Dr. Parks-Urrutia contracts with Wellness Psychological Services to offer services in both our Tampa and St. Pete offices.
My name is Amy Parks-Urrutia (Dr. Parks). I am a licensed clinical psychologist with an extensive background in the assessment and treatment of individuals with a variety of developmental, behavioral, and emotional difficulties.
It is my experience that an empathic approach that is strength-based and grounded in science provides the most optimal therapeutic outcomes. While the foundations of my therapeutic approach are behavioral and cognitive-behavioral, I view compassion as an integral component to the way in which I practice. I believe that growth and change are fostered in environments in which individuals are seen and heard and differences are honored. It is therefore my primary mission to provide a safe and supportive environment for each individual and family member that I work with.
CHILD/ADOLESCENT SPECIALIZATION
My educational and work experiences have focused on specializing in assessing and treating children and adolescents and working with parents to provide safe and supportive environments in which strengths are reinforced and capitalized upon. Most salient in my treatment of children and adolescents is the use of behavioral modification procedures. Using procedures that have been termed as “parent training” methods, parents are taught behavioral modification procedures that aim to increase positive/prosocial behaviors and decrease or “extinguish” problematic behaviors. My behavioral approach is strength based and focused on teaching parents to attend to and reinforce positive behaviors.
ADHD SPECIALIZATION
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is one of strongest passions and I am currently completing my course work to become a ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP). My approach to treating individuals with ADHD is strength based and incorporates behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness therapies. Parental involvement is paramount when treating children and adolescents with ADHD and psychoeducation and behavioral modification is utilized to assist parents in gaining knowledge about ADHD in order to understand and advocate for their children and in developing and implementing behavioral plans that aim to increase target behaviors through the use of positive reinforcement.
ANXIETY SPECIALIZATION
My postdoctoral fellowship at the Rothman Center for Pediatric Neuropsychiatry provided me with the opportunity to specialize in treating anxiety disorders with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Most notably this experience provided me with extensive experience using CBT to treat OCD, OCD spectrum disorders, and Selective Mutism. Treating child, adolescent, and adult anxiety continues to be a major focus of my practice.
OTHER SPECIALIZATIONS/INTERESTS
As a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and the mother of a Highly Sensitive Child (HSC) I am passionate about working with individuals with the innate trait of high sensitivity/sensory processing sensitivity. In a safe therapeutic environment, I can assist HSPs in navigating through a world that can often be overwhelming. I also provide education to parents of HSC in order to help them to recognize the unique “gifts” of their children and capitalize upon those strengths.