Autism Counselling in Bridgwater

Photo of Sara Bailey, Counsellor, BACP
Sara Bailey
Counsellor, BACP
I have experience working with ADHD, autism, OCD, grief, and trauma.
Every so often life throws things at us that we struggle to deal with or understand. This can be anything from the loss of a loved one to break down in relationship with family members to receiving a life changing diagnosis. It can be because of these things that we begin to question things in our everyday life and who we are. Having suffered a grief which ultimately changed the course of my life, experienced breakdowns in relationships, supported my own child through an ADHD diagnosis and not understanding how my past had affected me I understand how it feels to go through these struggles.
I have experience working with ADHD, autism, OCD, grief, and trauma.
Every so often life throws things at us that we struggle to deal with or understand. This can be anything from the loss of a loved one to break down in relationship with family members to receiving a life changing diagnosis. It can be because of these things that we begin to question things in our everyday life and who we are. Having suffered a grief which ultimately changed the course of my life, experienced breakdowns in relationships, supported my own child through an ADHD diagnosis and not understanding how my past had affected me I understand how it feels to go through these struggles.
01278 557622 View 01278 557622
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 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 Dr James Randall, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr James Randall
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
-Adapting therapies for neurodivergent people experiencing significant distress
In my approach to psychological therapy, I will work with you to first understand your struggles and to recognise how well-trodden paths often keep us stuck, repeating the pains of the past. Finding the words, and feeling the unconscious, together we can navigate our way to new grounds and start to pave a way to more hopeful, rewarding and empowering futures. I use a number of tools to help you grow and eventually unearth the healing within your heart. At times, we will simply talk, at other times, we will draw out maps to help us find our way through the fog, and beyond this, we will learn through new exercises and experiences.
-Adapting therapies for neurodivergent people experiencing significant distress
In my approach to psychological therapy, I will work with you to first understand your struggles and to recognise how well-trodden paths often keep us stuck, repeating the pains of the past. Finding the words, and feeling the unconscious, together we can navigate our way to new grounds and start to pave a way to more hopeful, rewarding and empowering futures. I use a number of tools to help you grow and eventually unearth the healing within your heart. At times, we will simply talk, at other times, we will draw out maps to help us find our way through the fog, and beyond this, we will learn through new exercises and experiences.
01278 551409 View 01278 551409
Photo of Tracy Sharman, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Tracy Sharman
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Hello, my name is Tracy, i am the owner of North Petherton counselling. I am a integrative counsellor. As an integrative counsellor, I believe there isn’t just one therapeutic approach that can help a client in all situations. Instead, i take into account you as an individual and your circumstances, and use elements of different approaches to help you explore and cope with your challenges. I am licensed in the UK, I have experience in helping clients with ADHD. Stress and Anxiety, Trauma, Abuse, Depression and more. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear
Hello, my name is Tracy, i am the owner of North Petherton counselling. I am a integrative counsellor. As an integrative counsellor, I believe there isn’t just one therapeutic approach that can help a client in all situations. Instead, i take into account you as an individual and your circumstances, and use elements of different approaches to help you explore and cope with your challenges. I am licensed in the UK, I have experience in helping clients with ADHD. Stress and Anxiety, Trauma, Abuse, Depression and more. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear
01278 619805 View 01278 619805
Photo of Amanda Temple, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
Amanda Temple
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
I am an accredited psychotherapist and counsellor working with adults, couples & young people 16+. How we relate to one another and to ourselves impacts how we think, feel and function. Anxiety, internal criticism, low self-esteem, depression thrive if we're not heard, understood and valued. I work to shed light on how our relationships past and present shape us and how we can get stuck repeating patterns of behaviour that no longer serve us. I offer a safe space to look at what is not working. Together we'll seek to make sense of your experience, find new insights and perspectives, enabling you to move forward on your own terms.
I am an accredited psychotherapist and counsellor working with adults, couples & young people 16+. How we relate to one another and to ourselves impacts how we think, feel and function. Anxiety, internal criticism, low self-esteem, depression thrive if we're not heard, understood and valued. I work to shed light on how our relationships past and present shape us and how we can get stuck repeating patterns of behaviour that no longer serve us. I offer a safe space to look at what is not working. Together we'll seek to make sense of your experience, find new insights and perspectives, enabling you to move forward on your own terms.
01278 557262 View 01278 557262
Photo of Judith Desbonne, Psychotherapist, FHGI
Judith Desbonne
Psychotherapist, FHGI
Effective, fast and practical help for anyone suffering from a range of issues including: • depression/low mood • panic attacks • phobias • low self-esteem • self-harming . eating disorders • poor concentration • relationship problems • anxiety and stress • anger problems • post-traumatic stress disorder including military (PTSD) • addiction (all kinds) • obsessions (OCD) • poor sleep
Effective, fast and practical help for anyone suffering from a range of issues including: • depression/low mood • panic attacks • phobias • low self-esteem • self-harming . eating disorders • poor concentration • relationship problems • anxiety and stress • anger problems • post-traumatic stress disorder including military (PTSD) • addiction (all kinds) • obsessions (OCD) • poor sleep
01278 393095 View 01278 393095
Photo of Lauren Richards, Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Lauren Richards
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
I work with neurodivergent teens and their families struggling with overwhelm.
I’m a qualified Coaching Psychologist and Neurodiversity Coach, with additional training in psychotherapy My approach is grounded in coaching psychology and draws on principles of Positive Psychology and evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Coaching.Trauma-informed
I work with neurodivergent teens and their families struggling with overwhelm.
I’m a qualified Coaching Psychologist and Neurodiversity Coach, with additional training in psychotherapy My approach is grounded in coaching psychology and draws on principles of Positive Psychology and evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Coaching.Trauma-informed
01823 213670 View 01823 213670
Photo of Samuel Fawcett, Counsellor, MBACP
Samuel Fawcett
Counsellor, MBACP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, intrusive thoughts, obsessive worry or repetitive behaviours? Do you feel like you're stuck repeating patterns that you aren't sure how to escape from? I am a therapist with first-hand experience of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder and have been on my own therapeutic journey of learning how to manage and reclaim my life from it.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, intrusive thoughts, obsessive worry or repetitive behaviours? Do you feel like you're stuck repeating patterns that you aren't sure how to escape from? I am a therapist with first-hand experience of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder and have been on my own therapeutic journey of learning how to manage and reclaim my life from it.
01823 212117 View 01823 212117
Photo of James Summerhayes, Counsellor, MBACP
James Summerhayes
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
Hello there, I’m James and I am a counsellor offering Friday sessions in the Weston area. Life can be difficult, sometimes traumatic and we often need someone professional to talk to and guide us to find solutions or acceptance to the problems we are facing in a way that best suits us. Whether you're anxious, depressed, stuck, unhappy or lost, I can offer you a confidential and caring space to explore issues that might be keeping you from finding the contentment and happiness you seek. Whatever approach we decide to follow it is important that you leave each session feeling accepted and understood.
Hello there, I’m James and I am a counsellor offering Friday sessions in the Weston area. Life can be difficult, sometimes traumatic and we often need someone professional to talk to and guide us to find solutions or acceptance to the problems we are facing in a way that best suits us. Whether you're anxious, depressed, stuck, unhappy or lost, I can offer you a confidential and caring space to explore issues that might be keeping you from finding the contentment and happiness you seek. Whatever approach we decide to follow it is important that you leave each session feeling accepted and understood.
01275 408864 View 01275 408864
Photo of Lizzy Oakley - Blue Amber Counselling, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Blue Amber Counselling
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
I specialise in BPD/EUPD, ADHD, Autism and chronic pain or fatigue, offering tailored therapy focused on insight, regulation and meaningful change.
I am an accredited Integrative Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Counselling Supervisor with over a decade of private practice experience, based in Somerset. I work with young people, adults and couples navigating trauma, emotional intensity, relationship challenges or neurodivergence. I offer open-ended and structured, time-limited therapy, accept private and agency referrals, and provide supervision. Sessions are available face-to-face and UK-wide online.
I specialise in BPD/EUPD, ADHD, Autism and chronic pain or fatigue, offering tailored therapy focused on insight, regulation and meaningful change.
I am an accredited Integrative Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Counselling Supervisor with over a decade of private practice experience, based in Somerset. I work with young people, adults and couples navigating trauma, emotional intensity, relationship challenges or neurodivergence. I offer open-ended and structured, time-limited therapy, accept private and agency referrals, and provide supervision. Sessions are available face-to-face and UK-wide online.
01278 760680 View 01278 760680
Photo of Mike Jackson, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Mike Jackson
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
I’m Mike, a qualified counsellor and supervisor with extensive experience supporting adults and young people for over 10 years. I work in a person-centred way using an integrative approach, drawing on humanistic, CBT, Mindfulness, solution-focused, and creative methods. I hold a Level 5 Diploma and am an accredited member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (MNCPS Acc.). I offer face-to-face sessions in Puriton, as well as online and telephone counselling. The sessional fees are sliding scale £30–£65...
I’m Mike, a qualified counsellor and supervisor with extensive experience supporting adults and young people for over 10 years. I work in a person-centred way using an integrative approach, drawing on humanistic, CBT, Mindfulness, solution-focused, and creative methods. I hold a Level 5 Diploma and am an accredited member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (MNCPS Acc.). I offer face-to-face sessions in Puriton, as well as online and telephone counselling. The sessional fees are sliding scale £30–£65...
07555 597600 View 07555 597600

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Kerry Berber, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Kerry Berber
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
1 Endorsed
I have a great deal of experience (both lived and professional) with autism and ADHD, and deliver CPD training to other therapists on this subject.
I work in a lovely, bright and airy office in Weston offering an integrative approach to counselling. This means I am able to draw upon a wide range of theoretical approaches and tools to work in a way that suits you best. I offer long term counselling if desired and do not limit the number of sessions that clients attend.
I have a great deal of experience (both lived and professional) with autism and ADHD, and deliver CPD training to other therapists on this subject.
I work in a lovely, bright and airy office in Weston offering an integrative approach to counselling. This means I am able to draw upon a wide range of theoretical approaches and tools to work in a way that suits you best. I offer long term counselling if desired and do not limit the number of sessions that clients attend.
01934 314144 View 01934 314144
Photo of Leonora Eddolls, Counsellor, MBACP
Leonora Eddolls
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
   As a neurodivergent individual with a neurodivergent family I developed a special interest in neurodivergence including Adult ADHD and Adult Autism.
I offer individual, couples and family therapy. I have experience of complex Mental Health problems and Personality Disorder. I also offer training and workplace coaching for Neurodivergent individuals.
   As a neurodivergent individual with a neurodivergent family I developed a special interest in neurodivergence including Adult ADHD and Adult Autism.
I offer individual, couples and family therapy. I have experience of complex Mental Health problems and Personality Disorder. I also offer training and workplace coaching for Neurodivergent individuals.
01572 494640 View 01572 494640
Photo of Dr Iulian Chear, Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Dr Iulian Chear
Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Online Only
As an LGBTQAI+ individual do you feel that you can’t find your own place, or are you unhappy with where you are in your life? Maybe you are feeling misunderstood, unable to connect with others, or simply struggling with the dating scene or the community? Sometimes having a gender/sexual identity comes with pressures to conform to a specific body image, to femininity/masculinity ideals, and with certain sexual expectations that don’t mirror your own preferences or needs. Or perhaps there’s something important about yourself that has been lost?
As an LGBTQAI+ individual do you feel that you can’t find your own place, or are you unhappy with where you are in your life? Maybe you are feeling misunderstood, unable to connect with others, or simply struggling with the dating scene or the community? Sometimes having a gender/sexual identity comes with pressures to conform to a specific body image, to femininity/masculinity ideals, and with certain sexual expectations that don’t mirror your own preferences or needs. Or perhaps there’s something important about yourself that has been lost?
0117 463 7137 View 0117 463 7137
Photo of Alison Edwards - Alison Edwards Therapy, Coaching and Supervision, Psychologist, MSc, FMBPsS
Alison Edwards Therapy, Coaching and Supervision
Psychologist, MSc, FMBPsS
Online Only
My 16 years experience in supporting neurodivergent clients (with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia or other difficulties) led me to further training in 2021 in autism, and specialised CBT and ACT for ADHD and emotional regulation problems.
I completed a 12 month NHS placement and MSc in Psychological Therapy, qualifying in 2008, and I later worked as a CBT Therapist. I'm a member of the BPS and BABCP. I'm experienced in delivering Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), mindfulness, and person-centred counselling.
My 16 years experience in supporting neurodivergent clients (with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia or other difficulties) led me to further training in 2021 in autism, and specialised CBT and ACT for ADHD and emotional regulation problems.
I completed a 12 month NHS placement and MSc in Psychological Therapy, qualifying in 2008, and I later worked as a CBT Therapist. I'm a member of the BPS and BABCP. I'm experienced in delivering Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), mindfulness, and person-centred counselling.
01392 321135 View 01392 321135
Photo of Helen Hoyte - Helen Hoyte Therapy, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Helen Hoyte Therapy
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
I offer a trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming space focused on helping you understand your nervous system, emotional responses, and sense of self.
I offer trauma-informed counselling and coaching with a focus on ADHD, emotional regulation, and identity. My approach combines talking therapy with nervous system awareness, helping you understand your responses and reduce overwhelm. Together, we work to build resilience, shift patterns, and create meaningful, lasting change aligned with who you are.
I offer a trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming space focused on helping you understand your nervous system, emotional responses, and sense of self.
I offer trauma-informed counselling and coaching with a focus on ADHD, emotional regulation, and identity. My approach combines talking therapy with nervous system awareness, helping you understand your responses and reduce overwhelm. Together, we work to build resilience, shift patterns, and create meaningful, lasting change aligned with who you are.
07923 469456 View 07923 469456
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 Lauren Wright - Lauren Wright | CBT for ADHD & Autism (Online UK), Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Lauren Wright | CBT for ADHD & Autism (Online UK)
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
An AuDHD psychotherapist, specialising in ADHD & Autism.
I’m not a blank-slate kind of therapist - I show up as my full, human, AuDHD self. I am based in London, and offer online therapy that is collaborative, warm, and grounded in real life, which specialises in ADHD & Autism. We’ll figure out what’s going on, what matters to you, and what might actually help - in a way that works for your brain, not against it.
An AuDHD psychotherapist, specialising in ADHD & Autism.
I’m not a blank-slate kind of therapist - I show up as my full, human, AuDHD self. I am based in London, and offer online therapy that is collaborative, warm, and grounded in real life, which specialises in ADHD & Autism. We’ll figure out what’s going on, what matters to you, and what might actually help - in a way that works for your brain, not against it.
020 3835 5977 View 020 3835 5977
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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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.