About me

My specialism is in Neurodiversity (ADHD and Autism) and I work with children (10+), adolescents, adults and couples. I work in an integrative and relational approach, which means, although my initial training was psychodynamic and CBT, I take on a lot of modalities. These theories and approaches I have adapted to suit my clients, and I personalise my sessions to your needs. If you are looking to work on mental health, coaching for coping with specific traits, want to learn about your neurodiversity and have more self awareness or have some screenings to see if there are some neurodiverse traits and consider whether you want to pursue a diagnosis. We can discuss what your goals for therapy are when we have our initial chat.

As a parent of a child (now grown up) with ADHD my personal experience has added to my professional knowledge. I also supervise other counsellors and psychotherapists, school counsellors and student counsellors/mentors.

Ways of Working

I have had specific training over the years within this specialism and attend regular monthly individual and group neurodiverse focused supervision, to support my ongoing training and development. I work in a holistic way and I was trained in Psychodynamic theory and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, but over the years I have attended courses in other modalities and I have integrated these into my practice.

In addition to supporting individual clients, I work with couples of all ages.  Supporting couples understanding of each other, through improved communication.  Through empathic listening and working in a positive way to understand.  Thus developing an improved, happy and successful relationship with an ability to work through difficult conversations.  Not only does couples work improve intimate relationships but the skills learned are invaluable in all relationships; family, friends and in the workplace.

My sessions are via Zoom, and I am based in West Yorkshire, however I have clients all over the UK and Europe (my insurance covers this). I started Zoom sessions in April 2020 due to COVID and found my clients really like this way of working. They can find somewhere private and comfortable to have their session and can interact with me however they prefer.  There is no travel time or costs implications on top of the session either.  Some clients want sessions with parents to begin with if they wish, with or without camera on, a telephone.

The Types of Issues I Support Neurodivergent Clients With 

Clients come to me with a variety of issues and I find no one person is the same, everyone is different.  However, the typical issues people come to see me about are:

• Pre-diagnostic support
• Post diagnostic support
• ADHD
• Autism
• PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance}
• Anxiety and depression
• Self-esteem and building confidence
• Anger and meltdowns
• Post traumatic Stress/Trauma
• Recovering from Narcissistic and other forms of abuse
• OCD and Phobias
• Support of family members and parenting a neurodivergent child

Qualifications

• BA Hons (QTS) in Primary Education Specialising in Creative Arts, 2.2, December 2006
• Diploma in Effective Psychotherapy with CBT level 5 October 2016
• Post Graduate in Clinical Supervision, University of Derby November 2021
• Certificate in Couples Work (12 day Course), Physis Scotland

Additional CPD Specific to Neurodiversity

I attend regular CPD every month and have a specialist supervisor for my own work. I also attend group supervision to enhance my practice.

Safeguarding for adults and children

Autism Dialogue Approach

Gender Identity and Autism delivered by Hands on Autism

Understanding and Supporting individuals with an autism spectrum condition

Courses presented by Living Autism and AWARE

Working with Neurodivergent Couples in Therapy, Aspire Autism Consultancy