Counselling for people who are autistic or have ADHD
Living with ADHD or being autistic can sometimes bring challenges that leave you feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed or different from those around you.
Perhaps you have spent much of your life trying to fit in, struggling with expectations or feeling that everyday situations take more effort for you than for other people. You might find relationships difficult, experience anxiety or struggle with self-esteem and understanding yourself.
Counselling can offer a safe, confidential space to explore these experiences, make sense of your feelings and develop a better understanding of yourself.
I offer counselling for adults with ADHD and autistic adults, whether you have received a formal diagnosis, are waiting for an assessment or are beginning to explore whether you might be neurodivergent.
How can counselling help?
Everyone's experience of ADHD and autism is different, but counselling can help you explore a range of difficulties, including:
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Anxiety and feeling overwhelmed: Understanding what causes stress and anxiety and finding ways to manage difficult situations.
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Self-esteem and confidence: Exploring feelings of not being good enough, feeling different or struggling to meet other people's expectations.
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Masking and identity: Understanding the pressure to fit in, hide aspects of yourself or behave in ways that don't feel natural.
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Relationships and communication: Exploring misunderstandings, relationship difficulties and ways to communicate your needs.
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Emotional wellbeing: Understanding and managing difficult emotions, frustration and emotional overwhelm.
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Past experiences: Exploring the impact of bullying, rejection, criticism or years of feeling misunderstood.
Counselling can also help you recognise your strengths, understand your needs and develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
What can counselling with me involve?
I work in an integrative way, drawing on different therapeutic approaches to make sure our work is suited to you and your individual needs.
Our sessions might involve exploring your thoughts and feelings, making sense of past experiences, understanding relationship patterns or finding practical ways to manage everyday challenges.
I recognise that people with ADHD and autism may have different communication styles, sensory preferences and ways of processing information. I will aim to work in a way that feels comfortable and appropriate for you.
There is no expectation that you need to have everything worked out before coming to counselling. We can take things at a pace that feels right for you.
Do I need a diagnosis?
No. You don't need a formal ADHD or autism diagnosis to come to counselling. You may already have a diagnosis, be waiting for an assessment or simply recognise some of these experiences in yourself.
Counselling is not a diagnostic service, but you do not need a label to benefit from exploring your experiences.
A space where you can be yourself
I believe counselling should be a space where you feel listened to, accepted and understood, without fear of judgement.
My aim is to work alongside you to help you make sense of your experiences, understand yourself better and find ways of living that feel more manageable and fulfilling.
I have undertaken additional training in supporting people with ADHD and working with autistic clients, and have experience working with neurodivergent adults.
If you feel counselling might be helpful, please get in touch. I offer an introductory session for £30, giving us an opportunity to talk about what has brought you to counselling and whether working together feels right for you.
You do not need to change who you are to benefit from counselling. If you would like to book an introductory session, please get in touch.