Autism Counselling in Beaminster

Photo of Jennifer Legg, Counsellor, BACP
Jennifer Legg
Counsellor, BACP
2 Endorsed
As a humanistic counsellor I support you by drawing on different approaches to suit you as an individual. I have a cosy, calming, therapy room based in West Dorset for face to face sessions or, online sessions are available to clients worldwide. I can help with a variety of issues including anxiety, self confidence, addictions and depression, although I have experience working in several areas.
As a humanistic counsellor I support you by drawing on different approaches to suit you as an individual. I have a cosy, calming, therapy room based in West Dorset for face to face sessions or, online sessions are available to clients worldwide. I can help with a variety of issues including anxiety, self confidence, addictions and depression, although I have experience working in several areas.
01460 207126 View 01460 207126
Photo of Eleanor Rose Taylor - Turning Tide, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Turning Tide
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Online Only
Our names are Abbie and El. We offer online CBT therapy, allowing you to access support from a place that feels comfortable and convenient to you. Working remotely means therapy can fit around your life wherever you are based.  Our work is flexible and inclusive. We welcome neurodivergent experiences (such as ADHD and ASD) and adapt our approach to suit how you think, process and communicate. Therapy with us is not about forcing you into a model- it's about finding what genuinely works for you. We take a collaborative, respectful and grounded approach to therapy. This means working alongside you rather than telling you what to do.
Our names are Abbie and El. We offer online CBT therapy, allowing you to access support from a place that feels comfortable and convenient to you. Working remotely means therapy can fit around your life wherever you are based.  Our work is flexible and inclusive. We welcome neurodivergent experiences (such as ADHD and ASD) and adapt our approach to suit how you think, process and communicate. Therapy with us is not about forcing you into a model- it's about finding what genuinely works for you. We take a collaborative, respectful and grounded approach to therapy. This means working alongside you rather than telling you what to do.
01308 801231 View 01308 801231
Photo of Nancy Castle, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Nancy Castle
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Personal therapy supporting you to face challenges and find your answers. The service is client centred, safe, confidential, integrative, therapeutic, non-judgmental, relational, empathetic, private, ethical, and creative. I offer open ended psychotherapy or issue-based counselling. Contact me for a free chat to see if you think we can work together.
Personal therapy supporting you to face challenges and find your answers. The service is client centred, safe, confidential, integrative, therapeutic, non-judgmental, relational, empathetic, private, ethical, and creative. I offer open ended psychotherapy or issue-based counselling. Contact me for a free chat to see if you think we can work together.
01308 800871 View 01308 800871
Photo of Kelly Taylor, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Kelly Taylor
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Serves Area
When life feels overwhelming and hard, it's not because you are doing it wrong, but because it actually is hard! I offer Nurturing Psychotherapy and Counselling to help you find your way forward. Combining Relational and Integrative, Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy, with Behavioural Psychology, I can help bring deeper insight into what you are experiencing or what has happened in the past. I am based in Morecombelake and Bridport in Dorset and work online too. We can work together to understand your feelings, thoughts and behaviours, as you learn new ways of coping, which make life not only bearable, but enjoyable again.
When life feels overwhelming and hard, it's not because you are doing it wrong, but because it actually is hard! I offer Nurturing Psychotherapy and Counselling to help you find your way forward. Combining Relational and Integrative, Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy, with Behavioural Psychology, I can help bring deeper insight into what you are experiencing or what has happened in the past. I am based in Morecombelake and Bridport in Dorset and work online too. We can work together to understand your feelings, thoughts and behaviours, as you learn new ways of coping, which make life not only bearable, but enjoyable again.
01460 207130 View 01460 207130

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Debra Welsh, Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Debra Welsh
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and anxious, especially as a neurodivergent individual, and want to cope better with life's challenges, I’m here to help.
I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate a wide range of challenges with compassion and understanding. A key area of my expertise is working with neurodivergent individuals. I understand the unique experiences and perspectives that come with neurodiversity, and I provide tailored support that acknowledges and respects each person's individuality.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and anxious, especially as a neurodivergent individual, and want to cope better with life's challenges, I’m here to help.
I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate a wide range of challenges with compassion and understanding. A key area of my expertise is working with neurodivergent individuals. I understand the unique experiences and perspectives that come with neurodiversity, and I provide tailored support that acknowledges and respects each person's individuality.
01278 554608 View 01278 554608
Photo of Jolene Feeley - Jolene at Clearer Minds Counselling, Counsellor, BACP
I am neurodivergent myself, and have a particular understanding of how ADHD, autism and other forms of neurodivergence can affect emotional well-being, relationships, identity and daily life.
I work with adults and young people aged 16+ who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted. This might be following specific life events and experiences, or maybe because things just don't feel right, without a clear reason why. Many people I work with describe feeling low in mood, disconnected from themselves or others, caught in a cycle of anxiety or self-criticism, or struggling with burnout and loss of direction. Therapy can offer space to slow things down and make sense of what's happening, and begin to feel more grounded and supported again.
I am neurodivergent myself, and have a particular understanding of how ADHD, autism and other forms of neurodivergence can affect emotional well-being, relationships, identity and daily life.
I work with adults and young people aged 16+ who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted. This might be following specific life events and experiences, or maybe because things just don't feel right, without a clear reason why. Many people I work with describe feeling low in mood, disconnected from themselves or others, caught in a cycle of anxiety or self-criticism, or struggling with burnout and loss of direction. Therapy can offer space to slow things down and make sense of what's happening, and begin to feel more grounded and supported again.
01823 795414 View 01823 795414
Photo of Dr Elaine Hutchinson, Counsellor
Dr Elaine Hutchinson
Counsellor
Wells BA5
I support children and young people with ASD and PANDAS and I am one of very few AutPlay and TraumaPlay practitioners in the UK.
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
I support children and young people with ASD and PANDAS and I am one of very few AutPlay and TraumaPlay practitioners in the UK.
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
01749 605317 View 01749 605317
Photo of Emma Harris - Emma Harris Therapy, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Emma Harris Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Online Only
This may include exploring your neurodivergent identity or the layered griefs of being childless not by choice.
I offer warm, thoughtful therapy grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS). Together we gently explore the different parts of your inner world, including those carrying old patterns or unheard stories. I affirm Autistic and other neurodivergent experiences, offering a compassionate space where you can feel seen, understood and accepted.
This may include exploring your neurodivergent identity or the layered griefs of being childless not by choice.
I offer warm, thoughtful therapy grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS). Together we gently explore the different parts of your inner world, including those carrying old patterns or unheard stories. I affirm Autistic and other neurodivergent experiences, offering a compassionate space where you can feel seen, understood and accepted.
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Photo of Dr Lorna Stewart, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Lorna Stewart
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Wells BA5
I offer rapid, NHS-compliant assessments of Autism ( ASD) and ADHD, assessments of personal injuries for Court, and work with people with ABI and Case Managers.
I am an experienced multi-trained Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Management Consultant, with 31 years in the NHS and private sector, and 19 years in private practice. I have offered consultation to executive teams in improvement, delivered large scale change, set up mental health services, and worked clinically in child and adult mental health services. Today, I am the Clinical Director of Equilibrium Practice. We offer a range of mental health services: psychological assessments, therapy, medico-legal services, training, practitioner supervision, organisational consultation, blog writing, keynote speaking and podcast content.
I offer rapid, NHS-compliant assessments of Autism ( ASD) and ADHD, assessments of personal injuries for Court, and work with people with ABI and Case Managers.
I am an experienced multi-trained Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Management Consultant, with 31 years in the NHS and private sector, and 19 years in private practice. I have offered consultation to executive teams in improvement, delivered large scale change, set up mental health services, and worked clinically in child and adult mental health services. Today, I am the Clinical Director of Equilibrium Practice. We offer a range of mental health services: psychological assessments, therapy, medico-legal services, training, practitioner supervision, organisational consultation, blog writing, keynote speaking and podcast content.
01749 608294 View 01749 608294
Photo of Laura Wilding, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Laura Wilding
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Taunton TA1
Areas I work with: Anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, bereavement, autism/ADHD, body dysmorphia, couples therapy, sexuality, PTSD, cultural issues, menopause & pastoral care.
I believe everyone is born OK. We are all worthy of love & relationship, and we can change. I work with Transactional Analysis, and through locating your traumas and your critical inner voice, we can start to change your patterns and beliefs that are unhelpful. I also run a monthly neurodiversity support group, contact me if you would like some information.
Areas I work with: Anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, bereavement, autism/ADHD, body dysmorphia, couples therapy, sexuality, PTSD, cultural issues, menopause & pastoral care.
I believe everyone is born OK. We are all worthy of love & relationship, and we can change. I work with Transactional Analysis, and through locating your traumas and your critical inner voice, we can start to change your patterns and beliefs that are unhelpful. I also run a monthly neurodiversity support group, contact me if you would like some information.
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Photo of Amy Woodman, Counsellor, MBACP
Amy Woodman
Counsellor, MBACP
My approach is tailored and trauma-informed, supporting neurodivergent clients (particularly autism and ADHD) and those exploring depression, anxiety, identity, or trauma.
Drawing from person-centred, relational, and trauma-informed approaches. My practice is neurodiversity-affirming and grounded in respect for your lived experience. Sessions can be online or in-person in either Bridgwater or Taunton, always at your pace.
My approach is tailored and trauma-informed, supporting neurodivergent clients (particularly autism and ADHD) and those exploring depression, anxiety, identity, or trauma.
Drawing from person-centred, relational, and trauma-informed approaches. My practice is neurodiversity-affirming and grounded in respect for your lived experience. Sessions can be online or in-person in either Bridgwater or Taunton, always at your pace.
01278 553192 View 01278 553192
Photo of Annamarie Teevan, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Annamarie Teevan
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
You may be autistic or have ADHD, formally diagnosed or self-recognised, and perhaps are only beginning to understand how your neurodivergence has shaped your life experience.
In therapy, we gently explore what drives your patterns and what your mind and body really need. Over time, you can feel lighter, calmer, and more in tune with yourself - discovering clarity, self-compassion, and a way of living that truly reflects who you are. You can build a life that feels meaningful, satisfying, and aligned with the person you want to be
You may be autistic or have ADHD, formally diagnosed or self-recognised, and perhaps are only beginning to understand how your neurodivergence has shaped your life experience.
In therapy, we gently explore what drives your patterns and what your mind and body really need. Over time, you can feel lighter, calmer, and more in tune with yourself - discovering clarity, self-compassion, and a way of living that truly reflects who you are. You can build a life that feels meaningful, satisfying, and aligned with the person you want to be
020 4572 1847 View 020 4572 1847
Photo of Michaela Jane Slade - The Heard Therapy, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
The Heard Therapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Taunton TA3
I have also worked exstensively with autism ADD/ADHD and understanding the nervous system in relation to these presentations.
I am a counsellor and supervisor who focuses on the value of the therapeutic relationship and how trust and safety can support you and help you to validate and understand your experience without judgement. I work as a room based and equine/nature assisted somatic trauma therapist, yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner. I have trained with Equusoma which brings elements of somatic experiencing into the experience of equine connection, I am also training in Somatic Experiencing. The work I do helps to integrate and process the experience of the mind and the body.
I have also worked exstensively with autism ADD/ADHD and understanding the nervous system in relation to these presentations.
I am a counsellor and supervisor who focuses on the value of the therapeutic relationship and how trust and safety can support you and help you to validate and understand your experience without judgement. I work as a room based and equine/nature assisted somatic trauma therapist, yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner. I have trained with Equusoma which brings elements of somatic experiencing into the experience of equine connection, I am also training in Somatic Experiencing. The work I do helps to integrate and process the experience of the mind and the body.
01823 218159 View 01823 218159
Photo of Jemma Hamilton-Fletcher, Counsellor, MBACP
As someone who is autistic and ADHD, I deeply understand sensory and emotional overwhelm, and I create a space where all parts of you are welcomed.
I offer a safe, accepting space to explore what’s holding you back. Being autistic and ADHD helps me notice patterns others might miss, and bring compassion to the messy, human bits of life. My integrative approach combines person-centred, humanistic, and mindfulness-based methods, alongside practical tools and creative exercises.
As someone who is autistic and ADHD, I deeply understand sensory and emotional overwhelm, and I create a space where all parts of you are welcomed.
I offer a safe, accepting space to explore what’s holding you back. Being autistic and ADHD helps me notice patterns others might miss, and bring compassion to the messy, human bits of life. My integrative approach combines person-centred, humanistic, and mindfulness-based methods, alongside practical tools and creative exercises.
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Photo of Thomas Pounds, Counsellor, MBACP
Thomas Pounds
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I’m a BACP Registered and Autism-Informed Counsellor based out of Bournemouth, Dorset.
I’m an Autism-Informed counsellor with lived experience & specialist training in working with neurodivergent clients. Autism & ADHD are key areas of my ongoing training & I work in a Neurodivergent Affirming way. I can support with a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, meltdowns, shutdown, burnout & more.
I’m a BACP Registered and Autism-Informed Counsellor based out of Bournemouth, Dorset.
I’m an Autism-Informed counsellor with lived experience & specialist training in working with neurodivergent clients. Autism & ADHD are key areas of my ongoing training & I work in a Neurodivergent Affirming way. I can support with a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, meltdowns, shutdown, burnout & more.
07824 153683 View 07824 153683
Photo of Sarah Samuels, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Sarah Samuels
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Waitlist for new clients
I am an HCPC registered, and BPS chartered Clinical Psychologist and have been working with people with a learning disability and autistic people for over 20 years.
As a specialist in neurodiversity and learning disability, my services include psychological therapy, diagnostic assessments, pre and post diagnostic support, and consultation. I also offer supervision and training to health and social care professionals and organisations. I offer either online, phone or in-person sessions (on the Devon/Somerset border).
I am an HCPC registered, and BPS chartered Clinical Psychologist and have been working with people with a learning disability and autistic people for over 20 years.
As a specialist in neurodiversity and learning disability, my services include psychological therapy, diagnostic assessments, pre and post diagnostic support, and consultation. I also offer supervision and training to health and social care professionals and organisations. I offer either online, phone or in-person sessions (on the Devon/Somerset border).
0114 697 9087 View 0114 697 9087
Photo of Laura Lush, Counsellor, MBACP
Laura Lush
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Uffculme EX15
Who knows what is going on inside your mind better than you? You are the expert on you and therapy with me helps you to connect the parts of you find unhelpful and move them from outside your awareness to your conscious mind. Once you become aware of them, we can work to enable you to challenge, nurture, adjust, modify and heal them allowing you opportunity to accomplish significant lasting change. Being an integrative counsellor, allows me to use different theories to give you insights, tools, growth and change within yourself.
Who knows what is going on inside your mind better than you? You are the expert on you and therapy with me helps you to connect the parts of you find unhelpful and move them from outside your awareness to your conscious mind. Once you become aware of them, we can work to enable you to challenge, nurture, adjust, modify and heal them allowing you opportunity to accomplish significant lasting change. Being an integrative counsellor, allows me to use different theories to give you insights, tools, growth and change within yourself.
01392 542660 View 01392 542660
Photo of Rachel Anna Jones, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Rachel Anna Jones
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Serves Area
As an experienced nurse and family therapist in CAMHS and private practice, I have worked with individuals, couples and families for over 14 years. I specialise in working with mental health, relationships, self-harm, mood difficulties, emotional dysregulation and eating and body image difficulties. Alongside working with families and couples, I have an interest in supporting clients who are neurodiverse, diagnosed or self-diagnosed, to live in an authentic and unmasked way that aligns with their values. I provide a compassionate and open space and embrace working in a neuro-affirming way to support you to feel empowered and heard.
As an experienced nurse and family therapist in CAMHS and private practice, I have worked with individuals, couples and families for over 14 years. I specialise in working with mental health, relationships, self-harm, mood difficulties, emotional dysregulation and eating and body image difficulties. Alongside working with families and couples, I have an interest in supporting clients who are neurodiverse, diagnosed or self-diagnosed, to live in an authentic and unmasked way that aligns with their values. I provide a compassionate and open space and embrace working in a neuro-affirming way to support you to feel empowered and heard.
01392 537185 View 01392 537185
Photo of Emmelaine Leighton-McCardell, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Emmelaine Leighton-McCardell
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
1 Endorsed
I specialise in clients with ADHD, Autism and neurodivergence, anxiety and mood disorders, as well as providing family support to caregivers with neurodivergent children.
I am flexible and adaptable to your needs. I offer ecotherapy (as walking & talking therapy) as I believe that connecting with nature is essential to our wellbeing. I am a humanistic therapist, which has an emphasis on a persons’ individual nature and how this impacts wellbeing.
I specialise in clients with ADHD, Autism and neurodivergence, anxiety and mood disorders, as well as providing family support to caregivers with neurodivergent children.
I am flexible and adaptable to your needs. I offer ecotherapy (as walking & talking therapy) as I believe that connecting with nature is essential to our wellbeing. I am a humanistic therapist, which has an emphasis on a persons’ individual nature and how this impacts wellbeing.
01458 552285 View 01458 552285
Photo of Antonietta Pirillo - The Spectrum Clinic, Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
The Spectrum Clinic
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
6 Endorsed
Seaton EX12
The Spectrum Clinic has been established to provide a person-centred approach to assess for Autism and ADHD without compromising on quality and reliability of our assessments.
Our aim is to empower our patients and their families by sharing our knowledge and experience of working with neurodevelopmental conditions. We offer therapy & programmes around: • Understanding the diagnosis • Improve communication/social skills • Understand & manage emotions • Understand & manage behaviour • Sensory profile • Improve executive functions
The Spectrum Clinic has been established to provide a person-centred approach to assess for Autism and ADHD without compromising on quality and reliability of our assessments.
Our aim is to empower our patients and their families by sharing our knowledge and experience of working with neurodevelopmental conditions. We offer therapy & programmes around: • Understanding the diagnosis • Improve communication/social skills • Understand & manage emotions • Understand & manage behaviour • Sensory profile • Improve executive functions
020 3667 9039 View 020 3667 9039
Autism Counsellors
What is the most effective treatment for autism?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has come to be considered the standard treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder, and research has confirmed its effectiveness for many children. Therapists trained in ABA techniques work with children (and their parents) on developing social skills, communication and learning abilities, and everyday habits of hygiene and grooming. The clinician will tailor their program to the child’s particular need but the overarching goal will be to help them advance as far as possible toward independence based on their level of symptoms and decrease the need for additional special services. Families should seek a mental health professional specifically trained in ABA, and holding special certification in the technique, who has extensive experience not only with the approach but in using it with children with the same level of symptoms as the child who needs care.

How does ABA work?
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) sessions, which typically focus on positive reinforcement, can be intensive, lasting two or more hours several times a week, and continuing for two years or more. Therapists can also be expected to ask parents to take an active role in reinforcing lessons. Research has found that the technique can lead to major improvements that decrease the need for additional special services.

How does treatment for autism work?
Therapy sessions based on Applied Behavior Analysis will likely be frequent, intensive, and highly structured. After a thorough assessment, a therapist will help a child understand and develop skills in a range of areas, including communication, motor skills, social skills, self-care, play, and academic skills, as well as routines of daily living like hygiene. Typically, the therapist will help a child break down the components of a behavior—often referred to as the antecedent (what prompts an action), the behavior, and the consequence(what immediately follows)—and then reward the child at every step, while also asking parents to reinforce the lessons, and the rewards, throughout the day. This core therapy may be supplemented by occupational or speech therapy, and antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed to address specific severe symptoms.

How long does therapy for autism take?
Some people with autism spectrum disorder may be engaged in some level of therapy for many years, but research shows that treatment will be most effective if it is begun early and delivered intensively. When therapy begins by age 3, children tend to be better able to grasp and adopt the skills needed to manage everyday life, including attending school and establishing social relationships. This type of early-intervention treatment regimen is highly structured, typically involving 20 to 40 hours of one-on-one therapy per week, along with additional hours of engagement managed by parents, for a period of two years or more, although the duration of treatment is dependent on the child’s level of symptoms and pace of progress.