“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
Our Story
For years, neurodivergent individuals have been told what to say, how to act, how to feel, what is okay or “appropriate” even when their body is sending them very different messages. Asking these individuals to conform and assimilate, disconnects them from their senses and body. As a result, most of our clients have lost connection to their own opinion or voice. They are actively masking their emotions, sensations, and voice. Many are scared to say the “wrong” thing all the time.
Mindsight Therapies came from a desire to provide unconventional support & solutions for the authentic empowerment of neurodivergent people. Founder and speech therapist Debbie Patterson, M.A., CCC-SLP had become disillusioned by the conventional therapies and solutions based on the neurotypical brain and “normal” behavior. She wanted to create a practice that would see, honor and advocate for a neurodivergent person’s truth, even when it goes against societal norms. Additionally, she wanted to address the limited services for people after the age of 18 (when their need is often the greatest) as well as create more access with group sessions that focus on social learning and emotional regulation, regardless of age, in the Orange County & Southern California area.
We look forward to continuing our story with you.
Our Approach
We recognize and honor that neurodivergent people have a different neurology. Your or your child’s brain is wired differently and you do not think, experience or express like the neuromajority. And that is okay. Our practice is about meeting you where you are and creating therapies that support and affirm neurodiversity. We also believe –
In helping clients make connections with others in a way that feels right to them. Our job is to help clients find their voice and confidence to use it.
Therapy helps uncover what the behavior is communicating. Behavior IS communication. Understanding what needs to be expressed and effectively empowering clients is the most supportive therapy.
The “textbook” or “evidence-based” solution is not always best or the most supportive for neurodivergent individuals. We believe in integrating an individual’s differences vs. training them to be ‘normal’.
Social emotional learning is a team effort. This includes families, educators, and other professionals. Our goal is to collaborate with parents, families and other professionals to help our clients make lasting social connections.
– Meet the Team –
Debbie has over 15 years of professional expe...More
Debbie has over 15 years of professional experience working as a Speech Language Pathologist. During these years she has worked with various communication needs. Debbie worked in the public schools for 8+ years and private practice for 5 years, which has given her a unique perspective of the challenges faced in each area. Her true passion is working with teens, tweens, and adults struggling with social challenges, which inspired the opening of Mindsight Therapies. Debbie’s approach to therapy focuses on the client as a whole person and helping individuals learn about their emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and needs. Then using this knowledge to develop effective communication and self-advocacy skills.
Debbie is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds a license as a Speech-Language Pathologist by the state of California. She is also currently pursuing a psychology-based life coach certification that is blended with Neuro-linguistic Programming.
Debbie is married and a proud mom of one boy.
Debbie is a HeartMath Certified Professional.
Yolandi has over 18 years of professional exp...More
Yolandi has over 18 years of professional experience working as a Behavior Specialist with children on the Autism Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. She holds a Masters of Science Degree in Special Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, and has completed all coursework and hours for the Board Certified Behavioral Analysis Board.
Yolandi has built a solid foundation of knowledge that she brings to every situation of her professional career. What started as a job quickly became a passion for assisting children and families with how best to improve their quality of life through delicate evidence-based instruction and guidance. There is nothing more satisfying for her than seeing a family leave with an improved outlook on how to communicate with their children. She believes that Mindsight Therapies is at the forefront of improving Autism education and is proud to be a part of the team.
Yolandi lives in Lake Forest with her fiance and mischievous cat, Rogue.
Jerica became passionate about communicative ...More
Jerica became passionate about communicative disorders while learning sign language in high school. During her master’s program, Jerica developed an interest in the use of assistive technology with individuals with traumatic brain injuries and other cognitive impairments. Jerica has over 10 years of experience and has worked in skilled nursing facilities, public schools, and private practice. Through these experiences, Jerica developed a passion for working with diverse populations and helping people of all ages improve every aspect of their communication. She believes in using visuals, concrete examples, and role playing in order to make abstract principles such as making friends, problem solving, and advocating easier to understand and to apply in everyday life.
Jerica is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) and holds a license as a Speech-Language Pathologist by the state of California.
Jerica lives in San Clemente with her husband and three children.
Resources & Certifications
Resources
Kelly Mahler, OTD, OTR/L
The Zones of Regulation
Anna Vagin, Ph.D., Speech & Language Pathologist and Founder of Social Learning Labs
References
Prizant, Barry M. (2015) Uniquely Human. Simon & Schuster Paperbacks.
Brené Brown (2015). “Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead”, p.182, Spiegel & Grau