Living in a world that often asks you to communicate and process in ways that don’t feel natural can be exhausting, isolating, or painful. Much of psychotherapy was developed around assumptions about how people think and express themselves, which means its theories don’t always capture the realities of neurodivergent experience. When those frameworks are applied without question, they can misinterpret feelings and motivations, and may leave people unseen, be unhelpful and have a negative impact, like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. My aim is to create a different kind of space: one where you can be yourself and explore what you need and want openly, without pressure to mask or conform. That’s why my most valuable adaptation is to set aside predetermined models and prioritise your goals and ways of working instead.
I’m also happy to make practical adjustments to the environment. For example, seating can be arranged so you’re not directly facing me, reducing the need for eye contact if that’s more comfortable. Lighting can be softened or repositioned. These adjustments, combined with flexible session tools and approaches, aim to create a therapeutic space that responds to your sensory needs and processing style.
For example, some neurodivergent clients benefit from visual, creative and non-linear approaches to understanding and expressing themselves. In sessions, we might use colourful post-its, make charts together, draw, or use objects and toys to explore themes. These methods help some to communicate, organise, and process thoughts and feelings in ways that feel authentic. It can be especially helpful when talking alone is challenging. Alternatively, implementing additional support like having extra guidance through the process from me, can be helpful for those who find therapy too open and unstructured.
To make these adaptations effective, your feedback is essential. I work with you to explore what adjustments feel most helpful, what might not work, and how we can experiment with creative approaches together. The goal is a therapy space that genuinely recognises, understands, and accommodates your ways of being, thinking, and relating, so you can engage authentically and safely in the work.
