Anna | Counsellor

Hi, my name's Anna and I offer Counselling with a Difference. My lived experience, in addition to formal training, enables me to adapt my approach to suit your unique needs, even when traditional approaches have made little impact. 

My particular specialism is counselling for Neurodivergence, including autism and ADHD. 

You don't have to be diagnosed or even fit the criteria for me to help you. I have helped people who are self-diagnosed, people waiting years on waiting lists, and people who've been diagnosed but want more support. Having raised three autistic children, I also have experience from the other side of the fence - as a parent and loved one.

And if you're not neurodivergent, I'm also trained to work with client's general life difficulties, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, bereavement and relationship difficulties. 

As a member of the LGBTQiA+ community, I have experience and training in working with many issues that come along with having a sexuality or gender identity that differs from others. I can offer you a safe place to talk about your issues without worrying about judgement. My philosophy is that the client is who they say they are.

Whoever you are, I can help you to embrace the person you are, without shame; to start from where you are rather than where others think you 'should' be; to feel 'different not less' (to quote Temple Grandin).

How I work

My counselling training was originally Person-Centred Counselling - a Humanistic school of therapy which regards the client as the expert of their own mind. I will not analyse you, tell you how you feel or give you worksheets. These days I integrate my approach with other methodologies as are appropriate to each client.

Sessions are typically relaxed and I will encourage you to talk about whatever comes to your mind. My job is to provide an empathic, genuine, accepting and non-judgemental space for you to work things out.

I adapt my way of working according to the individual clients needs, and this is especially true with neurodivergent clients. I may talk more than many counsellors, and often we will be discussing or problem-solving issues together. It is not my job to advise you, but with almost 30 years lived experience of neurodivergence, I am always happy to mine my experiences for useful ideas and stories.

With couples I work a little differently: For couples, I'm more of a facilitator and coach, and there will be homework! The relationship is my client, rather than the two of you individually, and we will work as a team to improve your communication and connection with each other with the goal of improving your relationship.

If you would like to know more or book an appointment, please send me a message via the send a message - button.