About me

Before anything else, I’m focused on genuine care and real human kindness. As a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD individual, I’ve navigated my own journey of self-discovery – one that’s been both challenging and transformative. Learning about my neurodivergence during adulthood helped me make sense of my past, and it’s given me deep compassion and acceptance for others who may be going through similar realisations. In my personal and professional life, I’ve worked and lived extensively with neurodivergent people and I’m keenly aware that we are all unique in our ways of being. A real focus for me is meeting you exactly where you are, whether you’re newly realised or diagnosed as neurodivergent, supporting a loved one who may be neurodivergent, or simply trying to understand, make sense of, and explore different parts of your life.

My philosophy centres on humanism – the idea that the individual human experience is paramount, and that care and empathy are the most effective and ethical methods for helping others and spreading wellness. In my past careers, I’ve worked in creative industries and within educational and charity sectors, which has shown me how intersectionality and cultural differences can shape our sense of identity and belonging. I’ve seen firsthand how our personal stories, backgrounds, and neurodivergent experiences intertwine, and I’m passionate about creating a safe, inclusive space for you to explore these layers of who you are.

I use an Advanced Integrative form of Transactional Analysis (TA) in a way that’s relational, creative, and strongly neuro-affirming. My goal is to help you understand yourself on a deeper level so you can move towards relief, growth, and a sense of authenticity in your daily life. Together, we’ll look at the patterns behind how you think, feel, and relate to others, while also focusing on practical skills for emotional regulation and self-awareness. I believe each person’s uniqueness should be honoured rather than “fixed”, and I aim to help people find their own path to autonomy, self-expression, and genuine change.

Because I believe knowledge is empowering, I often incorporate psychoeducation into our sessions. This means we’ll look at how the brain works, common traits of neurodivergence, and ways to manage stress or anxiety so you can leave therapy with real-world tools to support your well-being long-term. I have a lot of experience working with those who are newly diagnosed or in the early stages of exploring their neurodivergence, as I understand how confusing and overwhelming that process can feel. I am also experienced in supporting individuals working through trauma, whether it stems from abuse, neglect, or relational harm, or from the complexity of being neurodivergent in a world that’s not always accommodating.

I offer therapy to individuals and couples, in person in Chorlton (Manchester) or Hebden Bridge (West Yorkshire), as well as remotely for those who prefer to work online.

General Mental Health & Wellbeing

  • Anxiety, panic attacks, and persistent stress
  • Low mood, depression, and burnout
  • PTSD, CPTSD, and trauma recovery
  • Anger, emotional dysregulation, and overwhelm
  • Confidence, low self-esteem, and identity exploration (including gender, sexuality, and intersectional experiences)
  • Experiences of belonging, cultural identity, and navigating mixed or immigrant backgrounds
  • Relationship difficulties, conflict, breakdown, divorce, or family issues
  • Grief, bereavement, and losses of different kinds (relationship, job, opportunity)
  • Addiction issues
  • Disordered eating and body image concerns
  • OCD
  • Self-harm and suicidal ideation

Neurodivergent-Focused Support

  • Pre – and post-diagnostic support (Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia)
  • Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
  • Masking, sensory overwhelm, and burnout
  • Rejection sensitivity or fear of abandonment (RSD)
  • Executive functioning difficulties (time management, organisation, motivation)
  • Workplace or educational advocacy (reasonable adjustments, managing deadlines)
  • Relationship issues in which neurodivergence is a factor (whether one or both partners are neurodivergent)
  • Navigating monotropism and other ND experiences
  • Giftedness and Twice Exceptional (2e) experiences
  • Parenting or supporting a neurodivergent loved one
  • Exploring personal strengths, setting healthy boundaries, and building resilience

It’s impossible to cover all areas here, so if you don’t see something you were hoping for, please do still reach out.

PgDip Level 7 in Advanced Transactional Analysis from an Integrative Perspective (Manchester Institute of Psychotherapy)

Certificate in Working with Couples (Berne Institute)

Neurodiversity isn’t an Afterthought: Making Workplaces Work for Neurodivergent Employees

Unmasking ADHD: Addressing Impasses, Cathecting the Natural Child

Autism is Not a Personality ‘Disorder’: Misdiagnosis and Stigma

The Disintegrated and Divergent Adult

Autism Inclusive Practice: The Macro and the Micro

Adapting the Environment to Work for Neurodiverse Clients

Interoception, Empathy, Instinct and Intuition

Attachment, Autism & TA

From Storms to Safe Harbours – Reclaiming neurodivergent identities through collective storytelling and ‘communitas’

Online Voice, Offline Choices: Navigating Internet Autism Self-Advocacy and Clinical Practice Decisions

Contact Deniz Sabanci