My Ethos
I believe that living life as an autistic or neurodivergent person in a neurotypical world can be really hard. We are more likely to suffer from mental health problems, struggle to hold down jobs and to feel accepted by our communities. Masking our difficulties can help us to feel like we are ‘fitting in’ and might help us to maintain jobs and friendships but often results in loneliness, exhaustion and burnout.
I believe that autistic and neurodivergent people can live fulfilling lives, feel connected with other people, offer unique and useful perspectives and find joy and nourishment in all sorts of activities and experiences.
I can help you to identify what you need in order to thrive in a world that doesn’t always take account of your needs.
Identity first language
A survey of the autistic community found that the majority of autistic people prefer to be referred to as an ‘autistic person’ rather than a ‘person with autism’ as such I have defaulted to using ‘identity first’ rather than ‘person first’, language. However, I am happy to refer to you with ‘person first’ language if that is your preference.
My Training and Work Experience
I am an HCPC Registered, Chartered Clinical Psychologist. This means I have been trained to doctorate level in understanding and treating people across the lifespan with mental health problems, neurodiversity, intellectual disability, developmental disorders and brain injuries. I have also attended additional training in working with autistic people and adapting psychological therapy to make it accessible for autistic and neurodivergent adults.
I have a special interest in working with adults who are autistic and do no not have a learning disability. This group of people used to be diagnosed with ‘Asperger’s syndrome’ or ‘high functioning autism’ however these terms are no longer used in the diagnostic manuals. I also understand that many autistic and neurodiverse people have not received official diagnoses. I am happy to work with you without a formal diagnosis.
My Personal Experience
As an autistic person I have personal experience of the difficulties associated with managing my own sensory, social and emotional needs living in a neurotypical world. This does not mean that I know how you feel or what your specific needs are and as such I will refrain from talking about my own experience in our sessions. However, there is research evidence that autistic people find it easier to communicate with other autistic people, this might make therapy easier for you, particularly if you are anxious about talking to someone new.
As someone who has personally struggled, and has an autistic daughter I am committed to making life an easier, happier place to be for all autistic and neurodivergent people.
