It’s truly inspiring to see people thrive, and that’s a big part of why I chose this field. I saw the potential to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, and that motivated me to pursue this path.
Initially, my mother wanted me to become a teacher. She worked at a school and envisioned me enjoying summers off and having time with my future children. So, I listened to her and started my college journey as a teaching track student.
However, that summer, I decided to take an introductory psychology class. I’m incredibly grateful for that decision because it was then that I discovered my true calling.
I switched my focus to social sciences and psychology, and my passion for the field grew with each lesson. I envisioned myself sitting across from clients, helping them, and encouraging them to reach their full potential.
Although I had this vision, practical concerns, such as finances, delayed my practice until I was 30. Nevertheless, I knew I was in the right place. With more experience than many of my peers, I was eager to learn everything I could. My focus became child development, particularly with Asperger's Syndrome, which is now referred to as Level 1 Autism.
Level 1 Autism describes individuals who are verbal and highly intelligent. Over time, my focus shifted from working with very young children to supporting teens and young adults transitioning into college.
In this journey, I discovered a part of teaching my mother had hoped for. I began running social skills groups, which transformed my career. We started with small groups, but soon expanded to eight different groups for various age ranges. Families traveled from far and wide, including New Jersey, to participate.
These groups were special. They grew through word of mouth and were designed for kids on the spectrum whose parents wanted them to develop social skills. I found that I had a talent for this, and while I enjoyed individual therapy, group sessions were where my passion truly lay. We even created a group to help high school students prepare for college.
The magic of these groups often came in unexpected moments. Parents would share heartwarming stories, like their child being invited to a birthday party or ordering their own donut, which brought tears of joy.
Had I not embraced creativity and exploration in my work, these experiences might not have felt so magical. I look forward to continuing to learn and help children become their most authentic selves. My goal is to see them thrive, build meaningful connections, and experience the joy of friendship.
Monica Wells, LMHC, CCATP-CA, is a therapist based in Cold Spring Harbor. With a practice established in 2018, she specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults dealing with anxiety disorders. Additionally, Monica leads groups tailored for socially anxious pre-teens and teenagers.
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