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Specialist therapy for neurodivergent children, teenagers, and young adults with deep understanding of their unique strengths and challenges
Every neurodivergent individual has unique strengths, challenges, and ways of experiencing the world. Through my experience working in SEN schools, I have developed a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of supporting neurodivergent young people in their mental health journey.
Neurodiversity encompasses conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette's syndrome, and other neurological differences. Rather than viewing these as deficits, I approach neurodiversity from a strengths-based perspective, recognizing that different neurological wiring brings both unique challenges and remarkable abilities.
My hands-on experience working in Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools has provided me with invaluable insights into the daily realities faced by neurodivergent young people. This experience has taught me:
Understanding that each neurodivergent child processes information differently and requires tailored approaches to learning and communication.
Recognizing how sensory processing differences impact daily functioning and therapeutic engagement, and adapting environments accordingly.
Developing flexible communication strategies that work with each individual's preferred methods of expression and understanding.
Understanding the importance of predictability and clear expectations while maintaining flexibility when needed.
Working closely with families, schools, and other professionals to create consistent support across all environments.
Identifying and building upon each individual's unique strengths, interests, and natural abilities.
Effective therapy for neurodivergent individuals often requires thoughtful adaptations to ensure full engagement and meaningful progress. Based on my SEN experience, I understand that one size does not fit all.
Sessions may be shorter to accommodate attention spans and processing needs. Some clients thrive with 30-minute sessions, while others benefit from traditional 50-minute sessions. We find what works best for each individual.
Adjusting lighting, noise levels, and sensory elements in the therapy room to create a comfortable space that reduces overwhelm and supports focus.
Using visual aids, social stories, charts, and hands-on materials to support understanding and communication when verbal processing is challenging.
Incorporating movement breaks and fidget tools when needed, understanding that physical movement often supports concentration and emotional regulation for neurodivergent individuals.
Providing clear session structure with visual schedules when helpful, while maintaining flexibility to adapt based on the individual's needs on any given day.
Incorporating the client's special interests and passions into therapy sessions to build rapport and create meaningful connections to therapeutic goals.
Sessions often incorporate play therapy techniques, visual schedules, and hands-on activities tailored to the child's interests and learning style.
Teen sessions focus on building confidence, self-understanding, and practical skills for increasing independence.
Therapy becomes an exploration space where young adults can discover their authentic selves, build on their strengths, and develop strategies for thriving in adult life.
Supporting the development of planning, organization, time management, and task initiation skills through practical strategies and tools.
Understanding sensory needs and developing coping strategies for overwhelming environments or sensory-seeking behaviors.
Building skills for reading social cues, maintaining friendships, and navigating complex social situations with confidence.
Developing strategies for managing big emotions, meltdowns, and overwhelming feelings in healthy ways.
Addressing anxiety that often accompanies neurodivergent conditions, particularly around social situations and changes.
Building positive self-concept and understanding personal strengths while addressing feelings of being "different" or misunderstood.
For neurodivergent teenagers and young adults especially, therapy becomes a unique exploration space where they can:
Free from external expectations and pressures, clients can explore who they truly are, what matters to them, and how they want to navigate the world.
Learning about their specific neurological differences, how their brain works, and why certain things that are easy for others might be challenging for them.
Trying different approaches to challenges without fear of judgment, finding what works for their unique brain and lifestyle.
Learning to communicate their needs, ask for accommodations, and educate others about their neurodivergent experience.
Making sense of past experiences, trauma, or feeling misunderstood, while building resilience for future challenges.
Exploring career paths, relationships, and life goals that align with their strengths and accommodate their challenges.
Families play a crucial role in supporting neurodivergent individuals. My work often includes:
Helping families understand their child's neurodivergent profile, including strengths and challenges, to respond with empathy and appropriate support.
Teaching practical strategies for daily challenges like routines, transitions, emotional regulation, and communication.
Supporting parents in advocating for their child's needs in school, healthcare, and community settings.
Helping families recognize and nurture their child's unique strengths, interests, and abilities.
Whether you're a neurodivergent individual seeking understanding and strategies, or a family looking for support, therapy can provide a safe space for growth, exploration, and positive change.
All consultations are confidential and take place in my comfortable, neurodiversity-friendly practice in Colchester, Essex.