Sally Logerquist

Sally J. Logerquist, Ph.D., P.L.L.C.

Psychologist

Dr. Sally Logerquist is a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience as a therapist and evaluator. Her area of specialty is working with individuals of all ages suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder. However, due to the need in the valley for providers for adults and teenagers with suspected autism spectrum disorders, Dr. Logerquist is focused on this population exclusively at this time.

Therapeutic services with adults and teenagers are designed to focus on skills specific to the work setting, education and dating or marital relationships. The sessions are designed to address social skill deficits which include the following: 1) Social communication skills: initiating conversations, trading information, staying on topic, and maintaining the flow (back and forth) in conversations; 2) Social Awareness: understanding social rules and conventions, reading and interpreting nonverbal communication, and reading between the lines of what people say; and 3) Social Cognitive skills: reasoning and problem solving, negotiation skills, and understanding the perspective of others.

Dr. Logerquist uses the techniques of Mindfulness Stress Based Therapy (MSBT) (by Jon Kabat Zinn) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in therapy sessions. Dr. Logerquist also uses a variety of calming techniques such as: deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation and visualization. Examples of cognitive behavioral techniques that are used in therapy sessions are as follows: (a) identifying negative thinking and reshaping it in a way that changes how you feel; (b) gaining familiarity and confidence in certain situations and (c) assertiveness training.

The goal of therapy is to enable the client to identify personal strengths and weaknesses relative to social skills, practice and refine skills in a confidential environment, receive modeling and coaching of critical social skills and increase self-recognition of newly acquired skills.

Evaluations for individuals suspected of having an Autism Spectrum Disorder include assessment of early childhood behavior (with a family member that is familiar with the client as a young child) as well as assessment of current behavior. The evaluation process culminates with a profile of the individual’s strengths and limitations related to social behavior. Factors that appear to impede social progress will be identified. A description of strategies will be provided to address these factors. Dr. Logerquist has extensive training in the use of the assessment instrument: Autism Diagnostic interview -Revised and the Autism Diagnostic Observation system -2.

Dr. Logerquist additionally provides a wide range of intellectual, social and behavioral evaluations including developmental disabilities (Mental Retardation). Diagnostic information is based on current state and federal legal constraints. The individual’s strengths and limitations are described in order to aid in the understanding of the reader and to ensure that the client obtains the appropriate services and accommodations that they need. Recommendations include research-based interventions that have proven to be effective for use in home, school and/or work environments.