Counselling

Our Sessions - To listen seems like such a simple thing to do ...

It's a common experience: we open up to well-intentioned friends and family, only to be overwhelmed by their feelings and advice, when all we really seek is space to work things out for ourselves.

I believe that by offering truly non-judgemental listening, patience, empathy and genuine undertsanding through lived experience, I can help you explore your world, gain a better understanding of your place within it, and discover the path that feels right for you, without the worry of being judged or burdening the other person.

In our sessions, we'll work together at your pace, to find your individual path towards personal growth and healing. I'll support you in gaining new insights and perspectives, whilst offering resources, where appropriate, to help you improve your mental health and wellbeing. Most importantly, I'll always be fully present, listening to both what is said and not said, empathising with your feelings, and accepting of each and every part of you without judgement. We will also be sure to celebrate your strengths and acknowledge each and every one of your wins, as we journey through the counselling process.

Are you ...

Feeling misunderstood, lost or stuck?
Struggling with your identity - neurodivergence, gender, sexuality?
Lonely, like you don't fit in & nobody really "gets you"?
Struggling with Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)?
Stressed or Burntout?
Struggling with meltdowns or shutdowns?
Depressed/anxious/low self-esteem?
Having relationship problems?
Feeling suicidal/have suicidal ideation?
Wondering whether you may be Autistic/ADHD?
Or support someone who is?
Feeling overwhelmed with the thoughts of the diagnosis process?
Recently diagnosed & left thinking "now what?"

Whatever your worries, I embrace them all.

A wooden signpost representing how Autism and ADHD counselling can help individuals

How can counselling help?

Counselling can help and support you in understanding yourself and your situation more deeply and in making meaningful changes, which are right for you.

When working with a skilled counsellor, individuals can begin their journey towards improved mental health and overall well-being. This process happens through the relationship between counsellor and client. The relationship IS the therapy and can lead you to new perspectives and choices that improve your life.

Counselling can help you:

Have greater self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-esteem
Enhance your emotional regulation
Be more compassionate and present
Lower masking behaviours
Prevent burnout
Set better boundaries
Reduce stress
Understand your sensory sensitivities more
Improve relationships and communication
Explore and understand your identitiy
Reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and trauma
Understand your individual meltdowns and shutdowns
Develop coping skills
Achieve your goals
Begin to trust yourself and gain self-confidence
Feel empowered and self-advocate

As feeling truly heard and understood by another, can validate your emotions and experiences. I'll listen not just to respond, but to genuinely understand how life is for you.

A stack of pepples representing support offered in our Autism and ADHD informed counselling sessions

As an AuDHD counsellor, how will you help and support me in our sessions?

Living as an AuDHD person and having had lots of personal counselling over the years myself, I hope to offer you neuroaffirming sessions, where you feel safe, comfortable and able to be truly you.

I understand ...

That you may not want/be able to make eye contact; there's no pressure to.
That it may be comfier for you to kick your shoes off, sit crossed legged or sit on the floor; I'll join you.
You may have sensory differences; the counselling room has fairy lights, no artificial scents and being in the garden, we can hear and see the birds singing.
You may feel really awkward sitting in silence. It may feel painful or anxiety provoking; I only use brief silence to allow you to think, feel and reflect more clearly.
Movement may help you concentrate; we have fidget toys in the counselling room, we can go for a walk-and-talk session, stim, stretch, pause the session for 5 mins. Just let me know what you need.
You may want to know a little about your counsellor too; I've had my struggles. Still do. I'm human and will meet you where you are, human to human. No fancy jargon, just my down-to-earth, warm, caring self, as therapy is bidirectional built on trust, honesty and respect. If it helps you, I'll share parts of my life experience, answer (not deflect) your questions, to help you feel safe to do so too.
Counselling can be like peeling an onion, layer by layer. Whatever brings you to counselling, we work through each layer together, to reveal the wonderful person under all the labels, masks, shame, worry, burnout, anxiety...

Sand timer representing session length and frequency of Autism and ADHD informed counselling

What about session length and frequency?

Each session will be 30 minutes or 1 hour long, agreed prior to the start of the session.

We can have the sessions In Person, Phone, Online via Zoom, WhatsApp video or Walk and Talk.

Learn more about our first session together here.

Session frequency is then at your discretion; I work in an open ended way. We can work together weekly, fortnightly, monthly or as and when you feel you need to meet. This is your space, for you to do what is right for you. However, to remain ethical, I will inform you if I feel I am no longer helping you.

Why choose me?

Choosing the right counsellor is essential. Sharing your feelings takes courage and can leave you feeling vulnerable, so you need to know your experience will be met with respect, warmth, care and sensitivity.

My Person-Centred approach places you directly at the centre of our work. I believe that you are the expert on your own life. I will simply provide an empathic, non-judgmental, patient and safe environment where you can rediscover your own path, and the right solutions for you.

As a later in life diagnosed Autistic/combined ADHD counsellor, my hope is through our work together, you will experience a deep, genuine empathy and understanding from me, if you're feeling overwhelmed, isolated or struggling with life - I've been there too. As someone who is also neurodiverse, I'm here to share my own experiences, if it would be helpful. I know how powerful it can be to hear, "I get that, too."