Oak Leaf Counselling
I support young people from 11 years, and adults with or without a diagnosis of autism (and ADHD) in navigating your way through the world towards having a clear understanding of who you are and what you need. Issues that might come up for you can include finding aspects of work or school overwhelming, managing the effects of anxiety or depression, perfectionism or finding it difficult to say no. Often, the way you view your autism can affect how you feel about yourself.
In addition, I work with trauma and understand how difficult it can be to know where to start as a neurodiverse person, in making sense of things which have happened to you and can sit with you in ways that feel challenging to understand or even feel in control of.
You are unique and so is your autism. I am happy to adapt the way I work to accommodate your individual needs and also adapt the space we work in to accommodate any sensory sensitivities, so that you feel safe and comfortable.
Who am I?
After spending over twenty years teaching in secondary and primary schools, I chose to retrain as a person-centred counsellor, which means that we work around your needs and with what is important to you. Sometimes we might plan what to work on in sessions and at other times, something else might come up. I will listen to you and believe you, but I won't judge you or tell you what to do. You know yourself best and my role is to help you know yourself better so that you can decide what the best course of action for you might be.
I might offer some ways to help explore how things are for you, whether this involves writing things down, drawing, or other ways. You are always welcome to say no.
I work mainly face to face but also offer online or telephone sessions if appropriate.
I also offer a free 30-minute session with out any obligation to have further sessions with me.