Neurodiversity

Many people come to therapy with a long-standing sense that they experience the world differently to those around them. 

Perhaps you have always felt out of step with others, found certain aspects of life unexpectedly challenging, struggled to understand yourself, or wondered why things that seem easy for other people can feel exhausting, overwhelming or confusing. For some people, learning about neurodiversity can be a profound experience. Perhaps you have come across information online, listened to a podcast, read a book or spoken with others and found yourself recognising aspects of your own experience for the first time. 

Increasingly, people are seeking assessment, diagnosis or support relating to experiences such as Autism, ADHD or ADD. Others may identify with experiences commonly associated with neurodiversity, such as sensory sensitivities, difficulties with attention and organisation, emotional intensity, rejection sensitivity, social differences, burnout, masking, or feeling chronically misunderstood. 

Whether you have a diagnosis, are considering seeking one, or are simply exploring what these ideas might mean for you, therapy can provide a space for thoughtful exploration and understanding.

I offer a free 20-minute initial consultation so we can discuss what is bringing you to therapy and whether working together feels the right fit.

Neurodiversity is not new. Human beings have always experienced and interacted with the world in different ways. 

What has changed is our growing understanding of these differences and the increasing availability of language, research and support that can help people make sense of their experiences. 

As a Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapist, I do not provide diagnostic assessments or formal diagnoses. My role is not to determine whether you are neurodivergent. What I can offer is a space to explore what your experiences mean to you and how they may be impacting your relationships, emotional wellbeing, sense of self and daily life. 

You do not need a diagnosis to explore these questions in therapy, nor do you need to be pursuing one. 

For some people, therapy provides a space to make sense of a recent diagnosis. For others, it offers an opportunity to explore whether assessment feels relevant or helpful. Many people simply want a place to reflect on lifelong experiences that they are beginning to view through a different lens. Therapy can be valuable whether you identify as neurodivergent, are curious about the concept, are questioning what it might mean for you, or simply recognise aspects of your experience in what you are learning.

A diagnosis can sometimes bring relief, validation and a new sense of understanding. It can also raise new questions. 

You may find yourself reflecting on past experiences, relationships, education, work, family dynamics or missed opportunities through a different lens. You may feel excitement, grief, anger, confusion, acceptance or all of these things at once.  

Therapy can provide a space where these experiences can be explored with curiosity and compassion. 

The goal is not simply to acquire a label. 

The goal is to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and what helps you live well.

Many people find themselves reflecting on how neurodiversity affects relationships, communication, work, family life, self-esteem and emotional wellbeing. 

Together, we can explore how you relate to yourself and others, what support you need, what challenges you face and how you might navigate life in ways that feel more sustainable and authentic. 

For some people, this may involve understanding patterns of masking, people-pleasing or burnout. For others, it may involve making sense of rejection sensitivity, emotional overwhelm, sensory differences or longstanding feelings of being misunderstood. 

There is no single neurodivergent experience. The aim is to understand yours. 

Neurodiversity rarely affects only the individual. Many people come to therapy because they are supporting a child, partner or family member and are trying to make sense of the impact this is having on family life, relationships and their own wellbeing. 

Parents in particular can find themselves navigating assessments, school systems, diagnoses, advocacy, emotional overwhelm and the challenge of supporting a child whose needs may not always be well understood by others. Alongside the practical demands, there can be grief, guilt, uncertainty, worry and exhaustion. 

Therapy can provide a space to think about these experiences, explore how best to support both yourself and those you care about, and ensure that your own needs do not get lost in the process.

I have worked with many neurodivergent clients and recognise that different people have different needs within therapy. 

Where possible, I aim to offer flexibility and accommodations that support the therapeutic process, including clarity around appointments, openness to discussing how sessions are structured, and a collaborative approach to pacing our work together. 

I also recognise that many people find themselves considering assessment, diagnosis or medication. While I do not assess, diagnose or prescribe, I am familiar with the questions, hopes, concerns and uncertainties that can arise when navigating these decisions. 

Therapy can provide a space to think through these experiences without pressure or judgement. 

Whether neurodiversity ultimately becomes an important part of how you understand yourself, or simply one of several lenses through which to explore your experiences, therapy can provide a space to approach these questions thoughtfully, compassionately and without pressure to arrive at any particular conclusion.

Supporting neurodivergent clients is an area of ongoing professional interest and development for me. 

Alongside my Master’s training in Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy, I have undertaken additional professional training in working with neurodivergent clients, including developing my understanding of the ways neurodiversity can intersect with many aspects of wellbeing, including trauma, anxiety, relationships, and eating and body image difficulties. 

I am committed to continuing my learning in this evolving area and to creating a therapeutic space that is respectful, collaborative and responsive to individual needs.

If you are exploring neurodiversity, considering assessment, or looking for further information and support, you may find the following resources helpful: 

•  National Autistic Society – Information, guidance and support for autistic people, their families and professionals. 

•  ADHD UK – Information and support relating to ADHD in adults and children. 

•  ADHD Foundation – Resources, education and practical guidance around ADHD and neurodiversity. 

•  NHS Autism Information and Assessment Pathways – Information about autism, referral pathways and assessment through NHS services. 

•  NHS ADHD Information – Information about ADHD, diagnosis and support options. 

If you are considering assessment, your GP is usually the first point of contact for discussing NHS referral pathways. Some people also choose to pursue private assessment. Therapy can provide a space to think through these options, but there is no requirement to seek diagnosis in order to explore these experiences or benefit from psychotherapy. 

If you’re wondering whether therapy could help, I offer a free initial consultation call. It’s an opportunity for us to talk about what is bringing you to therapy, answer any questions you may have, and get a sense of whether working together feels like the right fit.