Neuro-affirming online counselling therapy (UK)
NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING THERAPY
I offer regular counselling and therapy sessions for neurodivergent adults who have received a late diagnosis, who are waiting for an assessment, or who self-identify as neurodivergent.
Please note: I do not offer assessments or diagnoses, and cannot prescribe medication. Please see your GP for relevant information local to your area.
Training and development
I am proud to have completed the Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist training, but will be even happier when the word 'disorder' is removed from the diagnostic name.
I do not believe that autism and neurodivergence are disorders - they are ways of processing information and experiences that differ from what has traditionally been viewed as 'typical' within the general population.
Our understanding of neurodiversity is evolving rapidly, and I am happy to be part of the process that aims to move away from stigma and towards support.
My Approach to Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy
PERSONAL experience
As well as working with autistic children and young people prior to becoming a counsellor, and having personal experience of neurodivergence within my family, my counselling work has naturally developed into providing neuro-affirming care and support for autistic and neurodivergent clients.
MY approach
I support the social model of neurodiversity which recognises that neurological differences are natural variations (different not deficient). These differences are as much a part of our identity as our race, culture, and gender, with each factor influencing and being influenced by the others.
The social model holds the view that society needs to make accommodations in order to be inclusive of difference, rather than individuals' being expected to conform to societal norms.
I recognise that for many neurodivergent people, trying to fit in to a neuro-normative world often does not feel comfortable or safe, and this can contribute to issues such as anxiety, depression, emotion dysregulation, mis-diagnosis, chronic illness, and many other co-occurring factors.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU
Neuro-affirming therapy sessions are client-centred and collaborative.
Your ideas, your needs, and your wants will be listened to.
The aim is to provide an environment where you feel safe and comfortable to talk and express yourself authentically; where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and experiences at your own pace, and in your own way.
I will support you to identify any challenges you are facing and to reflect on ways to support your mental health wellbeing.
Any goals and discussions are based around your needs, interests, preferences, and strengths. .
I also offer a 6-step therapy plan which provides clarity and information about the counselling process, as well as offering plans, reviews, and resources which you may find helpful during our work together.
Structured & Personalised Therapy Using a 6-Step Plan
Structured sessions
Structured sessions
Structured sessions
Available to anyone, I offer a personalised and structured support plan that helps with understanding what I offer and knowing what to expect and when. You will receive information, resources, and regular reviews throughout your therapy.
You are not under any obligation, but longer-term therapy is recommended for this plan.
If you feel yo
Available to anyone, I offer a personalised and structured support plan that helps with understanding what I offer and knowing what to expect and when. You will receive information, resources, and regular reviews throughout your therapy.
You are not under any obligation, but longer-term therapy is recommended for this plan.
If you feel you may benefit from the structured plan, please let me know.
STEP ONE
Structured sessions
Structured sessions
INTRODUCTION: During our initial sessions, you will have the opportunity to tell me as much (or as little) as you feel comfortable with about yourself and your current situation. You do not have to share your history if you do not want to. I will tell you more about my approach to counselling and therapy, I can answer any questions you have, and we can discuss any concerns.
STEP TWO
Structured sessions
STEP THREE
FOUNDATION: Regular weekly sessions allow us to get to know each other better. The aim is to build a safe, therapeutic relationship through exploring and discussing anything that is on your mind - including what has brought you to therapy. You do not have to disclose anything that you don't want to. Perhaps during this step, you might c
FOUNDATION: Regular weekly sessions allow us to get to know each other better. The aim is to build a safe, therapeutic relationship through exploring and discussing anything that is on your mind - including what has brought you to therapy. You do not have to disclose anything that you don't want to. Perhaps during this step, you might choose to work on a therapy plan, thinking about strengths and challenges together with any aims that you might like to work towards
STEP THREE
Structured sessions
STEP THREE
AWARENESS: Together we can work on noticing thoughts, feelings and actions and reflect on how they may trigger physical reactions in your body, cognitive reactions in your thoughts, and emotional responses. We can explore the strengths and the challenges involved in being your authentic self and we can get curious about your experiences
AWARENESS: Together we can work on noticing thoughts, feelings and actions and reflect on how they may trigger physical reactions in your body, cognitive reactions in your thoughts, and emotional responses. We can explore the strengths and the challenges involved in being your authentic self and we can get curious about your experiences and what they mean to you. As we work together you may want to reflect on your therapy plan if you made one and consider what is working for you, and any revisions you might want to make.
STEP FOUR
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STEP FOUR
PROCESSING: If it feels right for you, we can talk about difficult experiences and work towards healing emotional wounds. We can look at self-esteem and self-criticism and explore ways to consider and build new ideas around established beliefs. Together we can try out strategies to support your mental health wellbeing.
STEP FIVE
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STEP FOUR
SELF-IDENTITY: Together we can explore your sense of self. We can work towards blending new thoughts and feelings with existing beliefs about yourself, helping to build self-esteem and confidence, or implementing any changes you want to make. We can review and reflect on any plan you have made and consider any new aims that may have developed during our work together.
STEP SIX
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SUSTAINABILITY: We can work together to plan for the future and in sustaining any changes you are making. We can also plan how and when to safely end our sessions together.
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CONTACT: If you would like to know more, please feel free to contact me, or book a free 15-minute consultation where I can answer any questions you may have.