I work with clients who are diagnosed or identify as autistic,  ADHD, and often both ASD & ADHD (sometimes known as Au-DHD).  There are many other forms of neurodevelopmental differences and also co - occurring difficulties such as OCD.  

I also work with clients who may be a parent or sibling who want to better understand the neurodiversity in their family.

My aim is to create a neurodivergent-friendly counselling space where you can feel free from the pressure to mask or “fit in".  We will adapt how we work, if it is helpful, in creative ways.   This might mean  changing the pace or length of session, adding structure, or bringing creativity into the sessions including finding different ways to communicate than the standard therapy format.    

I offer counselling with people at different stages of life. It is often the case that the most painful struggles don’t come from autism itself, but maybe from being misunderstood,  or trying to manage in systems that weren’t designed with autistic traits in mind.  

The diagnostic experience is often something which might prompt someone to seek counselling as they make sense of new information which might inform how they make sense of their particular life challenges or understanding their history.

The counselling process provides space to explore the whole picture of your experience — the exhaustion, anxiety or stress that can come with navigating the world, alongside the creativity, focus and resilience that are may also be part of your experiences. Both struggle and strength can find expression in therapy.

(I am aware that some people search online for “autism therapy.” Based on research, evidence and my experience of my clients, I do not see autism as something to be treated, "cured'"or "fixed".  My role is to support people with their mental health and wellbeing, in ways that are respectful. )

ADHD may bring challenges such as overwhelm, difficulties with focus, or self-criticism. It can also bring energy, creativity and a unique perspective on the world.

In counselling, we make sense of your experiences, find strategies that work for you, and explore your relationships, wellbeing and sense of self. 

My approach is integrative and trauma-informed, drawing on relational and systemic ideas.  Whilst CBT is not always helpful in every context, it's most up to date iterations such as ACT can be very supportive for some clients.   There is no evidence based modality that I turn away from in seeking to support my clients in attaining their goals.  If something feels too rigid we may adapt it to be more useful.    

I stay up to date with evidence-based approaches and the latest research in how to bring the best of counselling to clients who are experiencing mental health challenges and are also neurodivergent. This means the counselling I offer is both flexible to your needs and grounded in the best knowledge we have.

Alongside my clinical work, I also train other therapists in working with neurodiversity, developing models that reflect both research and the life experience of clients.

I offer counselling for parents and siblings who are seeking a better understanding of neurodiversity in their family and may be seeking to strengthen, or make sense of,  family bonds.   Mothers, fathers and guardians of children awaiting assessment, or those newly diagnosed, often come to me for support with the emotional demands of their situation.

PLEASE NOTE: I do not carry out any diagnostic work, but I do offer therapy that helps you process feelings, manage stress, and enhance family relationships.