AuDHD-Affirming Therapy

Neurodivergence is the umbrella medical term for several medically diagnosed conditions, including Autism, ADHD, OCD, Tourette's and Personality Disorders. 

Whilst we are all different and therefore experience the world differently, neurodivergent individuals may find it difficult to navigate certain aspects of social, relational, functional and working life. Without support this can lead to emotional and mental distress.

As most therapies are developed based on neuro-typical perspectives, you may have found a misalignment with your own world and self-view. Here's where I come in.

My therapy affirms individual experience, holistically. I specialise in neurodivergent counselling based on lived experience and clinical training that is adapted to suit my client needs, taking time to develop strong relationships and seek attunement.

If you would like the neurodivergence 'fixing', I may not be the most suited therapist for you. I encourage empowerment, self-acceptance and retrospective meaning-making, to support adult-functioning. 

I specialise in working with adults and young people diagnosed with ADHD and Autism. My combined lived experience and additional training in neurodivergence have naturally developed over the years as a passion. I have spent the past four years studying neurodivergence and researching this topic to better support my clients as a counselling psychologist.

I have developed a unique way of working affirmatively enabling my clients to thrive (see my testimonials page!)

I have noticed that several therapists offer a service to support neurodivergent clients. However, my practice is grounded in a combination of experiential understanding, individually applied therapeutic training theories and, most importantly, a collaborative approach.

If you would like to know more about the way I work, please do get in touch.     

Within the neurodivergent community, AuDHD has been adopted as the identity-first term to represent a combined ADHD and Autism diagnosis. Here, I use the term to describe combined characteristics (notice I didn't say symptoms!) in the broader sense, to include all neurodivergent people. 

I say this because neurodivergence is a complex umbrella term for several overlapping and co-occurring ways of being, that span across diagnoses. In fact, diagnoses is used as a framework to apply understanding around life's difficulties, rather than a prescriptive manual. As we know, the term neurodivergence includes traumatic brain injury, dyslexia, multiple sclerosis, OCD, tourettes etc., etc., 

AuDHD is rightly being recognised more recently as a further diversity within neurodiverse populations, with unique processing and analysis requirements. I don't believe there is a one-size-fits-all therapy; therefore, I work in a pluralistic (more than two therapy models) way that tailors therapy to the individual, whilst affirming neurodivergent identities.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may impact an individual's functionality and psychology across a transient spectrum. Issues may arise further when the individual embarks on relationships and then has to navigate other neuro-processing styles that highlight difference. As we learn more about ADHD as a relatively new condition/diagnosis, it is important to prove a therapy that affirms and supports what it means to be neurodivergent.

Relationships can become strained, especially when one person is neurodivergent. Misunderstandings can lead to miscommunication and loss of connection. Therapy for families - parents, siblings and intimate partnerships may benefit from the expertise of a psychotherapist. 

I understand that it can be both socially and practically difficult to have face-to-face appointments. That's why I provide online therapy, but I also have access to rooms in Essex, if required. There is an additional fee for the room cost contribution if you opt for in-person appointments. 

I provide a flexible approach, whilst valuing boundaries at the same time. 

To book your appointment you can access my calendar and select a suitable day and time through the 'book an appointment' page or via the following action button.