Neurodivergent Therapy
Do you ever feel like the world just wasn’t built for you?
Neurodivergent therapy could be for you if you move snails off pavements, cry at poignant lyrics, look away during nature documentaries or feel heartbroken over a news headline. You care – deeply. About people, animals, justice, the planet. And yet, you’ve been told you’re dramatic and emotional. That you need to toughen up, lighten up, stop overthinking, or learn to take a joke. So, you’ve learnt to mask those parts of yourself just to fit in. The world can feel loud, bright, fast, and overwhelming. You need time to recover from things others seem to breeze through, or you shutdown, meltdown or burnout. You might feel like you should be stronger, like the problem is you. But your sensitivity isn’t a flaw – it’s a way of being. You’ve just been navigating a world that wasn’t designed with your neurotype and nervous system in mind.
Neurodivergent therapy for highly sensitive people
These challenges aren’t character flaws. You were likely born this way. Your sensitivity is an inherent part of your brain’s and nervous system’s wiring, finely attuned to the world around you. This may be because you are a highly sensitive person (HSP) or because you are neurodivergent, such as being Autistic, ADHD or AuDHD.
Many people who are highly sensitive or neurodivergent grow up feeling misunderstood, out of sync, too much, or too quiet. You might struggle with demands, sensory overload, emotional intensity, burnout, or find it exhausting to navigate social situations and expectations.
Perhaps you’ve developed camouflaged well, or have strong people-pleasing patterns, perfectionism, or chronic anxiety as a way to stay safe or be accepted. You might experience shutdowns, difficulty switching off, or feel a deep sense of shame about how you cope. Others may not see how hard you’re working just to get through the day. It can leave you feeling frayed, fragmented, or chronically misunderstood.
As a highly sensitive Autistic ADHDer (AuDHD) myself – I’ve been there! But none of this means you’re broken. You are not too sensitive, it’s just that your system has been doing its best to keep you safe in a world that hasn’t always felt safe to be in. Neurodivergent therapy can help you understand your patterns, reconnect with your needs, and begin to soften the shame you may be carrying.
“If you ever feel heavy because you care deeply about injustice, suffering and ecological destruction, remember that a trillion dollar propaganda machine was built to make you numb and it didn’t work on you”
How my neurodivergent therapy works
My neurodivergent therapy work is grounded in trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming practice which aligns with the neurodiversity paradigm. This means I honour your sensitivity and your difference not as something to be pathologised and treated, but as something to be explored and welcomed with care and compassion. You do not need a diagnosis; self-identification is valid here.
Together, we might explore:
- Nervous system regulation and sensory processing
- Boundaries, burnout, and how to protect your energy
- Navigating relationships, rest, and the need for real belonging
- How masking and camouflaging and internalised ableism have shaped your sense of self
- HSP, Autism and ADHD psychoeducation and looking at diagnostic criteria
- Understanding your needs and what supports or accommodations will help you
- Acceptance of your beautiful way of being in the world (because the world needs you!)
If words are hard to find, that’s okay. We can explore creative, written, body-based or metaphor-led approaches too — ways of working that don’t rely solely on talking. I am more than happy to accommodate your needs within therapy such as having a screen break, using closed captioned or speaking via the chat box.
We’ll also make space for the deeper questions that often come with difference: Why am I like this? Is there something wrong with me? Why don’t I fit? Together we can begin to unpick internalised shame, ableism, or unrealistic societal expectations and start to find ways of being that feel more aligned with who you truly are.
Next Steps
There’s nothing wrong with feeling deeply — but it helps to be understood. Whether you’re ready to start neurodivergent therapy now or just gathering information, there are a few ways to stay connected and take the next step that feels right for you.
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Find answers to common questions about neurodivergent therapy - everything from fees to how often we meet and the practicalities of therapy
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“If you’ve met one autistic person, you should meet more. We’re pretty awesome.”
-Erin Human, E is for Erin
FAQs
Who I work with?
I offer one-to-one therapy online for young people and adults who feel things deeply, think a lot, and often carry more than they show. You might be navigating anxiety, trauma, burnout, perfectionism, or the impact of being neurodivergent in a world that doesn’t always understand.
Whether you feel overwhelmed and stuck, or simply want to understand yourself more deeply, therapy can give you space to reflect, make sense of your experiences, and begin to move forward with greater clarity and self-compassion. You can read more about my specialisms here.
How do I know if neurodivergent therapy is right for me?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, burnt out, or unsure of who you are anymore, neurodivergent therapy can help. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Many of my clients come simply because they want to understand themselves better, feel less alone in their struggles, and find a kinder way forward.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
Having an initial introduction meeting with me is the best way to see how you feel and check-in with your gut, I trust you to know what a good match looks like to for you. The most important part is finding a therapist where the connection feels right, someone whose presence feels safe, whose vibe fits, and whose experience aligns with what you need.
If you’re neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, a person of colour, or have experienced trauma, it’s okay, and important to ask how a therapist works with identities and experiences like yours. A good therapist will welcome these questions and won’t take them personally. You deserve to feel seen and supported in every part of who you are. Check out the meet Carly page to find out more about me as a human and a therapist.
And if you don’t find the right fit straight away, that’s okay. Sometimes it takes meeting a few therapists before something clicks. If you decide to meet with me and it doesn’t feel quite right, that’s absolutely fine. I’ll always respect your decision. There are times when I may not feel we are good fit for one another, if my approach, skills or experience don’t match what you are looking for. In these instances I am more than happy to offer a recommendation when possible.
What’s the commitment?
Weekly sessions are recommended wherever possible, as research shows therapy is most effective with regular, consistent attendance. Weekly sessions help build trust, create momentum, and allow us to work with what’s happening in your life as it unfolds.
Occasionally, for those with limited funds, I may offer fortnightly sessions but only if space allows and if it’s clinically appropriate. Feel free to get in touch if this is something you’re considering.
Frequent cancellations or irregular attendance can interrupt the therapeutic process, so I ask clients to commit to attending consistently.
How much does it cost?
Individual therapy is £105 per 50 minute session and is held weekly via Zoom. Payment is requested one week in advance of your session via bank transfer, you will receive invoices and payment reminders via email.
What does the fee cover?
Your fee doesn’t just cover our 50-minute session — it supports the wider framework that makes our work together safe, effective, and thoughtfully held.
This includes note-taking, email communication between sessions, time spent preparing, reflecting, or researching resources that may support you, and the systems I use to keep things running smoothly — from secure onboarding and scheduling to invoicing and admin.
It also contributes to essential behind-the-scenes costs such as clinical supervision (where I reflect on my work to ensure I’m offering the best support), ongoing professional development and training, and maintaining high-quality equipment for an accessible and reliable online experience.
In short: your investment supports a well-rounded, well-resourced therapeutic space — so you can feel held, not just during our sessions, but in the care and thought that surrounds them.
What if I miss a session?
For weekly clients, I allow up to two cancellations within any three-month rolling period — to give space for things like illness or holidays. Outside of that, sessions are chargeable unless we’ve agreed otherwise.
Life happens, and I know things come up, so if you’re struggling to attend regularly, we can talk about what’s going on and find a way forward together. Therapy works best when it’s consistent, but I also understand the need for flexibility.
Will I get something in writing?
Yes — we’ll agree on a written therapy contract before we begin, which outlines things like confidentiality, fees, cancellations, and how I work. I’ll go through it with you so you feel clear and supported from the start.
How do I know you’re a safe and ethical practitioner?
I’m a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in line with their ethical framework. This means I’m committed to practising safely, respectfully, and with integrity. I also have regular monthly supervision with a senior therapist, which helps ensure I’m offering you the best possible support and staying grounded in ethical, reflective practice.
In the UK, many people don’t realise that counselling and psychotherapy aren’t legally regulated professions. This means that, technically, anyone can call themselves a therapist. For your safety and peace of mind, it’s important to check that any prospective therapist is qualified, experienced, and registered with a professional membership body such as the BACP, UKCP, NCS, or BABCP. These organisations require members to follow a clear ethical code and offer a formal complaints process.
You should also expect a written contract or agreement, along with clear information about fees, cancellations, confidentiality, and how your data will be protected.
What happens in the first session?
In our first session, I’ll guide us through a holistic assessment known as a biopsychosocial assessment. This just means we’ll explore different areas of your life, from your emotional wellbeing and mental health history, to physical health, lifestyle, relationships, and any social or environmental factors that might be influencing how you feel.
We’ll also talk about what’s brought you to therapy and begin to set some initial intentions for our work together, not rigid goals, but a sense of what you’re hoping for. I bring together my therapy training and nursing background to think about the whole picture because sometimes things like low vitamin D, poor sleep, or chronic pain can quietly contribute to emotional distress.
There’s no pressure to share more than you feel ready to. It’s also a chance to ask questions, get a feel for how I work, and decide whether this space feels right for you.
What happens in the first session?
In our first session, I’ll guide us through a holistic assessment known as a biopsychosocial assessment. This just means we’ll explore different areas of your life, from your emotional wellbeing and mental health history, to physical health, lifestyle, relationships, and any social or environmental factors that might be influencing how you feel.
We’ll also talk about what’s brought you to therapy and begin to set some initial intentions for our work together, not rigid goals, but a sense of what you’re hoping for. I bring together my therapy training and nursing background to think about the whole picture because sometimes things like low vitamin D, poor sleep, or chronic pain can quietly contribute to emotional distress.
There’s no pressure to share more than you feel ready to. It’s also a chance to ask questions, get a feel for how I work, and decide whether this space feels right for you.
Can I contact you between sessions?
I don’t offer therapeutic support between sessions, but you’re always welcome to email me with practical questions, therapy homework or to let me know if there’s something important you’d like to bring into the next session. I usually reply within 1–2 working days.
How do I know if therapy is helping me?
This is something we’ll keep checking in on together. I offer regular reviews every 8 weeks during the first year of therapy. These are gentle reflections on how things are going: what’s been helpful, what hasn’t, and whether we might need to adjust our focus, style, or approach.
We’ll explore any changes you’ve noticed in how you feel, how you relate to yourself, or how you move through the world. It’s also a space to talk about anything difficult coming up in the therapy itself, including our relationship. I want this to be a space that truly supports you, and that means staying open, curious, and collaborative as we go.
How long does therapy last?
It depends on what you need. Some people come for a few months to work through something specific, but most of my clients are working through long-held patterns often shaped by years, or even a lifetime, of struggle. Many stay for at least a year, with the average being around two years, and some longer.
What matters is that therapy keeps feeling helpful and meaningful. We’ll regularly review how it’s going, and if you ever feel ready to end, we can plan a gentle transition such as moving to fortnightly or monthly sessions. The goal is for you to feel confident in knowing you’ll be okay without therapy, and I’ll support you all the way there.
How do I know when it’s time to end therapy?
We’ll talk about this together when it feels like the right time. You might notice you’re coping with more ease, feeling clearer in yourself, or simply less in need of weekly support. You might be struggling to know what to talk about, or therapy might be feeling more like a ‘chat’. We can move to fortnightly or monthly sessions to support a gentle ending if you prefer, and our ending session will always be planned together. The door isn’t closed — you’re always welcome to return.
Do I need a diagnosis to talk about neurodivergence?
Not at all. I welcome self-identified and questioning clients. Together, we can explore traits, map experiences, and identify helpful support or accommodations – whether or not you pursue a formal diagnosis.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes – research supports online therapy as just as effective as in-person, and many clients find it easier to open up from the comfort of their own space. It also offers flexibility and accessibility for those with busy lives, chronic illness, or sensory needs.
Is neurodivergent therapy confidential?
Yes — what you share in neurodivergent therapy stays between us. There are a few legal and ethical exceptions, such as if I’m concerned about serious harm to you or someone else, or if I’m required to share information by law. But if I ever needed to break confidentiality, I’d always aim to speak with you about it first wherever possible. You’re welcome to ask more about this at any time.
How do you protect my personal data?
I take data protection seriously and follow GDPR and professional guidelines to keep your information safe. Your notes are stored securely, your contact details are kept confidential, and our online sessions are encrypted. I’ll go through a full privacy notice with you before we begin, so you know exactly how your information is handled.
Do you work with people who are in crisis?
I can support you if you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling, but I’m not a crisis service. If you’re in immediate danger or need urgent help, it’s important to reach out to a 24/7 crisis service or go to A&E. Once you’re safe, we can explore ongoing support together. I can also help you find the right services if you’re unsure where to turn. For a list of crisis support you can click here.