Therapy services are available in Canterbury or online
Counselling
As an Autistic/ADHD (AuDHD) therapist myself, as well as a parent of neurodivergent children, I have worked with neurodivergent clients (with or without a diagnosis) for many years.
I’m passionate about therapy being accessible and affirming for neurodivergent people which has led me to create a team of counsellors who are all neurodivergent themselves (see our commitment to anti oppressive practices at the bottom of this page).
Although I don’t believe our counsellors have to have experienced exactly what a client has, clients often tell us that our shared understanding about what it is like to be neurodivergent in a world that’s largely not set up for us, provides a sort of shorthand that helps us to connect.
Amy
PNCPS (Accred)
Why see a Neurodivergent Therapist?
I believe our flexible approach to counselling helps neurodivergent clients (or those who might be exploring the idea of neurodivergence) feel heard, supported and valued in the therapy room. Whether you’re looking for post diagnosis support or you’re in the middle of your journey of discovery, we strive to provide a validating and affirming experience.
Our neurodivergent-adapted approach uses a variety of different methods to best help you including person centred therapy, Gestalt, CBT, transactional analysis and creative techniques amongst others.
Incorporating elements of coaching into the work can also often be beneficial to those people who might struggle with executive functioning difficulties or day to day challenges. *We reject ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) in all its forms and offer a neurodivergent affirming, non-pathologising approach.
After discussion with you, your counsellor can tailor their sessions to you and your specific needs. I believe that our flexible approach will help you feel safe and empowered whilst providing you with coping strategies and insights to help you gain clarity in your life.
Possibly you are just exploring the idea that you might be neurodivergent in some way. Maybe you’re on a waiting list for an assessment. Perhaps your child or teenager is newly diagnosed and they’re looking to discover and embrace their identity or look for more effective coping strategies. Whatever your story, please take a look at this article I’ve written, Therapy and Neurodivergence . I hope it may offer you some insights and answer some of your questions about our approach to counselling.
Book a free consultation
Seeking therapy/counselling can be a big step for anyone but, for someone who is autistic or ADHD, it can seem like a really daunting prospect.
What will the counsellor be like? Will I feel comfortable? What will I be expected to do or say? Will they accept me as I am? Will I like them? Just some of the questions you might have.
To help with some of this uncertainty all our counsellors offer a free consultation either online or by phone so you can see if the way we work is the right fit for you. You can also read more about our counsellors here.
Contact us for more information about our neurodivergent counselling services or to book a free 15 minute consultation.
For parents of autistic or ADHD teens, I also offer one off parent coaching sessions for guidance and support. Please see here or contact me for more details.
Amy and the Newglade Team
Our Commitment to Anti-Oppressive Practices
At Newglade, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and affirming space for all individuals. Our work is grounded in neurodivergent-affirming principles, actively challenging neuronormative ideas and embracing the full diversity of human minds. We reject deficit-based models and instead honour the strengths, needs, and lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals.
We also recognise that oppression is systemic and intersectional. Our commitment to anti-oppressive practice includes:
We also recognise that oppression is systemic and intersectional. Our commitment to anti-oppressive practice includes:
- Body & Disability Justice – We reject weight stigma, ableism, and all forms of body shaming. All bodies – fat, disabled, chronically ill, and otherwise – deserve care, respect, and accessibility. We recognise that barriers exist because of systemic oppression, not because of individual bodies, and we actively work to challenge these injustices.
- Anti-Racism – We acknowledge that racism is deeply embedded in society and commit to anti-racist practice, continuous learning, and advocacy for racial justice.
- LGBTQIA+ Inclusive – We provide a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals, recognising and validating the spectrum of identities and experiences.
- GSRD – We support Gender, Sex, and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) and affirm all consensual relationship structures, gender identities, sexual orientations and sexual expressions, including kink and consensual non-monogamy (CNM), without judgment or pathologisation.
We know that language, understanding, and best practices evolve over time, and we’re committed to ongoing learning and reflection. See here for more details of recent professional development.
- Body & Disability Justice – We reject weight stigma, ableism, and all forms of body shaming. All bodies - fat, disabled, chronically ill, and otherwise - deserve care, respect, and accessibility. We recognise that barriers exist because of systemic oppression, not because of individual bodies, and we actively work to challenge these injustices.
- Anti-Racism – We acknowledge that racism is deeply embedded in society and commit to anti-racist practice, continuous learning, and advocacy for racial justice.
- LGBTQIA+ Inclusive – We provide a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals, recognising and validating the spectrum of identities and experiences.
- GSRD – We support Gender, Sex, and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) and affirm all consensual relationship structures, gender identities, sexual orientations and sexual expressions, including kink and consensual non-monogamy (CNM), without judgment or pathologisation.
We know that language, understanding, and best practices evolve over time, and we’re committed to ongoing learning and reflection. See here for more details of recent professional development.
Client feedback
“Amy has been instrumental in my journey of pre and post ASD diagnosis. From the very first session I felt safe and comfortable, and her extensive knowledge and application of different therapeutic approaches means I now feel equipped to manage the challenges of life whilst honouring my needs as an autistic woman. It’s rare to find a therapist like this, especially one who is neuro affirming too – I would highly recommend her”
“It is the best thing we ever did. Willow is amazing from our first meeting to the catch-up sessions and emails. I felt she was always on hand to listen to any concerns or observations I thought might need addressing. You have given me my son back, I can’t express how thankful I am to you for all that you have done for him and me. You are amazing. I will always remember and appreciate everything you have done. My heartfelt thanks.”
“My daughter has built a strong foundation of understanding and acceptance about her relatively recent autism diagnosis, is able to better articulate the challenges she faces, and I feel her confidence and her happiness have both increased. Thank you”
“I would like to thank all at Newglade Counselling for their welcoming support and guidance through my journey. From my initial contact, the experience was calm, understanding and personal to my needs….”
“I am happy I started this journey with Newglade Counselling and can say without doubt, that I am in a better personal place today because of that first step.”
“From the original enquiry form to having a taster session, the process was clear, precise and in good time.”
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