Neurodiversity Affirmative Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor
emmawestoncounselling@proton.me
A Neurodiversity Affirmative Approach
About me
I am a down-to-earth, approachable, caring and authentic counsellor, psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. I am passionate about my work and I consider my work an honour and a privilege.
Raised in a mixed-heritage family in London, I bring an open and inclusive perspective to my work. I feel privileged to support people through challenging times and I am deeply passionate about neurodiversity.
In my spare time, I enjoy music, the outdoors, nurturing plants, reading, photography, visiting museums and galleries, researching my family tree, watching films and documentaries, meditating, walking my dog and spending time in nature. I am naturally curious about people and the world, and I am usually engaged in some form of learning—whether through books, courses, documentaries or continued professional development, often related to neurodiversity and psychotherapy.
I began my counselling training in 2003 and I now work primarily online. I am an experienced and qualified Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Supervisor, holding an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice, a CPCAB Level 6 Certificate in Therapeutic Counselling Supervision, a CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, a CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, and a teaching qualification. I am trauma-informed, fully EMDR-trained (all four parts), and an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I adhere to their Ethical Framework and exceed the required 30 hours of annual CPD through conferences, workshops, courses, research, reading, seminars, mentoring and peer support.
I work eclectically with Person-Centred Theory at the core, placing the client as the expert in their own life and empowering them to find their own solutions. I adapt my approach to each individual, incorporating creative, visual and psychoeducational elements as appropriate.
For seven and a half years I provided pro bono one-to-one counselling and facilitated psychoeducational groups for autistic, ADHD and neurodivergent adults through an autism charity, until the local branch closed. I also have extensive experience in loss, grief and bereavement.
Previously I worked as Counselling and Bereavement Lead for a hospice until March 2021, offering counselling to patients at end of life, pre-bereavement support to families, post-bereavement counselling, clinical supervision and team management.
I have been a lecturer and supported counselling education for a leading awarding body, moderating and standardising qualifications from Levels 2 to 6, approving training schemes and assessing supervision qualifications. I am an experienced group facilitator and trainer, having delivered workshops for autistic people on topics including understanding autism, sensory needs, anxiety management, communication, relationships and self-awareness. I have also provided wellbeing and resilience training, communication skills sessions for autistic medical professionals, and supportive groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I currently work in private practice as a counsellor, psychotherapist, consultative supervisor and trainer. I offer reduced-fee sessions to a charity supporting people affected by asbestos-related diseases.
If you feel we might be a good fit to work together, please get in touch by email — I look forward to hearing from you.