Coaching for Gifted & Twice Exceptional (2e) Students
- Does your gifted or 2e child or teen have a hard time making friends?
- Do they seem challenged or frustrated at school or college?
- Is your teen or young adult interested in dating and feeling discouraged?
- Could your child use guidance from someone who understands their unique needs and abilities?
Gifted children can struggle in many ways; they may be sensitive or intense, teased or bullied, may not fit in with peers, or might be bored in school. Those who also have learning, processing, emotional, or behavioral issues are called “twice-exceptional” or “2e” because they are exceptional both for their advanced cognitive development and another issue, such as ADHD, dyslexia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or anxiety.
These kids – through adulthood – may feel like they just don’t fit in. Social activities can feel overwhelmingly awkward. It can be hard to “find their people” and maintain friendships, or find romantic partners. Finding the right school environment can be tricky due to their pattern of strengths and challenges.
Summit Center clinicians Dr. Lisa White, licensed psychologist, and Dr. Paula Wilkes, educator and coach, offer coaching for gifted and twice-exceptional students to build skills and make life easier. Read on to see which provider might be best for your student.
Dr. Lisa White, Licensed PsychologistCoaching for Gifted/2e High School and College Age
Dr. Lisa White, Ph.D., offers coaching for gifted and 2e high school students and college-age young adults that goes beyond school and academics to encompass socializing and relationships.
Through low-pressure conversations, Dr. White can help teens and young adults better understand their 2e profiles and characteristics and how they can navigate concerns about school, friendships, dating/hookup culture, social gatherings, and more. Dr. White can also help guide 2e high school students on what to look for in a college. Dr. White is known as a “magnet” for 2e teens, who respond well to her informal style and curiosity about their lives.
Dr. Lisa White is a licensed psychologist who has worked with gifted and twice-exceptional students for over 20 years. She provides strengths-based, comprehensive psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations for children and adolescents, as well as coaching and consultation to guide parents in raising their 2e children. She is the parent of young-adult gifted/2e twins. Learn more about Dr. White
Paula Wilkes, PhD, Former Educator
Coaching for Gifted/2e Elementary & Middle School
Paula Wilkes, PhD, works with gifted and 2e elementary and middle school students to provide educational coaching and educational therapy and to help them navigate school, relationships, emotional regulation, ADHD, ASD, synesthesia, and other areas of their lives. Even when meeting virtually, Dr. Wilkes’ unique background allows her to connect with kids who might otherwise refuse to work with counselors or therapists. Dr. Wilkes can also meet with parents to discuss their best strategies for helping to develop autonomy, resilience, wellness and success in their children.
Dr. Wilkes uses a variety of strategies and games to connect with her ed therapy clients including Math Olympiad problem-solving, reading shared texts, and engaging in deep conversations. Dr. Wilkes and her clients talk about how they can better understand their academic gifts and challenges and expand their “zones of competence” through grit, resilience, and perseverance.
Dr. Wilkes is a former public school teacher and professor of gifted education, who has been helping students for over 40 years. She will offer free 15 minute consultations if you’d like to see if she might be a fit for you and/or your child. Learn more about Dr. Wilkes
To schedule an appointment, please contact our office by completing this short form: https://forms.gle/WNG7e3wEtxdG3Nuu6
Client Story: “Katie”
Katie is a high schooler who wondered why she never quite seemed to fit in or understood how she came across to others. In a discussion about being 2e, she and Dr. White talked about how sensitive and intense she is, and how that is sometimes at odds with today’s expectations of being a “cool girl.” Katie shared that she didn’t understand parties, using substances, or hookup culture, and Dr. White was able to explain how her 2e characteristics impacted her ability to enjoy these activities as others her age did. Katie left the session smiling, explaining to her mother, “It all makes sense now.”
Client Story: “Cory”
Cory, who considers themselves non-binary, but hopes someday to transition to life as a male, came to work with Dr. Wilkes due to dyslexia, ADHD, and anxiety. While the first few sessions focused on academic challenges at school, Cory found Dr. Wilkes to be a safe haven for talking about the challenges of being a non-binary teen. Dr. Wilkes coached Cory on the importance of being an autonomous learner who could speak up for accommodations that were a part of their 504 plan.