Meditation on Feeling Overwhelmed - Calm Anxiety and Stress - YouTube -(108) Guided Mindfulness Meditation to Relax and be Calm - YouTube - (108) Mental and Physical Relaxation (Remastered) - YouTube - (108) A Trip to the Beach (Remastered) - YouTube (108) Tension Relaxation (Remastered) - YouTube (108) Autogenic Stress Relief (Remastered) - YouTube - (108) Steven Halpern: Guided Mindfulness Meditation - YouTube (108) Daily Meditation - YouTube - (108) Self-Healing Vol. 2 (Pt. 2) w/ Subliminal Affirmations by Steven Halpern - YouTube - (108) Doc Snipes - YouTube - (108) Depression Meditation with Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes - YouTube - (108) Anxiety Meditation with Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes - YouTube (108) Fall Asleep Fast with Sleep Talk Down Guided Meditation | Sanctuary Sleep - YouTube - (108) Guided Sleep Meditation for a Positive Mindset, Sleep Talk-Down With Affirmations - YouTube - (108) Sleep- its going to be ok - Guided sleep meditation with music - YouTube - (108) 3-Minute Guided Gratitude Meditation - YouTube - (108) Morning Positive Affirmations ~ A 10 minute guided meditation - YouTube - (108) Guided Meditation - White Light for Healing Alignment & Revitalisation - YouTube - (108) White Light of Protection - Guided Meditation for Protection & Healing | Healing Light Energy - YouTube - (108) Guided Morning Meditation | GO EASY ON YOURSELF | Short Meditation to Start Your Day - YouTube - (108) Guided Sleep Meditation | DEEP HEALING: YOUR INNER SANCTUARY | Sleep Hypnosis + Affirmations - YouTube - (108) Letting Go: A Guided Meditation, The Magic Book, Spoken Word Guided Visualization, Waterfall Relax - YouTube - (108) Healing Waterfall Guided Meditation HD 1080p - YouTube - (108) GRAMMY® Nominated DEEP ALPHA (Part 1) - YouTube - (108) Study Music Alpha Waves: Relaxing Studying Music, Brain Power, Focus Concentration Music, ☯161 - YouTube - (117) Emotional Eating Meditation | Guided Meditation to Stop Stress Eating - YouTube - (117) Jon Kabat-Zinn, Guided Mindfulness Meditation, Series 1, Sitting Meditation - YouTube - (117) Tension Relaxation (Remastered) - YouTube - (117) Calming the Mind Meditation - Ocean Sunset (20 min Guided) - YouTube

Asperger's and Autism Spectrum Disorder Links - (117) ADDitude Magazine - YouTube - (117) How to spot autism in High Masking Autistic Women - What’s behind the mask? - YouTube - (117) Autistic Meltdowns in a Female Adult | AUTISM IN GIRLS - YouTube - (117) Could It Be Aspergers? - YouTube - (117) Sleep Disorders and Asperger's Syndrome with Dr. Ted Kremer - YouTube - (117) Improving Aspergers/Autism – ASD - YouTube - (117) Aspergers Symptoms In Adults (9 YOU NEED To Know!) - YouTube - (117) ASPERGERS MELTDOWNS: 5 Tips YOU Need! - YouTube - (117) Autism: how anxiety affects everything - Sarah Hendrickx - YouTube – (117) Sarah Hendrickx talks about Autism, sex and relationships - YouTube - (117) AUTISTIC RELATIONSHIPS: 10 Tips for Neurotypical Partners in Neurodiverse Relationships 🤟❤️‍🔥 - YouTube - (117) Tips For Romantic Relationships With Autistic Partners| Purple Ella - YouTube - (117) How to Know if Someone With Autism Loves You - YouTube - (117) Understanding Autistic Mental Health - YouTube - (117) Neurodivergent Magic - YouTube

_{10 Best Mental Health Apps of 2023 according to VeryWellMind}

Best for Depression: Talkspace
Best for Mindfulness: Headspace
Best for Stress Relief: Sanvello
Best for Kids: Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
Best for Addiction: I Am Sober
Best for CBT: MoodKit
Best for Better Sleep: Calm
Best for Positive Thinking: Happify
Best for Anxiety: Worry Watch

_{12 best apps for ADHD according to PsychCentral}

Best overall: RescueTime
Best for adults: Asana
Best for college students: todoist
Best for teens: OFFTIME
Best for kids: Headspace
Best for focus: Focus@Will
Best for the Pomodoro Technique: Pomodor
Best for staying organized: Trello
Best for filing all things digital: Evernote
Best for managing emails: Clean Email
Best for managing money: Mint
Best for teaching kids and teens how to manage money: Rooster Money

_{CHILD ABUSE OR ELDER ABUSE OR IMPAIRED ADULT ABUSE REPORTING}

Contact Social Services

Child Hotline Information:

If you suspect there is an emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911
To report suspected child abuse or neglect call the 24 hour Child Abuse Hotline at (805) 781-KIDS (5437) or toll free 1-800-834-KIDS (5437)

Adult Hotline Information:

If you suspect there is an emergency requiring immediate intervention, call 911
To report suspected elder abuse or neglect call the Adult Services Hotline at (805) 781-1790 during regular business hours, or after business hours call (844) 729-8011

SLO area psychiatrists and neurologist accepting CENCAL:

Psychiatrists

Marlene Cordero, MD Psychiatrist for Adults, 350 Posada Ln, Templeton, CA (805) 434-5013

Abdellatif Anthony Aichouri, MD Psychiatrist for adults & kids/teens at Peaceful Mind, Inc. - 3220 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 541-5505 FAX: (805) 541-5075

Pacific Psychiatry, Inc. – Mary Garret, NP Psychiatric nurse practitioner for adults & kids/teens & Douglas Murphy, MD Psychiatrist adults and younger & kids/teens additional psychiatrists at https://pacificpsychiatry.com/ at 1551 Bishop St Ste 150, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 541-6000 FAX: (805) 541-6001

Neurologist - Pediatric

Dr. Debra Balke, MD Pediatric Neurologist specializing in ADHD & Autism, 1320 Las Tablas Rd Suite E Templeton (805) 434-0960 FAX: (805) 434-0978