Neurodivergence describes the natural variation in how people think, process information, communicate, experience emotions and interact with the world. ADHD and autism are two common forms of neurodivergence, and each person’s experience can look very different.

Neurodivergent people may experience challenges with attention, executive functioning, sensory processing, emotional regulation, social interactions, routines or managing everyday demands. At the same time, neurodivergence can be associated with individual strengths, interests and ways of thinking that are important to recognise and respect.

Counselling can provide a space to better understand how your neurodivergence affects you, develop strategies that fit the way your brain works, and explore difficulties without treating neurodivergence itself as something that needs to be “fixed”.

My approach is neurodiversity-affirming, collaborative and tailored to the individual. Rather than assuming there is one “right” way to think, communicate or function, therapy focuses on understanding your experiences and identifying what is helpful for you.

Depending on your needs and goals, we might explore emotional regulation, executive functioning, sensory needs, relationships, communication, self-esteem, masking, burnout, boundaries or managing everyday demands.

I draw on approaches including CBT, ACT, DBT and other therapeutic strategies, adapting them where appropriate to suit neurodivergent ways of thinking and processing. Therapy can also provide space to explore identity, self-understanding and the experience of receiving or considering an ADHD or autism diagnosis.

Counselling can support a range of experiences associated with ADHD, autism and neurodivergence, including:

• Executive functioning and organisation

• Attention, focus and procrastination

• Emotional regulation

• Sensory overwhelm and sensory needs

• Autistic burnout and managing energy

• Masking and its impact on wellbeing

• Anxiety, stress and low mood

• Self-esteem and self-criticism

• Understanding your neurodivergent identity

• Relationships and communication

• Social difficulties and navigating expectations

• Routines, transitions and adapting to change

• Perfectionism and feeling overwhelmed by demands

• Work, study and everyday functioning

• Developing strategies that work with your individual strengths and needs