How I can help
Neurodiversity-affirming therapy for ADHD and autistic adults
Neurodiversity-affirming therapy supports ADHD, autistic and otherwise neurodivergent adults with whatever they want to bring, without trying to make them more "normal". I adapt sessions to how you communicate and process, and work online across the UK and internationally, or in person in Farringdon, London. I do not diagnose, and you do not need a formal diagnosis to work with me.
Recognise this?
You might notice…
- Feeling exhausted after masking all day at work or socially
- A late diagnosis bringing up relief, grief or anger
- Being told you are "too much", lazy or too sensitive
- Struggling with overwhelm, shutdowns or meltdowns
- Anxiety or low mood that other support has not quite fitted
- Wondering whether you might be neurodivergent and what that means
Not sure where to start?
An initial consultation is a simple way to see if we’re a good fit. No pressure.
Send an enquiryWhat it can be like to be neurodivergent in a neurotypical world
Being neurodivergent means your brain works differently from what is considered typical. This includes ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other differences. These are natural variations in how people think, feel and experience the world, not flaws to be corrected.
Many neurodivergent adults come to therapy not because of their neurodivergence itself, but because of what it has been like to live in a world that was not designed with them in mind. Years of masking, being misunderstood or criticised, and trying to fit expectations that do not suit you can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, low self-esteem or burnout.
Some people come after a recent diagnosis, making sense of their life through a new lens. Others are self-identified or still wondering. All are welcome.
How I work with neurodivergent clients
Affirming, not fixing
I'm not here to fix you, and I do not see your neurodivergence as a problem to solve. My aim is to understand how you experience the world and support you with whatever you want to work on, whether that is anxiety, relationships, burnout, identity or something else entirely. If you want to explore masking, we can look at where it protects you, where it costs you, and what it might be like to drop it a little in places that feel safe.
Adapting to you
Traditional talking therapy can feel hard if it assumes one way of communicating. I am happy to adapt. For example, we can:
- Agree a clear structure for sessions, or keep them more open, depending on what helps
- Have cameras on or off for online sessions
- Take breaks, move around, stim or use fidget items freely
- Use direct, literal language and check meaning rather than assume
- Agree topics in advance by message, if that helps you prepare
- Adjust lighting, seating or noise for in-person sessions where possible
You are the expert on your own experience, and I will ask rather than assume what works for you.
Drawing on different approaches
As an integrative psychotherapist, I draw on person-centred, psychodynamic and CBT-informed ideas, adapted to neurodivergent experience. That might mean exploring the impact of past experiences of being misunderstood, unpicking the inner critic that grew from years of being told you were getting it wrong, or finding practical strategies for overwhelm, transitions and energy. You may also find my pages on stress and burnout and low self-esteem relevant.
We can also make room for the strengths in how your mind works, such as your interests, focus, creativity or sense of fairness, which can easily get lost in a story that only focuses on difficulties.
About diagnosis
I do not diagnose ADHD, autism or any other condition. If you are wondering about assessment, we can talk about what it might mean for you, and I can point you towards your GP as a starting point. Many people find it useful to explore their experiences in therapy whether or not they pursue a formal diagnosis.
What to expect
We begin with an initial consultation. If you would prefer a particular way to start, for example exchanging a few messages first, let me know through the contact page. I can also explain in detail what to expect in your first session, so there are no surprises.
I work with adults online across the UK and internationally, and in person in Farringdon, Central London.
Questions
Common questions
Do I need a diagnosis to work with you?
No. You are welcome whether you have a formal diagnosis, are self-identified or are simply wondering. I do not diagnose, but I can listen to your experience and help you think about next steps if you want an assessment.
What does neurodiversity-affirming therapy mean?
It means I see neurodivergence as a natural difference rather than something to be fixed. Therapy focuses on your wellbeing and what you want to work on, not on making you appear more neurotypical.
Can you help with ADHD or autistic burnout?
Many people find therapy helpful for understanding burnout, reducing masking where it feels safe to do so and finding ways to protect their energy. We work at your pace and adapt sessions to what you need.
Can sessions be adapted to my needs?
Yes. We can talk about things like structure, breaks or having cameras off. Just let me know what helps, and we can adjust as we go.
I have just been diagnosed as an adult. Is it normal to feel mixed emotions?
Yes, very. Many people feel relief, grief for the younger self who struggled without understanding why, and anger at being missed. Therapy can be a place to make sense of all of this.
