If you're looking for my free resources & coaching for parents of intense gifted & twice-exceptional (2e) kids, check out The Gifted Learning Lab.
About Dr. Danika Maddocks
My approach
As a consultant and therapist, I am collaborative, creative, and relational. I partner with families, educators, and other providers to understand their goals, build their confidence, and find a better fit between their needs and their supports. I create a unique relationship with each client.
People often seek out consultation or therapy because of stress and difficulties. I attend to these experiences and provide concrete strategies. At the same time, I am playful, humorous, and down-to-earth. With curiosity and compassion, I help clients re-connect with their strengths, resilience, and hope.
Education & training
I earned my PhD in school psychology from the University of Texas at Austin with an emphasis in child therapy, and I earned an MA in developmental psychology from San Francisco State University. I have additional training in giftedness and twice-exceptionality; neurodiversity-affirming approaches to therapy, parenting, and education; supporting autistic and PDA kids and teens; evidence-based treatments for anxiety; collaborative/therapeutic assessment; and psychodynamic therapy with youth and families. Before graduate school, I was a K-12 teacher and educational trainer for over 10 years.
Special interests
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Giftedness and twice exceptionality
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Gifted autistic and PDA kids and teens
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Neurodiversity-affirming therapy and parenting approaches
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Reducing anxiety for children, teens, and parents
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Working with children and teens who are reluctant to begin therapy
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Supporting queer, non-binary, gender expansive, and LGBTQ+ youth and families
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Helping parents feel calmer and more confident
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Collaborating with teachers and school personnel
About Better Fit Psychology & Consulting, LLC
Kids and teens thrive when there is a good fit between their needs, strengths, characteristics, and their environment. I chose the name Better Fit Psychology & Consulting to highlight how healing it can be when kids and teens feel a better fit between themselves and their families, schools, and communities.
Finding a better fit sometimes requires more creativity and support for children with less-common needs, including those who are gifted and twice exceptional. I strive to help my clients find a better fit in every aspect of their lives -- a better fit between their intellect and their education; a better fit between their personality and their parenting; a better fit between their emotions and their coping strategies; a better fit between their social life and their strengths.
Contact
All services are provided virtually.
Phone: 612.712.3309
Fax: 612.500.4654
Email: drdanikamaddocks[at]betterfitpsychology[dot]com