Neurodiversity-Affirming Counselling
Living in a world that often expects everyone to think, communicate and behave in similar ways can feel exhausting when your mind works differently.
I offer warm, accepting and neurodiversity-affirming counselling for autistic and ADHD adults and young people, as well as people with dyslexia, dyspraxia and other forms of neurodivergence.
You are also welcome if you are awaiting an assessment, beginning to explore whether you may be neurodivergent or simply feel that your experiences do not fit neatly into the usual boxes.
You do not need a formal diagnosis to access support.
A space where you do not have to mask
You may have spent years trying to appear as though you are coping, carefully managing how you communicate or hiding parts of yourself to meet other people’s expectations.
Counselling can offer a space where you do not have to perform, make eye contact, have all the right words or communicate in a particular way.
You are welcome exactly as you are.
Counselling may support you with
Anxiety, worry and overthinking
Emotional or sensory overwhelm
Autistic or ADHD burnout
Masking and feeling unable to be yourself
Low self-esteem or feeling different
Rejection sensitivity and self-criticism
Difficulties with change, uncertainty or transitions
Relationships and communication
Identifying, understanding or expressing emotions
Executive functioning difficulties
Experiences of school, work or social pressure
Exploring your identity following diagnosis or self-discovery
Feeling misunderstood, isolated or disconnected
Neurodivergence itself is not something that needs to be fixed. Our work can instead focus on understanding your experiences, recognising your needs and finding ways of living that feel more manageable and authentic.
Counselling shaped around you
There is no single way that counselling has to look.
Depending on what helps you feel most comfortable, sessions can include:
Additional time to think and process
Clearer structure or an outline of the session
Written or visual prompts
Worksheets or practical activities
Pauses, movement or changes of position
Less expectation around eye contact
Exploring interests as a way into conversation
Direct and clear communication
Time to build trust before discussing difficult experiences
We can talk together about what helps, what does not help and how the counselling space can be adjusted to suit you.
My experience
I have more than 11 years’ experience supporting neurodivergent adults and young people across counselling, education and emotional wellbeing settings.
Through this work, I have developed a strong appreciation of the creativity, resilience, depth and individual perspectives that neurodivergent people can bring, while also recognising the challenges that can arise from living in environments that do not always understand or accommodate different needs.
My approach is collaborative, curious and non-judgemental. I will not assume that every experience is related to neurodivergence, and I will take the time to understand what being neurodivergent means for you personally.
Sessions and fees
Sessions last 50 minutes.
Adults: £55 per session
Young people: £45 per session
Face-to-face counselling is available in Benfleet, Essex. Secure online sessions are also available through Google Meet.
Free initial consultation
I offer a free 20-minute consultation so that you can briefly tell me what you are looking for, ask any questions and see whether working together feels right.
There is no pressure or obligation to arrange further sessions.
