Philipa - BACP Registered Counsellor

I'm Philippa, a dedicated and compassionate neurodivergent counsellor with a wealth of experience in supporting people through their personal counselling journeys. I have a background in psychology, as well as my experiential counselling training. I understand the complexities of how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact, and can impact our wellbeing. My approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and non-judgment, creating a space for you to safely explore difficult thoughts, emotions and experiences.

I have professional experience working with the following:

Neurodiversity
Whilst I am a general counsellor and work with a range of issues, I have a particular interest in neurodiversity. I recognise and embrace individual differences in the therapy room, and as such am committed to providing an respectful, inclusive and accessible service to those who are neurodivergent, ensuring that each person's unique strengths and challenges are understood and valued. Through a holistic approach, I aim to empower you to understand and embrace neurodivergent traits; build resilience; gain self-awareness and compassion; and cultivate healthy relationships.

My commitment to working in a neuro-affirmative way includes:

• Using non-pathologising language
• Exploring life experiences though an ND perspective
• Focus on identifying and embracing ND characteristics and strengths
• Facilitate creative/novel ways of working beyond just talking therapy - this can be led by you
• Make reasonable adjustments where possible, for example respect for difficulties within the session (e.g. minimising/exploring sensory interference, offering breaks, hybrid therapy pattern etc)

What to expect in our sessions:
The first session is a space for us to explore what specifically has led you to seek counselling with me: maybe It's one specific thing, or a number or issues that have built up over time. Either way, we will start by forming a picture of your difficulties and how we can approach them, together.
We might look at evidenced-based tools and strategies that might help with immediate day-to-day anxiety, then when you are ready peel back layers from your past that are influencing your present. We will make sense of them, with the aim of slowly freeing yourself from the often immobilising pain and fear of your experiences.

I welcome and invite you to find you creative ways of expression (such as drawing, journaling, music, song lyrics, stories, films etc).
My passion as a therapist is to ensure our time together is collaborative.

Service : Autistic Affirming Therapy, CBT, Counselling/ Counseling, Person centred, Psychology, Psychotherapy, Therapy