Service categories: Counselling and therapies

Service URL: https://www.emmawestoncounselling.com/neurodiversity

Secondary URL: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/emma-weston?_gl=1*l59qun*_gcl_au*Mzk5MjAwODg4LjE3Nzg2NzQzMjU.*_ga*MTAxNjc2Njc0NC4xNzc4Njc0MzIz*_ga_BMWGCG64PD*czE3Nzg2NzQzMjMkbzEkZzEkdDE3Nzg2NzQzOTYkajUxJGwwJGgw

Specialised support for Neurodivergent brains - autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, and neurodivergent adults, grounded in neurodiversity affirmation and trauma-informed practice. Whether you are diagnosed, identify as neurodivergent or are beginning to explore your identity, I aim to provide a safe space for you to understand your self better. 

I am a neurodivergent BACP Accredited Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor. I bring both professional understanding and lived experience of neurodiversity. My approach is neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed, supporting clients to work on what's important to them in therapy and at their own pace.

During my voluntary work with an autism charity in 2012, I became curious about how other therapists worked with neurodivergent clients and I had already tailored my own approach to ensure my work was adapted for my clients to include adapting the environment for different sensory needs, using visual and creative methods, being aware of communication style and adapting this as appropriate, offering psychoeducation, and weaving in clients' interests and the things they are passionate about where helpful.

I explored this further through my Master's research, which examined therapists' experiences of working with neurodivergent people using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.

What is Neurodiversity? Neurodiversity is the diversity of human minds and variations are normal and valuable, with neurodiversity being the concept that neurological differences are to be recognised and respected as any other human variation. The term 'neurodiversity' was coined by the Australian sociologist Judy Singer in 1998, and stands in opposition to viewing people as 'suffering' from deficits, diseases or dysfunctions in their mental processing, suggesting instead that we speak about differences in cognitive functioning.

The term 'neurodiverse' includes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, learning disabilities, learning difficulties, epilepsy, various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar, schizophrenia, eating disorders, developmental conditions such as developmental language disorder, acquired memory losses, Tourette's and other neurominorities.

Many neurodivergent people live with a nervous system that feels more easily overwhelmed. You might notice that stress, sensory input, or social interaction can quickly tip you into anxiety, agitation, or shutdown. This experience is often described as having a narrower window of tolerance: a smaller range in which the nervous system feels settled, flexible, and able to cope.

Aimed at: Adult , Adult sibling, Anyone with an Association to Autism, Businesses, Parent or carer of under 18, Parent/carer of a child, Parent/carer of a young person, Parent/carer of an adult, Parents or carers, families, adults, Partner, Professional, School, Students, Volunteer

Referral Sources: Education, NHS and Private, NHS Consultant, NHS primary care, Private Only, Social Care, Yourself

Other specialisms: My work is neurodiversity‑affirming and trauma‑informed, grounded in a relational, Person‑Centred approach that honours you as the expert on your own life. My passion is in supporting neurodivergent - Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD and other neurodivergent identities, highly sensitive adults and families, and those experiencing grief, loss, or life transitions. I hold an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice (research-based, focused on understanding how to best work with neurodivergent people), I am EMDR trained, and I am an Accredited Member of the BACP.