Counselling & Shiatsu

Category: Neuro-diversity

  • Menopause, ADHD, AuADHD, Autism and Counselling – Exeter, Devon

    I am a late diagnosed ADHD woman. It became clear that I was ADHD when I realised both my sons were.

    I always knew I was different, I just isn’t know how….sound familiar?

    I am also experiencing the Perimenopause period of life, I am very close to being officially Menopausal. (This is classed as 12 months since your last period – I’m counting the months!)

    I am going through it with the hormonal changes….boy it’s been tough at times.

    It is obvious that my ADHD symptoms are more pronounced now, and cause me more challenges. Sound familiar?

    I have been supporting women for well over a decade with Shiatsu and now also offering Counselling.

    Throughout the female life hormones play such a massive role.

    They can impact ADHD, AuADHD and Autism pretty dramatically, most noticeably in puberty and Menopause.

    Woman who are ADHD, AuADHD or Autistic can be missed diagnosed, or misunderstood, quite easily.

    Often late diagnosed woman have managed, and masked their symptoms, brilliantly.

    But often there is a belief that there is something wrong, that they have mental health issues, that they need to do something to change themselves.

    The Perimenopausal/ Menopausal period can be super tough. Some women stop being able to function, or work.

    Both with Counselling and Shiatsu I can offer support in this challenging time.

    Helping client’s understand what might be happening for them and reflecting and processing on their life and experiences.

    I work in a cosy cabin, at home, in Exwick, Exeter.

    If you aren’t near Exeter or don’t want to travel I offer online appointments.

    Do get in touch, through the contact me page.

  • ADHD, AuADHD and Autism burnout. Counselling support, Exeter, Devon

    This is a thing! An absolute thing.

    It can be really common to feel high levels of daily fatigue with ADHD, AuADHD and Autism.

    Burnout is a whole other level of exhaustion, fatigue, inertia, collapse…an inability to function or even think.

    There is so much processing, and managing, happening for people with ADHD, AuADHD or Autism. …

    Sensory overload….scanning to understand expectations of those around them….fast paced thoughts…racing mind….

    Then potentially a constant internal questioning, quizzing, criticising…..

    Plus all the planning and preempting or crisis managing…

    So quite a lot is happening all the time in neurodivergent brain….it’s really not a surprise that burnout happens.

    Counselling can help people with ADHD, AuADHD and Autism

    Counselling can be breathing space, a chance to gain perspective, to stop (even for a minute ot two!)

    Counselling may build confidence and a sense of self, an understanding of the values that are important to the individual.

    Having a chance to step out of life can help those with ADHD, AuADHD and Autism. It may slow down the speeding brain.

    Processing and gaining insight into the difficulties that we face in life can provide a sense of security.

    All these aspects of counselling may help a neurodivergent person identify and recognise the signs of burn out.

    Counselling may help manage the fallout of a ADHD, AuADHD or Autistic burnout.

    If you are in the Exeter area I offer face to face sessions in a cabin at my home. I’m in Exwick, on the west side of Exeter. It is a 15 minute walk from Exeter St. David’s train station.

    If you don’t live in, or near, Exeter then I offer online sessions.

    If you feel you may benefit from counselling with me then do get in touch through the contact me page.

  • ADHD and Counselling, Exeter, Devon

    I am banging on about this a lot at the moment……that’s because I think it’s super important.

    Yes there is a lot of talk about ADHD, it seems lots of people are being diagnosed…..ACTUALLY there is more understanding of what ADHD looks like now so more peole relate to it…AND…this country has been very slow on diagnosing in the past.

    There are lots of people offering ADHD coaching out there….excellent, dont get me wrong, this is a brilliant service.

    The ADHD brain struggles with structure and planning so why not look for eternal support with this.

    However a lot of people with ADHD have experienced a lack of understanding or support. Particularly those who were diagnosed later in life. Counselling can really help.

    On top of life’s traumas and struggles people with ADHD often arrive at counselling with a belief there is something wrong with, or at least, different about them.

    People with ADHD often feel they aren’t worth much, they have often received a lot of negative comments which have been internalised.

    They may also experience Rejection Sensitivity Disorder, feeling anything, and everything, that comes their way so deeply and painfully.

    Counselling can be a space to unpack and understand some of the challenges living with ADHD can bring. 

    Counselling may even put a new slant or perspective on life. Also lets not forget that we can celebrate and appreciate the positive aspects of ADHD.

    Not the bluest, or clearest sky….but a reminder that ADHDers are known for their blue sky thinking

    Also counselling with me is a safe space that is non judgemental and most importantly deeply accepting.

    Many people with ADHD have received the message that they should be, or could be, acting differently. We should all be recognised for we are.

    I am going to shout out about how important I think counselling is for ADHDers. Actually for anyone who feels different, or is neurodiverse.

    Whether it’s counselling with me, or someone else who resonates better, I say give it a try.

    I offer counselling from home in Exwick, Exeter and online.

    Do email me at amycounsellingexeter@gmail.com or head to the contact me page if you feel you’d like to.

  • Counselling, ADHD, Autism, AuADHD and Sensory Processing – Exeter, Devon

    When you know, you know….sensory processing issues can cause so many issues and make life super tiring..

    …once you realise the extent that this can impact a neurodivergent person you can’t unsee it….it can get in the way of nearly everything

    Having counselling with someone who understands the possible impacts of ADHD, Autism and AuADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia can be such a relief.

    I have ADHD lived experience. I am ADHD and so are my children.

    There’s a child in here!

    My youngest as extreme sensory processing disorder. He struggles with so much and is constantly searching receiving too many signals for some senses….

    …He is constantly searching for more signals for other senses….the photo above is him looking for more proprioceptive signals!

    I have worked with clients who are Dyspraxic and Dyslexic and those who have Autistism or ADHD.

    There is so much understanding now about how Neurodiverse people experience the world…..and that is great…

    …but there is so much now sometimes it’s hard to understand how it impacts and individual..

    ..and also each person is so very different it is important to recognise the individual’s experience.

    Having space to process how you feel, to test how your thoughts feel when expressed to another, to take time to reflect on life events can all help.

    I work in a cabin, at home, in Exwick, Exeter, Devon. I offer online sessions as well.

    Do head to the contact me page to get in touch or email amycounsellingexeter@gmail.com

  • Neurodivergent Counselling, Exeter, Devon

    Neurodivergent Counselling, Exeter, Devon

    Are you neurodivergent? Or suspect you may be?

    Are you wondering how to support yourself in the best way?

    Do you have to constantly battle the feeling that something isn’t right, that you are different somehow?

    I work with lots of neurodivergent clients. I have lived experience of ADHD but also work with AuADHD, Autistic, Dyslexic and Dispraxic clients.

    Counselling can be quite transformative for neurodivergent clients.

    It is so beautiful to watch as realisations take place.

    To see a client experience relief and understanding.

    To witness them gain new perspectives and change their self beliefs.

    I love offering a counselling space and I do this in Exwick, on the edge of Exeter.

    I also offer online sessions, if you aren’t able to make it to Exeter or this is more convenient.

    Do email me at amycounsellingexeter@gmail.com or use the contact me page.

  • Counselling, Neurodivergence and the Menopause

    Well, wow, going through Perimenopause or Menopause can be tricky, wild, confusing, exhilarating, freeing….it can be a lot…..

    On top of this the impact of hormonal changes on a neurodivergent brain can be extreme……

    Lots of women are late diagnosed – at this point – because of this…

    Things start to become super hard – even to the point of burn out and no ability to perform daily life

    Even if a diagnosis isn’t in place, or sought for, or even considered or wanted, understanding and processing this impact can be super helpful.

    It may:

    Provide relief

    Alleviate guilt or criticism of self

    Allow reflection, of the past or of patterns that are no longer helpful

    Provide opportunity and possibility

    Reframe and offer new perspectives.

    If you are finding this time tricky, or yoy are searching for support, do get in touch to see if counselling with me maybe be of help.

    Get in touch through the contact me page or drop me an email to amycounsellingexeter@gmail.com

    Me writing this post whilst listening to a podcast at the same time!

  • Being Heard – Counselling in Exeter, Devon

    Here is one of my business cards……they’ve just arrived in the post

    Here’s my new Counselling business card 😊😊😊

    I am super excited to be adding a Counselling business card to my collection!

    I now offer Counselling as well as Shiatsu, at my practice in Exwick, Exeter.

    My Counselling is client led, it is affirming and accepting.

    I truly listen and hear what the client is needing within the session.

    This creates a Counselling space where a client can be seen, heard, respected, validated.

    Then maybe things can be gentle looked at, explored, questioned…..with no judgement or expectation…..

    If you feel drawn to having Counselling with me then do get in touch.

    I offer face to face sessions in Exwick, Exeter. I also work online and by phone.

    I work with adults, young people and teenagers.

    I am neurodivergent aware and affirming.

    30 min free consultation.

    Head to the contact me page to get in touch.

  • Counselling and Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

    Counselling and Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

    After some rain over night the sun is in full force here…..

    I am off on holiday/ recharge now…..so lovely to be able to breathe, knowing no alarm will be set for a while!…

    Also to be wearing sandals….I love first wear of the year day 😅😅 hence the photo.

    Spring seems to be in full force and a even a little warmth has arrived….I hope this bring some ease and happiness to your household….

    I have spaces to take on counselling clients…..and offer a free 30 minute appointment to make sure I can meet your needs.

    I offer reassuring and affirming therapy.

    I am deeply committed to supporting anyone who comes through my door.

    I am neurodivergent aware. 

    I understand the challenges that people with ADHD, ASD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia and Sensory Processing issues….the list goes on.

    I have lived experience of ADHD and parenting neurodivergent kids.

    If you feel drawn to work with me then do get in touch. Head to the contact me page.

    Maybe I’ll see you after my holiday….

    Xx

  • Counselling Neurodivergent Teens, Exeter, Devon

    Counselling Neurodivergent Teens, Exeter, Devon

    Wow…..the teen years! Gosh they can be hard, complex, confusing….sometimes help is needed to navigate them….

    Personally watching my ADHD teen going through these years is tough.

    The hormones running amok, exacerbating the ADHD and sensory processing issues.

    The expectations and pressures of life getting more serious, harder to understand and harder to meet.

    His teen brain, still developing, trying to process what is going on, reacting often in a impulsive, child-like way.

    Mental health has also become an issue, anxiety, depression, then sleep issues.

    It has been shown that hormones heavily affect neuro diverse teenagers. It seems to exacerbate the challenges that my ADHD son faces.

    For a lot of teenagers and young people, neurodivergent or not, the challenges seem to go on and on…

    They can impact daily life….getting in the way of fun and joy….dampening everything down…

    Plus…..on top of all the personal feelings and changes there is a widening understanding of how the world and life is, and maybe, as an adult…..

    The start of thinking about adult responsibilities, expectations…plans, careers….the world with its politics and troubles….

    An understandably tricky time, for all teens, and neuro-diversity bringing its own challenges.

    I have applied for a DBS….(should be back soon)….and then I can welcome teens and young people into my counselling practice.

    All teens and young people, ND or not. From the age of 13.

    *Affirming and open approach

    *Listening and validating

    *Supportive and understanding

    *Neurodivergent aware

    *Creating a space just for them….

    It’s great for teens to be listened to and  heard by others, not their parents….a different perspective with no expectations.

    If you have concerns regarding your teens emotional resilience or mental health then maybe counselling could help…

    I offer a 30 minute, free, appointment. To have a chat and check I can meet the needs of the teen or young person.

    Get in touch on the get in touch page or email: amycounsellingexeter@gmail.com

  • Counselling, Neuro-diversity, Parenting and Caring

    Counselling, Neuro-diversity, Parenting and Caring

    I have two ADHD sons. They are amazing and wonderful. They are defiant and sensitive. They are boisterous and  disorganised. They get overwhelmed and require a gentle touch.

    Parenting a neurodivergent child can be a thing!

    Supporting a child who is questioning why they feel the way they do, and if there is something wrong with them, can be hard.

    Also family members or others close by may not understand…..at all….and criticise and question the parenting

    There is a lot of educating, or re-education needed…..to begin to see how a neurodivergent brain may be working…..what support the child may need.

    It can put so much pressure on the whole family…it can impact everyone’s mental health.

    My counselling comes from a place of understanding…..support… recognising the difficulties…..celebrating the positives…….seeing the restrictions…..enjoying the developments and possibilities.

    Every emotion is welcome..anger…frustration…exhaustion…overwhelmed…desperation…loss…grief….joy…excitement…relief…

    Parenting can triggered one’s own parenting experiences…..

    It can set us on our own path of neurodivergent diagnosis….

    It can be so hard to understand what is our stuff whilst supporting our kids….

    So much to unpack and process….

    Wow!

    If all of this is resonating with you….if you are looking to support yourself to support your kids…..

    Then get in touch to book a free 30 minute chat with me.

    To see if we would work well together….if I can support your needs…

    Go to the contact me page or email: amycounsellingexeter@gmail.com