Trauma Archives | NeuroDirect

United Kingdom

Designations: ProfDip

Before qualifying as a counsellor, I spent over a decade supporting people through complex life challenges in family support and community services. I also have lived experience of burnout and neurodivergence. Together, these experiences continue to shape my compassionate, trauma-informed approach today.I work in a person centred way which is non-directive and gives space for you to find what works best for you. I am an integrative counsellor which means I have a range of ways of working and we collaborate to find what is most supportive to you. If you’re neurodivergent, you may be used to feeling misunderstood or expected to function in ways that do not come naturally to you.You might notice cycles of burnout, masking, people-pleasing or overwhelm that are difficult to break. Social situations may leave you drained, your mind may feel crowded with competing demands, or hyperfocus may make it hard to stop and shift to what comes next.These patterns are not signs that you are failing. I understand this experience personally and through my professional work and can help you find ways of working with your brain, communicating your needs and protecting your energy.Although I work with a wide range of people I have a particular interest in supporting spiritually minded, neurodivergent women who are experiencing burnout and/or anxiety.

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United Kingdom

Designations: PGDIP, MNCPS Acc.

Hi, I’m Fiona, thanks for checking me out. I’m a warm and friendly relational therapist, working online and face-to-face from my counselling room in Hoylake, on the Wirral. I was late diagnosed ADHD with autistic traits in my late fifties, as I was training to be a psychotherapist, and went to therapy myself to work out what this meant for me. So I understand how it can be to feel different, from the earliest of times, to not fit in, or not have ‘the rule book’ of life. If you are on the pathway, or newly diagnosed, having a neurodivergent therapist is so important for your journey – you don’t need to explain yourself to me, or justify anything in your life, there is no shame or guilting from me (as I definitely have been there and got the T-shirt!). I’m here to help you explore what diagnosis might mean for you, to help you make sense of it all, and focus on what your needs are, going forward in life.I also offer Internal Family Systems (IFS), a compassionate and effective therapy that helps people understand and heal the different “parts” of themselves. IFS recognises that we have inner parts that hold emotions, memories, and protective roles. By approaching these parts with curiosity and care, it’s possible to gently resolve trauma, intrusive memories, and patterns that you may have believed are stuck forever. This process can be deeply transformative.I can also support you if you’re living with chronic health conditions, have experienced childhood or relationship trauma, and if you’re recovering from coercive control or abuse. Being neurodivergent can make us vulnerable to workplace abuse and bullying; if this is you, I can help you work through this horrible experience and regain your self-confidence.My work is always guided by curiosity, respect, and the belief that every person has an inner capacity for healing. In therapy, we work together as a team, and you are in control of what happens at each stage.

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United Kingdom

Designations: MSc, LLB,

Perhaps you’ve spent years feeling like everyone else was given a rule book for life that you somehow missed.You’re the one who holds everything together. You overthink conversations, replay mistakes, feel exhausted from trying to meet everyone else’s expectations, and wonder why everyday life seems to take so much more effort than it appears to for other people. You may have recently discovered you’re autistic, have ADHD, identify as AuDHD, or perhaps you’re still exploring what neurodivergence means for you.If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.I’m Georgina, an integrative counsellor and coach specialising in working with neurodivergent adults. My practice is neuro-affirming, which means I don’t see autism or ADHD as problems to be fixed. Instead, I help you understand how your brain works, make sense of your experiences, and build a life that fits you rather than constantly trying to fit yourself into a world that wasn’t designed with neurodivergent people in mind.Alongside my professional training, I also bring lived experience as an AuDHD woman. That means many of the challenges we might explore together, masking, burnout, people-pleasing, sensory overwhelm, self-doubt, imposter syndrome and feeling “too much” or “not enough”, are things I understand from both a professional and personal perspective.My approach is warm, collaborative and down to earth. I draw on person-centred therapy, Gestalt and CBT, adapting each session to suit you rather than expecting you to adapt to a particular therapeutic model. There are no rigid worksheets, no pressure to perform, and no expectation that you’ll always know what to say. Therapy is a space where you can unmask, be curious about yourself, and discover what helps you thrive.Alongside counselling, I also offer coaching for neurodivergent adults who want practical support with confidence, self-understanding, life transitions or creating a more sustainable way of living and working.Whether you’re navigating a late diagnosis, recovering from autistic burnout, struggling with anxiety or low self-esteem, questioning your identity, or simply feeling exhausted from years of masking, my aim is to offer a space where you feel understood without having to explain every part of yourself.You don’t need fixing. You deserve support that recognises your strengths, honours your differences, and helps you become more fully yourself.

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United Kingdom

Designations: MBACP

I’m Claire Kelly, an integrative counsellor and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, based in Street, near Glastonbury, Somerset.I offer a warm, confidential and non-judgemental space for adults aged 16 and over who may feel emotionally overwhelmed, highly sensitive, different, misunderstood or disconnected from themselves.I support people experiencing anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, emotional exhaustion, identity changes and neurodiversity. I have a particular interest in the experiences of ADHD, autism, masking, burnout, sensitivity and the lifelong feeling of not quite fitting in. You do not need a formal diagnosis to explore these experiences in counselling.My approach is integrative, trauma-informed and body-aware. I work with each person as a whole individual, rather than applying a fixed formula. Our sessions may include reflective conversation, compassionate enquiry, grounding, body awareness, mindfulness and creative or symbolic exploration, depending on what feels helpful and appropriate for you.I am also interested in the deeper questions that can arise around meaning, belonging, authenticity and purpose. For some people, emotional and psychological healing naturally connects with their own sense of spirituality. This is always approached personally and without judgement, pressure or expectation.Claire’s approach does not treat neurodiversity as something to be cured or corrected. The aim is to offer a compassionate space where clients can understand themselves more deeply, recognise their needs, explore identity and belonging, and move towards greater self-acceptance.I offer in-person counselling in Street, near Glastonbury, Somerset, and online counselling across the UK. Sessions are available on a sliding scale, and I offer a free 20-minute consultation so that we can briefly explore what has brought you to counselling and whether working together feels right.

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United Kingdom

Designations: Consultant Clinical Psychologist – BSc (Hons), D.Clin.Psychol, AFBPS

Thank you for reading my page. I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with extensive NHS and independent practice experience working with adults experiencing a wide range of psychological difficulties. I have completed training in alleviating chronic burnout in ADHD and Autism and supporting neurodivergent adults with rejection sensitivity (RSD). I have also completed the ADHD assessment and diagnosis training facilitated through Kings College London (UKAAN) [Although I am not offering specific ADHD diagnostic assessments at present].I have particular expertise in the assessment and treatment of trauma, PTSD and complex trauma, as well as anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, stress-related difficulties and problems affecting emotional wellbeing, relationships and day-to-day functioning.I provide evidence-based psychological therapy tailored to the individual needs of each person. My therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and integrative approaches informed by current psychological research and clinical practice.My approach is collaborative, compassionate and practical, with an emphasis on helping people feel understood while working toward meaningful and lasting change. I aim to provide a supportive and thoughtful therapeutic environment where people can safely explore difficulties and develop effective strategies for recovery and improved wellbeing.Alongside general adult mental health work, I have specialist experience working with trauma arising from occupational stress, critical incidents and high-responsibility professional roles, including work within aviation and other safety-critical environments.I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and am an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (BPS). I welcome enquiries from adults seeking psychological support and am happy to discuss whether my approach would be a good fit for their needs.

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United Kingdom

Designations: BAhons, Cdip

My name is Steph and I know that choosing a counsellor can be a daunting experience and it is important to feel reassured and to be able to feel you can connect with your counsellor. Here is a little bit about me, and who I am.I am a down to earth, fun and quirky person. I see the best in people and understand that we have all come from different places in life, for this sometimes we are judged or treated differently. I was born in the south and have since moved to Northumberland. I love the area, the people and find the atmosphere and sea very calming. I enjoy walking my dogs on the beach, arts and crafts, reading and coffee!I strive to provide a safe and nurturing space for individuals to explore their mental health and well-being. I use an integrated counselling approach which combines various therapeutic techniques to support a journey towards healing and self-discovery. An integrative counselling approach means you are the centre of your journey. It is mainly a person centered approach with the use of other techniques from various modalities, these help to broaden the way in which we can explore your thoughts, worries and emotions. Working integratively is beneficial as there is no ‘one box fits all’ element with counselling as we are all different and unique, being integrative makes counselling adaptable and suitable for everyone.I am a highly skilled and experienced integrative counsellor, specialising in working with adults and adolescents with anxiety, depression, abuse, and trauma. Through my combined integrative approach, I am compassionate and can build trusting, strong and supportive relationships with my clients, supporting them through their journey of development and growth. Using an integrative approach, I combine a person centred therapy with CBT, Psychodynamic, Gestalt and Transactional Analysis modalities. Together these provide a practical problem-solving approach and puts the client at the centre of their journey of overcoming issues. The focus of our work together is to identify issues, look at practical steps and strategies, and to change negative patterns in thinking and behaviour. My goal is for my clients to be autonomous and achieve their own personal and professional goals, including their mental health, wellbeing and quality of life. I enable my clients to feel relaxed and able to explore their issues, thoughts and emotions without feeling judged enabling them to explore their thoughts and feelings, working towards positive and long-term growth.I have personal and professional experience of ADHD and autism and understand the unique challenges that can impact day to day living, varying from struggles with time management, focussing and attention. I can adapt sessions and incorporate different skills and tools into the sessions to aid the client and to help the client develop skills to cope with their thoughts, emotions and improvement in relationships that can work for them and their unique ability.I have a deep understanding of trauma, including childhood trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence, PTSD and working with a combination of deep issues. I can work with visualisation techniques, grounding methods, skills to help with panic attacks and disassociation. I recognise that it can be sometimes nerve-wracking and embarrassing to talk about past or current trauma, but I always remain non-judgemental, open and welcoming.I have worked within the charity support sector for 10 years. I have gained lots of experience providing helpline support and as a counsellor. I have many skills and I have worked with many differnt types of people, genders and circumstances. Here is a small example of what I can work with:AnxietyDepressionGriefAngerSexual violence and abuseChild abuseIntimacy issuesAutism/ADHD/NeurodivergenceLGBTQ+Self harm/SuicideLong term health conditionsChronic painMigraineI am a qualified integrative counsellor. I am registered with and an individual member of the BACP. I adhere to and follow the BACP ethical framework at all times. I have regular supervision with a qualified supervisor to ensure that I remain up to date, ethical and to look after my own mental health.

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United Kingdom

Designations: BA (Hons), MA Art Psychotherapy

Hello, I’m Lola, a HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist and a neurodivergent practitioner based in South West London.I offer creative, relational and neurodivergent-affirming Art Psychotherapy for children, young people and adults. My practice is grounded in the belief that therapy should adapt to the individual, rather than expecting people to adapt to therapy.I work collaboratively with autistic, ADHD, AuDHD and other neurodivergent people, as well as those exploring neurodivergence or receiving a diagnosis later in life. I also support people experiencing anxiety, burnout, masking, emotional regulation difficulties, trauma, disability, identity exploration and life transitions.Art Therapy does not rely solely on talking. Sessions can include creative materials, visual expression, sensory exploration, movement, reflection or conversation, depending on what feels most comfortable and accessible for you. There is no expectation to be artistic or to communicate in any particular way.My approach is trauma-informed, relational and psychodynamically informed, while remaining flexible to each person’s communication style, sensory preferences and lived experience. I aim to create a space where people feel genuinely welcomed, understood and accepted, without pressure to mask, perform or change who they are.Alongside my clinical work, I have experience working within specialist educational settings supporting autistic young people with complex communication, sensory and emotional needs. I continue to develop my practice through ongoing training in neurodiversity-affirming therapy, trauma-informed practice and autistic wellbeing.Sessions are available online throughout the UK, with home visits available within South West London where appropriate. Therapy is offered in English, French and Italian.

United Kingdom

Designations: MSc., CPsychol

I am an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist and Chartered Psychologist (BPS), working with adults experiencing the long-term effects of trauma, relational difficulties, emotional overwhelm, and persistent patterns that feel difficult to understand or change. I also offer a lower-cost first-step Adult ADHD Initial Consultation for a £50 fee, which is fully deducted from the £950.00 assessment fee if you subsequently proceed with an Adult ADHD Assessment to get a full diagnosis. I also provide psychological assessment to develop a clearer understanding of an individual’s psychological needs and inform appropriate recommendations.Many of the people I work with are outwardly functioning but internally struggling with anxiety, emotional intensity, self-criticism, or a sense of being disconnected from themselves or others. These difficulties often have roots in earlier relational or developmental experiences that continue to shape present-day responses. I specialise in working with adults with ADHD, autistic traits, and broader neurodivergent presentations, particularly where these intersect with burnout, emotional regulation difficulties, and identity-related challenges.My approach is formulation-led and integrative, focusing on understanding how your internal world has been formed over time, and how unconscious patterns may be influencing your current emotional and relational life. Rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction, we work toward building insight, emotional integration, and meaningful psychological change.I founded Totality Psychology to create a space where individuals can move beyond surface-level coping and develop a deeper understanding of themselves as a whole in context.

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