The Neurodiversity Affirmative Therapist
emmawestoncounselling@proton.me
A Neurodiversity Affirmative Approach
Neurodiversity Affirmative Approach
I am a neurodivergent counsellor and clinical supervisor with experience supporting autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, neurodivergent and highly sensitive people, as well as neurotypical folks. I am a warm, collaborative and down-to-earth counsellor, bringing a deeply validating approach that focuses on self-understanding and regulation. My way of working is neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed.
Whilst working on placement with an autism charity from 2012, I became curious about how other therapists worked with neurodivergent people. I was mindful that I had adapted my own therapeutic approach to ensure my clients had a suitable therapeutic environment. Examples of how my work has been adapted are: I consider sensory needs and the environment that I use, I use a very visual approach in my work, as well as lots of psychoeducation, and I incorporate topics of interests where appropriate. I started My Master's research in 2015 and this was about therapists' experiences of working with neurodivergent people. I used an Interpretive Phenomenological Approach for my research.
Neurodiversity is the diversity of human minds and variations are normal and valuable with neurodiversity being the concept that neurological differences are to be recognised and respected as any other human variation. The term ‘neurodiversity’ was coined by the Australian sociologist Judy Singer in 1998, and stands in opposition of viewing people as ‘suffering’ from deficits, diseases or dysfunctions in their mental processing, suggesting instead that we speak about differences in cognitive functioning. The term ‘neurodiverse’ includes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, learning disabilities, learning difficulties, epilepsy, various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar, schizophrenia, eating disorders, developmental conditions - such as developmental language disorder, acquired memory losses, Tourette’s and other neurominorities. Co-occurring or multiple neurodivergences - many neurodivergent people are identified, either through diagnosis, or self-recognition—as having more than one form of neurodivergence. For example, someone might be both autistic and ADHD, a combination often referred to as “AuDHD.” Another person may experience both dyslexia and epilepsy. Rooted in the social model of disability, neurodiversity sees disability as entrenched in society rather than the individual, and proponents of the neurodiversity movement want to make it easier for all neurodiverse people to be able to contribute to society as they are rather than how society would want them to. The neurodiversity viewpoint accepts that society pathologises autistic behaviour. Autistic people are in the minority and they can be misunderstood, marginalised, and discriminated against.
My belief is that neurodiversity is a part of human diversity that doesn't need to be fixed. I am neurodivergent and I have neurodivergent family members. We need diversity in all forms as it makes the world a far richer place. Ableism refers to attitudes in society that devalue and limit the potential of people that are neurodivergent. It assumes that a neurotypical way of being is the norm, this can lead to neurodivergent people thinking their way of being in the world is wrong or unacceptable and therefore they mask and try to fit in. This can leave people feeling drained and exhausted trying to conform to neurotypical rules or expectations that are socially enforced expectations of behaviour. This can lead to masking, stress and anxiety as well as autistic fatigue and burnout. Here is a link on autistic burnout for more information:
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/autistic-burnout
By choosing to work with a counsellor and supervisor that understands sensory differences, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), executive function challenges, the neurodivergent nervous system, trauma, masking and different ways of thinking, you will be working with someone who understands these things from a lived experience perspective and who has worked with many neurodivergent people for many years. Whether you have a diagnosis, or don't have a diagnosis and whether you want one, or not, is up to you. Therapy can be useful in terms of understanding your self better.
What you can expect from working with me?
Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
I see autism, ADHD, AuDHD and other neurotypes as natural variations of the human experience. My focus is on celebrating strengths, passions, and distinctive ways of thinking, rather than promoting masking or conforming to "typical" norms. I support people in discovering their own self-understanding and preferred language for their neurotype, free from imposed labels or assumptions.
Trauma-informed foundation
I prioritise emotional, psychological and physiological safety, moving at a pace that feels safe, manageable and collaborative. I pay attention to the body and nervous system, supporting regulation rather than pushing for disclosure or “deep work” too quickly. I am mindful of power, shame and past experiences in services, actively working to create choice, consent and transparency in the therapeutic relationship.
Adapting to different neurotypes
I tailor the work to meet diverse communication needs: allowing pauses, info-dumping, visual supports, written processing, or stimming in session. I adjust the environment and format where possible (lighting, timing, structure, breaks) to reduce sensory and cognitive load. I collaborate on strategies that work with, not against, someone’s attention, executive function and sensory profile.
Relational style
I offer humour, a warm, collaborative, down-to-earth presence that normalises neurodiversity, rather than pathologising it. I validate how hard it can be to navigate a world not built for one’s neurotype. I support clients to build self-compassion and boundaries, so they can live in a more authentic way.
Please email me if you would like to book one of these exploratory appointments at: emmawestoncounselling@proton.me Please note that I work online or by telephone and I use Zoom for counselling and supervision sessions.
To book a free of charge 10/15 minute call, please email to book a phone call. I will then check my diary for availability and email you back to confirm an appointment.
I look forward to hearing from you.