I have lived and worked alongside autistic people for many years. My way of communicating is very open, direct and genuine. People know where they are with me. I have no hidden agenda or desire to be an ‘expert’ on the people with whom I work. My intention always is to be actively understanding and accepting.
I am not autistic myself and so I won’t pretend that how I experience myself and the world is the same as how it is for you. I do however have some knowledge of autism and the kinds of barriers autistic people encounter in the world on a daily basis. I have some awareness of the detrimental impact these barriers have on mental health and well-being and on how autistic people come to see themselves.
I have completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Autism (with distinction) with Dr Luke Beardon at Sheffield Hallam University. I read widely the writing & research by autistic writers and advocates.
When we meet I will clearly define how I work and also what counselling is if that’s needed. If you want to, we can also talk together about what would be helpful and also unhelpful in terms of the environment we work in. And I’ll do my utmost to make any adjustments that I can to make it easier for you to be in therapy.
I am happy to talk about the things that interest you as well as the things you might find it harder to talk about. I will enable us to consider your strengths as well as the things you are finding difficult. I will NOT relate to you based on a series of assumptions or stereotypes.