Supporting Neurodivergent Minds with Compassion and Expertise
Neurodivergence is a natural and valuable variation in how human brains think, process, and experience the world. This umbrella includes (but is not limited to) autism, ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing differences, and other cognitive styles. Being neurodivergent doesn’t mean something is “wrong”—it simply means a person’s brain works differently. These differences can bring unique strengths, perspectives, and creativity, as well as challenges in navigating environments not designed with those differences in mind.
In my practice, I offer a neuroaffirming approach grounded in respect, understanding, and empowerment. Whether you’re exploring a new diagnosis, seeking support for executive functioning or sensory needs, or navigating identity and self-acceptance, I provide a space where your experiences are seen and validated.
Autistic Experiences
Sensory Overload – Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sound, light, touch, smell, taste, or movement.
Social Energy & Communication Differences –Socialising can be draining or confusing due to differing communication styles and social norms.
Need for Routine & Predictability – Structure provides safety; sudden change may cause distress.
Monotropism / Focused Interests – Deep focus on areas of passion can make task-switching hard.
Emotional Regulation & Meltdowns – Emotions may be intense; meltdowns are expressions of overwhelm, not misbehaviour.
Executive Functioning Challenges – Planning, initiating, prioritising, and task completion can be inconsistent.
Social Misunderstandings & Rejection Sensitivity – Differences in expression may lead to exclusion or criticism.
Masking & Camouflaging – Suppressing autistic traits to fit in can cause exhaustion, anxiety, and identity confusion.
Demand Avoidance / Autonomy Needss –Strong need for control and autonomy, often heightened by stress.
Anxiety & Burnout – Chronic stress from sensory/social/environmental mismatch.
Identity & Self-Concept -Internalised ableism and misunderstanding can impact self-worth.
Autistic Strengths
Focus & Attention – Autistic people often demonstrate monotropism — a natural ability to focus deeply on meaningful tasks, achieving high accuracy and mastery in areas of passion.
Knowledge & Learning – Autistic learners thrive when exploring subjects that align with their interests, often developing expert-level understanding and long-term retention.
Integrity & Authenticity – Many autistic people communicate with refreshing clarity and sincerity, valuing truth, fairness, and consistency — qualities that foster genuine trust.
Creativity & Innovation – Thinking “outside the box” is often natural, leading to creative insights, innovation, and the ability to see solutions others may overlook.
Perceptual Awareness – Heightened sensory perception allows for rich, detailed experiences of the world and the ability to detect nuances others might miss.
Persistence & Reliability – When supported and regulated, autistic individuals often bring remarkable persistence, dedication, and reliability to their pursuits and responsibilities.
Moral & Ethical Reasoning – Many autistic people are guided by deeply held moral principles, striving for fairness and honesty even in complex situations.
Emotional Insight & Empathy – Contrary to stereotypes, autistic empathy can be profound — especially toward others’ struggles, injustices, or emotions. It may be expressed differently but felt deeply.
Systemising & Logic – Logical reasoning and an ability to detect inconsistencies make autistic people excellent analysts, coders, researchers, or organisers.
Sensory & Aesthetic Appreciation – Sensory richness can lead to deep artistic, musical, or design sensitivity — seeing and feeling beauty in vivid, meaningful ways.
Pattern & Detail Recognition – This strength supports roles in science, art, engineering, quality control, and other areas where precision matters.
Honourable Communication – Autistic communication tends to value clarity and honesty, supporting authentic relationships and ethical workplaces.
Loyalty & Commitment – When connections are formed, they are often profound and enduring. Autistic loyalty stems from authenticity, not social obligation.
Unique Worldview – Autistic people bring alternative perspectives that challenge conformity and invite creative, compassionate reimagining of systems and ideas.
ADHD Experiences
Executive Functioning Differences – ADHD brains often find it hard to organise, plan, prioritise, or shift tasks due to inconsistent executive function activation.
Task Initiation & Motivation – The ADHD brain is interest-based, not importance-based. Tasks feel impossible without stimulation or emotional connection.
Emotional Intensity & Rejection Sensitivity (RSD) – Emotions are experienced quickly and deeply; rejection can trigger strong pain or shame.
Inconsistent Attention / Hyperfocus – Focus is highly variable — can swing between distractibility and deep, immersive attention.
Working Memory Differences – Forgetting steps or instructions, or losing track mid-task, is common.
Sensory & Movement Needs – Movement and sensory input support attention and regulation.
Energy Regulation & Burnout – ADHDers may cycle between intense activity and exhaustion.
Overwhelm & Stress Sensitivity – Fast processing and emotional reactivity can cause overload in busy or unpredictable environments.
Impulsivity & Rapid Decision-Making – Acting quickly can lead to creative breakthroughs but also risk-taking or regret.
Self-Concept & Shame – Many ADHDers internalise years of misunderstanding (“lazy,” “unmotivated,” “careless”).
ADHD Strengths
Creativity & Innovation – ADHD minds are wired for creativity — they make novel connections, think outside the box, and often excel in brainstorming and innovation.
Hyperfocus & Passion – When engaged, people with ADHD can sustain powerful focus and energy, often producing exceptional work in areas that spark their curiosity.
Energy & Enthusiasm – ADHD individuals bring vitality and enthusiasm to projects and relationships — energising others and driving momentum.
Adaptability & Resilience – ADHD brains thrive in fast-paced, changing environments. They can pivot easily, innovate under pressure, and bounce back after challenges.
Problem-Solving & Innovation – ADHD fosters non-linear thinking — ideal for creative problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and fields requiring adaptability.
Curiosity & Lifelong Learning – People with ADHD often develop deep but diverse knowledge bases through passionate exploration and self-directed learning.
Empathy & Intuition – Emotional intensity brings deep empathy and compassion — ADHD individuals often notice others’ moods and respond with warmth and care.
Spontaneity & Playfulness – ADHD can bring lightness and joy to social or work settings — encouraging creativity, laughter, and new experiences.
Courage & Risk-Taking – Impulsivity, when channelled positively, becomes bravery — the willingness to take chances and innovate without fear of failure.
Hyper-Responsiveness to Urgency – ADHD individuals often excel in emergency, leadership, or performance roles where quick thinking and adrenaline drive focus.
Visionary Thinking – ADHD fosters imagination and strategic foresight — the ability to envision possibilities beyond conventional limits.
Sensitivity & Awareness – This heightened sensitivity, while sometimes overwhelming, can also guide creativity, empathy, and authenticity.
Persistence (When Engaged) – Once committed, ADHD individuals can sustain immense energy toward causes, projects, or relationships that matter to them.
Big-Heartedness & Connection – ADHD often comes with sincerity, kindness, and emotional openness that foster deep, genuine connections.
Individual Therapy for Neurodivergent Adults
Therapy is a collaborative space where neurodivergent individuals can explore, process, and grow—not by becoming someone else, but by reconnecting with their most authentic selves.
In my work with neurodivergent clients, individual therapy is tailored to honor your lived experiences, affirm your identity, and help you navigate the world in ways that feel sustainable, empowering, and aligned with your values. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, self-identified, or still exploring what neurodivergence means to you, this is a space where you don’t need to mask or explain the validity of your experience.
Common areas of focus include:
Building a strong and affirming self-concept after years of masking, misunderstanding, or feeling “othered”
Leaning into your strengths—whether that means creative thinking, deep focus, sensitivity, innovation, or unique ways of processing and connecting
Addressing internalised ableism and negative self-beliefs, often shaped by environments that didn’t reflect your needs or celebrate your differences
Managing emotional regulation challenges, including experiences like overwhelm, shutdown, and burnout
Healing from Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and chronic invalidation, which can deeply impact self-worth and relationships
Navigating relationships, boundaries, and communication in a way that supports your nervous system and honors your communication style
Coping with anxiety, depression, and trauma through a neuroaffirming lens
I often integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and/or Flash Technique (further information below) into therapy when addressing barriers like RSD, social trauma, or longstanding negative core beliefs such as “I’m too much,” “I don’t belong,” or “I always mess things up.” EMDR can be especially helpful for neurodivergent clients when adapted thoughtfully to respect sensory needs and pacing.
Above all, my goal is to co-create a space where your full self is welcome—where you can feel seen, heard, and supported, not as a project to be fixed but as a person worthy of care and connection.