ADHD & Autism therapy for Late-Diagnosed Adults & those exploring neurodivergence

Are you processing a new diagnosis or wondering if you might be Autistic or ADHD?

I offer neuro-affirming therapy for adults across the UK to explore their identity, process past experiences and unmask

I'm Sarah, a qualified neuro-affirming counsellor who works with clients who have a diagnosis, are self-identifying, or exploring possible autism or ADHD - you don’t need a formal diagnosis to get support

Who do I support

Late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD adults

Who are processing a new diagnosis and may be feeling confused, overwhelmed and looking for support to make sense of what it means for them

Adults questioning whether they may be Autistic or ADHD

Who are seeking a space to explore their experiences and make sense of what they're feeling

Autistic & ADHD adults looking for support

Who may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed or burnt out and are looking to find strategies to feel better

Unmasking & Identity

Those looking to explore who they are beneath the social masking, build self confidence, embrace their neurodivergence and their authentic self

Adults navigating life changes

Those adjusting to life transitions such as starting university, a new job, relationship changes, bereavement, becoming a parent or other changes that can feel difficult to process.

About Me

Sarah Pearson
Integrative Counsellor MNCPS (Acc.)

Hello and Welcome

I’m a qualified trauma-informed, integrative counsellor offering one-to-one online counselling for adults and young people aged 16+.

I am passionate about supporting neurodivergent clients, particularly those who have received a late diagnosis or those who are starting to wonder if they may be neurodivergent later in life. I understand that living in a world where you don’t always feel understood can be challenging, you can feel alone or like you're getting things wrong.

My approach is neuro-affirming, which means I don’t see Autism or ADHD as deficits that should be fixed or changed. I believe that everyone has their own unique way of thinking, feeling and experiencing the world. If you think, communicate or process emotions differently to others - it doesn’t mean you are wrong. I work from a strength based approach, supporting you to explore your experiences whilst also acknowledging the strengths and qualities that make you who you are.

I’m approachable and compassionate, and I aim to offer a space where you feel safe, supported and understood. It’s important to me that you feel able to speak freely about what you’re really thinking and feeling, without fear of judgement. I understand that making sense of your thoughts and feelings isn’t always easy, so there’s no pressure to have everything figured out or to find the right words.

I value honesty and openness, and believe that building a genuine, trusting relationship is at the heart of counselling. I want our work together to feel authentic and real, where we can explore things openly and honestly, at your pace.

If you'd like to arrange a no-pressure chat to see whether we would be a good fit to work together, please get in touch to book a free 15-minute introductory call.

Get in touch

My Approach

I work in a neuro-affirming way, offering counselling sessions that are accepting, understanding, and supportive of neurodivergent experiences.

I aim to create an environment that feels safe, predictable and comfortable. What this looks like in practice will be unique to you and is something we can explore when we first start working together. It may be that you feel unsure of what helps or doesn't help you, and that's OK you don't need to know all the answers straight away.

What to expect in your session:

Flexible communication:

You are welcome to keep your camera off, take pauses when you need or take notes if this helps you to process your thoughts.

Sensory and Movement Needs:

Stimming, using fidget tools or movement in sessions is welcomed if you find this helpful for emotional regulation.

No eye contact expectation: There is no expectation of eye contact - you are welcome to sit, look away or position yourself wherever you feel most comfortable.

Gentle pacing: We work at a pace that feels comfortable for you, leaving plenty of space for silence and processing time.

Neuro-affirming therapy isn't only about adjustments to the physical environment, but also about the way in which therapy is approached. I recognise that everyone processes thoughts, emotions, and conversations differently.

There is no pressure to respond quickly or have the “right” words in sessions. We can take all the time you need for reflection and grounding.

As a qualified integrative counsellor, I draw from a range of theories and therapeutic approaches, adapting my approach to meet your unique needs. My work is rooted in person-centred therapy, meaning I aim to offer a warm, accepting, and non-judgemental space where you feel heard and understood.

Alongside this, I may also use psychoeducation and therapeutic resources where helpful, to support you in making sense of your emotions, nervous system responses, and patterns in your life.

This flexibility allows us to explore what works best for you, whether that’s having space to understand your emotions, identifying patterns in your life, or finding effective coping strategies.

Sessions & Fees

At the start of our work together sessions are usually held weekly to maintain consistency and momentum.

If weekly sessions aren’t possible, we can also think about whether meeting fortnightly might work.

To ensure I provide a safe and ethical service, I engage in regular professional supervision.

Sessions: 50 minutes
Fee: £50 per session
Payment method: Bank transfer
Introductory call: Free 15-minute call
Sessions available: Online via Google Meet or by telephone

Qualifications & Training

Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Trauma-informed Practitioner
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society) Membership Number: NCPS8084

Counselling Experience

Private Practice: Offering neuro-affirming counselling for Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD adults and young people (16+).
Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA): Offering counselling for adults born with a cleft and parents of children born with a cleft, navigating parental anxiety, guilt, identity and self-esteem.
Sixth Form College: Offering counselling for students (16+) experiencing exam stress, relationship challenges, identity and life transitions.
Carers Charity: Offering counselling for unpaid carers managing burnout, isolation, and stress.

Book a Free 15-Minute Call

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neuro-affirming counselling? Neuro-affirming counselling is based on the belief that everyone thinks, feels and experiences the world in a different way. It recognises that being neurodivergent is a natural part of human diversity, rather than something that needs to be fixed or changed. Instead of trying to “fix” or change who you are to fit in with what society may expect, this approach works to support you in understanding your own needs and finding ways of working that feel right for you.

Are you qualified? Yes. I am a fully qualified Integrative Counsellor and I hold a CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. I am a member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and work and adhere to their professional and ethical standards. I undertake regular CPD (Continuous Professional Development) to ensure that I continue to develop my knowledge and skills and to ensure that I maintain high standards of professional practice.

What is integrative counselling? Being an Integrative Counsellor means that I draw on different counselling approaches to suit your individual needs, such as person centered and psychodynamic. I also use resources where helpful to support you in understanding yourself and what you may be experiencing. This might include psychoeducation or practical resources that you can explore between sessions. Everyone is different, so I will work with you to find an approach that feels helpful and right for you.

How many sessions do I need? Everyone is different, so there isn't a set number of sessions that will work for everyone. I offer counselling on an open-ended basis, which means you can have as many or as few sessions as feels helpful for you. This is something we can talk about in our first session and review as we go, so that we can work out what feels right for you.

Do I need a formal diagnosis of Autism, ADHD or AuDHD to work with you? No, you don't need a diagnosis to work with me. I work with clients who have an official diagnosis and those who self-identify as Autistic, ADHD, or AuDHD. I also work with clients who are exploring whether they might be neurodivergent and feel unsure.

Are sessions confidential? Yes, sessions are confidential, with some limitations. What you share during our sessions will not normally be discussed with anyone else without your permission. There are some exceptions to this, for example, if there is a serious concern that you or someone else may be at risk of harm, or if I am legally required to share information. This is something we will discuss in more detail during our first session together, and the limits of confidentiality are also clearly outlined in my counselling contract.

How are sessions delivered? All sessions are held online via Google Meet or over the phone, allowing you to attend from the comfort and privacy of your own space. To help you get the most from your session, please ensure you are in a quiet, private space where you can speak freely, without being overheard or interrupted.

How often do we meet? Sessions are usually held weekly to build consistency and momentum. If weekly sessions do not suit your schedule or circumstances, we can discuss whether fortnightly appointments would be a good fit.

What if I need to cancel a session? I ask for at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice, the full session fee will be payable.

Contact

For enquiries or to book an appointment, please get in touch using the form below.

Email: sarahjpearsoncounselling@gmail.com

Text or call: 07522 891907