Neurodivergence

My therapeutic approach is rooted in a deep respect for neurodiversity. I strive to create a supportive environment that focuses on your unique strengths:

• Strengths-Based Therapy: Emphasizing your abilities rather than trying to “fix” you.
• Supportive Environments: Assisting you and your family in creating environments that celebrate your needs and preferences.
• Self-Acceptance and Self-Esteem: Helping you cultivate a positive self-image and a sense of belonging.

Many neurodivergent individuals face co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, which can be exacerbated by the challenges of living in a neurotypical world. Wendy’s services aim to address these issues:

• Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions: Understanding how anxiety, depression, or trauma can influence your daily life.
• Burnout: Navigating the chronic exhaustion associated with trying to meet unrealistic expectations.
• Trauma Processing: Helping you process past traumatic experiences, such as bullying or isolation.
• Crisis Management: Addressing concerns related to self-harm or suicidal ideation through compassionate support.

Counselling can assist people in establishing and working toward meaningful personal goals. Whether it's enhancing daily living skills, preparing for employment opportunities, or fostering social participation, Wendy can provide tailored support to help individuals, couples or families navigate these important milestones. Together, we can create a roadmap that encourages growth and success in all areas of life.

Understanding the unique challenges that come with parenting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Wendy’s counselling services are designed to help parents strengthen family relationships and enhance emotional regulation. Together, strategies will be explored and tools will be tailored to your family’s needs, making the journey smoother and more fulfilling 

Counselling can help neurodivergent individuals address the unique social and emotional challenges they may encounter, including:

• Social Interaction Challenges:Support is available to help build meaningful relationships and improve understanding of social cues, reducing feelings of isolation.
• Emotion Regulation: Strategies can be provided to assist in managing and expressing emotions appropriately, fostering healthier interactions and personal well-being.
• Sensory Processing Differences: Techniques can be shared to cope with sensory sensitivities, empowering individuals to thrive in their everyday environments.

Life can present various challenges, particularly in learning and workplace environments. Counselling can help you navigate these challenges and build confidence in the following areas:

• Learning and Workplace Strategies: Tools can be provided to adapt to education or workplace expectations and understand social dynamics, enhancing professional interactions.
• Coping Strategies: Development of personalized strategies will help manage daily challenges and effectively advocate for your needs.

Various therapeutic methods are adapted and used to best meet your needs:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Learn to embrace your neurodivergent traits while focusing on a meaningful life.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A personalised and practical approach to address anxiety, depression, and other challenges.
• Narrative Therapy: Reframe your experiences to develop a healthier and more positive self-perception.
• Couples Therapy using the Gottman framework, which emphasises transforming unhelpful relationship behaviors into practices that foster deep understanding and respect for each partner's differences. Gottman’s relationship research is neurodivergent inclusive and proven to be effective in promoting thriving relationships. The focus of couples therapy includes:
  • Understanding Differences: Encouraging couples to recognize and appreciate each other's unique traits.
  • Navigating Differences with Care: Developing strategies to approach and respect these differences, enhancing relationship satisfaction.
  • Building Helpful Communication: Learning effective communication techniques that strengthen emotional connection and understanding.

Counselling will be tailored to meet individual needs and preferences, ensuring the support is effective and relevant.