Service categories: Counselling and therapies

Service URL: https://throughcounselling.co.uk

A space to be understood, not to be changed.

My name is Paul, and I provide one-to-one counselling for people aged 16 and over, with a particular focus on supporting autistic people and those with other neurodevelopmental differences.

My approach is informed by professional counselling experience, a neurodiversity-affirming perspective and lived experience. I understand that autism is different for everyone, and I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.

Counselling for autistic people

You may have spent years feeling misunderstood, different, overwhelmed or as though you have had to adapt yourself to fit into the world around you.

You may be experiencing:

• Anxiety, depression or low mood.
• Autistic burnout, exhaustion or overwhelm.
• Masking or camouflaging.
• Sensory difficulties.
• Emotional regulation difficulties.
• Relationship or communication difficulties.
• Low self-esteem or confidence.
• Difficulties understanding or accepting your autistic identity.
• Feeling isolated, misunderstood or constantly under pressure.

You may appear to manage well on the outside while privately finding things much harder than others realise.

Your autism, your experience

There is no single way to be autistic. Different autistic profiles, communication styles, sensory experiences, strengths and support needs mean that what works for one person may not work for another.

I take the time to understand you, rather than making assumptions based on a diagnosis or trying to make you fit a particular idea of autism.

I also recognise that autism can exist alongside other neurodevelopmental differences, including ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome and developmental language differences.

A place where you can be yourself

Counselling with me is not about changing who you are or teaching you how to appear more “normal”.

You don't need to mask, make eye contact, find the perfect words or communicate in a particular way. We can work at your pace, in a way that feels comfortable for you.

Whether you are newly diagnosed or have known you are autistic for years, you are welcome here.

You do not need a formal autism diagnosis to access my counselling service.

If you feel that counselling could help, you are welcome to get in touch. You don't need to have everything figured out before we begin.

Aimed at: Adolescent , Adult , Adult sibling, Anyone with an Association to Autism, 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, Students, Young person

Referral Sources: Private Only, Yourself

Specialisms: Autism, Autism and Neurodivergent

Other specialisms: My specialisms include supporting neurodivergent adults, autistic people and different autistic profiles, as well as LGBTQ+ clients and people experiencing anxiety. phobias and emotional difficulties. I also support people exploring identity, diagnosis and self-understanding, with an affirming, trauma informed, collaborative and respectful approach.