Education and Learning Disabilities Counselling in Buxton

Photo of Vanessa Bailey, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Vanessa Bailey
Psychotherapist, MBACP
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Do you feel like your brain works differently to everyone around you? Like you're constantly overwhelmed, misunderstood, or struggling to keep up, especially in your relationships? Many of my clients arrive feeling like they're "too much" for some people and "not enough" for others, exhausted by trying to hold it all together. Whether that's repeating patterns you can't explain, recovering from a difficult relationship, or trying to understand yourself better as a partner, parent or child. You're not broken. I'm Vanessa, a psychotherapist based in Leek, Staffordshire, offering face-to-face and online sessions across the UK.
Do you feel like your brain works differently to everyone around you? Like you're constantly overwhelmed, misunderstood, or struggling to keep up, especially in your relationships? Many of my clients arrive feeling like they're "too much" for some people and "not enough" for others, exhausted by trying to hold it all together. Whether that's repeating patterns you can't explain, recovering from a difficult relationship, or trying to understand yourself better as a partner, parent or child. You're not broken. I'm Vanessa, a psychotherapist based in Leek, Staffordshire, offering face-to-face and online sessions across the UK.
01782 288179 View 01782 288179
Photo of Jonathan Drury
Jonathan Drury
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I'm fully trained, but I believe we are all always learning, so I continually seek to improve through ethical, reflective practice, development and research.
I’ve supported hundreds of amazing people and teams across all sectors of society, offering an exploratory space and neuro-affirming framework to deepen insight and raise self-awareness. Do you want to reconnect with your true self, increase self-knowledge and compassion, live with greater authenticity and lead with more clarity? If so, I will support you. Together, we will identify, clarify, and align your values and purpose for genuine, lasting growth. If you’re looking for a non-judgemental space where you don’t have to mask, over-explain, or apologise for sensory or emotional needs, you’re welcome here.
I'm fully trained, but I believe we are all always learning, so I continually seek to improve through ethical, reflective practice, development and research.
I’ve supported hundreds of amazing people and teams across all sectors of society, offering an exploratory space and neuro-affirming framework to deepen insight and raise self-awareness. Do you want to reconnect with your true self, increase self-knowledge and compassion, live with greater authenticity and lead with more clarity? If so, I will support you. Together, we will identify, clarify, and align your values and purpose for genuine, lasting growth. If you’re looking for a non-judgemental space where you don’t have to mask, over-explain, or apologise for sensory or emotional needs, you’re welcome here.
01629 704930 View 01629 704930

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Claudia Brooker Loubassa - Light Bubble Counselling, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Light Bubble Counselling
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Hello, I’m Claudia, a bilingual English–French pluralistic counsellor, awarded Local Trauma-Informed Counselling Practice of the Year 2026, Colchester, at the GHP Mental Health Awards. I offer a calm, confidential and supportive space for adults and couples experiencing anxiety, trauma, burnout, emotional distress or relationship difficulties. My holistic body–mind approach combines talking therapy with gentle emotional awareness to support meaningful change. Sessions are tailored to your pace, with kindness, inclusivity and respect. Online across the UK and Europe, and in person in Nottingham.
Hello, I’m Claudia, a bilingual English–French pluralistic counsellor, awarded Local Trauma-Informed Counselling Practice of the Year 2026, Colchester, at the GHP Mental Health Awards. I offer a calm, confidential and supportive space for adults and couples experiencing anxiety, trauma, burnout, emotional distress or relationship difficulties. My holistic body–mind approach combines talking therapy with gentle emotional awareness to support meaningful change. Sessions are tailored to your pace, with kindness, inclusivity and respect. Online across the UK and Europe, and in person in Nottingham.
01206 239169 View 01206 239169
Photo of Deb Haynes, Counsellor, MBACP
Deb Haynes
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
Hello, I'm Deb Haynes, I work with all sorts of wonderful people, from young children to adults and families. I use a person centered approach but can bring in other techniques which I have trained in, such as play therapy. I understand that attending therapy can sometimes be difficult due to work or commitments you may have, I work daytime, evenings and Saturdays (last session from 2pm) Some of the stressful issues that I have been asked to help with are, anxiety, bereavement (including pet bereavement), trauma, behavioural / trust issues, self-esteem issues, self-harming.
Hello, I'm Deb Haynes, I work with all sorts of wonderful people, from young children to adults and families. I use a person centered approach but can bring in other techniques which I have trained in, such as play therapy. I understand that attending therapy can sometimes be difficult due to work or commitments you may have, I work daytime, evenings and Saturdays (last session from 2pm) Some of the stressful issues that I have been asked to help with are, anxiety, bereavement (including pet bereavement), trauma, behavioural / trust issues, self-esteem issues, self-harming.
01270 906390 View 01270 906390
Photo of Liz Whiteley, Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Liz Whiteley
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Online Only
As a Trauma-Informed Therapist based in Sheffield, I offer online counselling across the UK, with a special focus on disability support and trauma recovery. My aim is to create a safe, empowering space where you can reflect, heal, and grow at your own pace.
As a Trauma-Informed Therapist based in Sheffield, I offer online counselling across the UK, with a special focus on disability support and trauma recovery. My aim is to create a safe, empowering space where you can reflect, heal, and grow at your own pace.
0114 303 1338 View 0114 303 1338
Photo of Sara Rose - Neuromotion Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP), Psychotherapist, MA
I’m Sara, a dance movement psychotherapist and clinical supervisor specialising in acquired brain injury (ABI) and stroke. Language and cognitive processing can shift after ABI, from aphasia to emotional shutdown. I offer trauma-informed, non-verbal therapy using movement, rhythm, and breath to support expression, regulation, and connection. My embodied approach enables people that I help to communicate and find meaning beyond words. I also work with neurodiverse and disabled people of all ages, adapting creatively to each person’s unique needs. My work is holistic, creative, and rehabilitative.
I’m Sara, a dance movement psychotherapist and clinical supervisor specialising in acquired brain injury (ABI) and stroke. Language and cognitive processing can shift after ABI, from aphasia to emotional shutdown. I offer trauma-informed, non-verbal therapy using movement, rhythm, and breath to support expression, regulation, and connection. My embodied approach enables people that I help to communicate and find meaning beyond words. I also work with neurodiverse and disabled people of all ages, adapting creatively to each person’s unique needs. My work is holistic, creative, and rehabilitative.
01332 959069 View 01332 959069
Photo of Clare Ayebare, Counsellor, MBACP
Clare Ayebare
Counsellor, MBACP
“I wish things could go back to normal!”, “I want to feel like me again!” Does this sound familiar? Many of my clients have said this in one way or another. Do you live with a sense that no one understands what you’re feeling?Sometimes it comes with a sense of shame or judgement that you can’t “just get back to normal.” Many of my clients have struggled with the effects of cancer diagnosis, others grief or loss and some have become full time carers. I offer a space for you to explore your feelings (all of them) and the support to help you make decisions about how you want to live in this new “normal”.
“I wish things could go back to normal!”, “I want to feel like me again!” Does this sound familiar? Many of my clients have said this in one way or another. Do you live with a sense that no one understands what you’re feeling?Sometimes it comes with a sense of shame or judgement that you can’t “just get back to normal.” Many of my clients have struggled with the effects of cancer diagnosis, others grief or loss and some have become full time carers. I offer a space for you to explore your feelings (all of them) and the support to help you make decisions about how you want to live in this new “normal”.
01625 926069 View 01625 926069
Photo of Leah Marie Booker - Leah Booker - Free to Be You, Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Leah Booker - Free to Be You
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
At Free to Be You, we empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive as their authentic selves. Founded by Leah Booker, a neurodivergent leader with lived experience of dyslexia and auditory processing disorder. We offer person-centred support tailored to your needs. We understand the emotional toll of navigating a neurotypical world, from seeking a diagnosis to coping with exclusion and overwhelm. Whether you're an individual or an organisation, we’re here to walk alongside you, with insight and empathy.
At Free to Be You, we empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive as their authentic selves. Founded by Leah Booker, a neurodivergent leader with lived experience of dyslexia and auditory processing disorder. We offer person-centred support tailored to your needs. We understand the emotional toll of navigating a neurotypical world, from seeking a diagnosis to coping with exclusion and overwhelm. Whether you're an individual or an organisation, we’re here to walk alongside you, with insight and empathy.
0114 697 4246 View 0114 697 4246
Photo of Dr Graham Simpson-Adkins, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Graham Simpson-Adkins
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
I aim to support any adult, child, young person, family or organisation to maximise their potential and effectively manage the difficulties that life often brings. I believe that by building an understanding of your social, emotional, psychological and physical needs, you can be supported to feel safe, ready to cope and able to achieve the goals that matter to you. My aim will be to help you to explore your needs, to better understand the difficulties you face and to provide tailored psychological support, based on a wide range of evidence based interventions to help develop solutions that work for you.
I aim to support any adult, child, young person, family or organisation to maximise their potential and effectively manage the difficulties that life often brings. I believe that by building an understanding of your social, emotional, psychological and physical needs, you can be supported to feel safe, ready to cope and able to achieve the goals that matter to you. My aim will be to help you to explore your needs, to better understand the difficulties you face and to provide tailored psychological support, based on a wide range of evidence based interventions to help develop solutions that work for you.
01925 931591 View 01925 931591
Photo of Jennifer Heathcote Osborne - Jennifer @Need2Talk2Someone Counselling Services, Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Jennifer @Need2Talk2Someone Counselling Services
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
1 Endorsed
Leek ST13
Note: my apologies, please register your interest to join the current short waiting list
Note: my apologies, please register your interest to join the current short waiting list
01538 712566 View 01538 712566
Photo of Helen (Hallie) McLaughlin, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Helen (Hallie) McLaughlin
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Perhaps you're caught up in 'shoulds' around how to be? Perhaps you're used to absorbing your surroundings? Perhaps you're seeing your identity in a new way or exploring what your identity means for being you? Perhaps your sense of self is wrapped up in your career/ studies, perfectionism or organisational dynamics? Do you want a space to unpick who you are, what you need and what’s right for you? Welcome, I'm Helen, I go by Hallie. I offer one-to-one person-centred and experiential counselling and psychotherapy sessions to adults 18+ in the UK via Zoom.
Perhaps you're caught up in 'shoulds' around how to be? Perhaps you're used to absorbing your surroundings? Perhaps you're seeing your identity in a new way or exploring what your identity means for being you? Perhaps your sense of self is wrapped up in your career/ studies, perfectionism or organisational dynamics? Do you want a space to unpick who you are, what you need and what’s right for you? Welcome, I'm Helen, I go by Hallie. I offer one-to-one person-centred and experiential counselling and psychotherapy sessions to adults 18+ in the UK via Zoom.
07482 993159 View 07482 993159
Photo of Shabnam Khan, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Shabnam Khan
Psychotherapist, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Graduated from Warwick University with a Person Centred degree. I have been working as a counsellor for almost 13 years. I work with clients of all ages for a varied range of issues and have been contracted by Forward Thinking Birmingham at Open Door for almost 11 years. I have worked all over Birmingham in many schools visiting clients. I am currently working weekly at King Edwards High School and at Heartlands Academy. I also work with clients referred to me by Women’s Aid. Using the person centred approach helps my clients feel accepted and heard no matter what issue they bring. I offer a safe place to talk enabling clarity.
Graduated from Warwick University with a Person Centred degree. I have been working as a counsellor for almost 13 years. I work with clients of all ages for a varied range of issues and have been contracted by Forward Thinking Birmingham at Open Door for almost 11 years. I have worked all over Birmingham in many schools visiting clients. I am currently working weekly at King Edwards High School and at Heartlands Academy. I also work with clients referred to me by Women’s Aid. Using the person centred approach helps my clients feel accepted and heard no matter what issue they bring. I offer a safe place to talk enabling clarity.
0121 817 7069 View 0121 817 7069
Photo of Kevin Coogan, Counsellor, MBACP
Kevin Coogan
Counsellor, MBACP
I’ve worked with people with dementia, learning disabilities or autism for 40 years.
As a joint-qualified counsellor and social worker, I have many years’ experience of people in crisis. Sometimes we know the cause and don’t know what to do about it. Sometimes we just don’t know what’s up with us. It’s okay to recognise that we are feeling overwhelmed and need help; it’s okay to realise that we are stuck in a pattern of behaviour that we know is doing us no good; it’s okay to recognise that there’s something in our life that we want to change. And it’s okay to just feel different and not know what’s wrong. As a Person-Centred therapist, my job is to work with people to create a space from which change is possible.
I’ve worked with people with dementia, learning disabilities or autism for 40 years.
As a joint-qualified counsellor and social worker, I have many years’ experience of people in crisis. Sometimes we know the cause and don’t know what to do about it. Sometimes we just don’t know what’s up with us. It’s okay to recognise that we are feeling overwhelmed and need help; it’s okay to realise that we are stuck in a pattern of behaviour that we know is doing us no good; it’s okay to recognise that there’s something in our life that we want to change. And it’s okay to just feel different and not know what’s wrong. As a Person-Centred therapist, my job is to work with people to create a space from which change is possible.
0161 524 0011 View 0161 524 0011
Photo of Bernard Horsford - Advanced Assessments Expert Witness Psychologists, Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol
Advanced Assessments Expert Witness Psychologists
Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol
Serves Area
EXPERT PSYCHOLOGIST ASSESSMENT OF SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITY & NEURODEVELOPMENTAL CONDITIONS: Dyslexia tests, dyslexia in children, dyspraxia tests, autism spectrum disorder, autism spectrum, ADHD tests, and official IQ testing.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING: Neuropsychological testing online using different types of neuropsychological tests of brain injury and dementia. EXPERT WITNESS ASSESSMENT & MEDICAL EXPERT REPORTS: Psychology expert witness assessments of disability discrimination, personal injury mentally disordered offenders in the criminal justice system, fitness to plead
EXPERT PSYCHOLOGIST ASSESSMENT OF SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITY & NEURODEVELOPMENTAL CONDITIONS: Dyslexia tests, dyslexia in children, dyspraxia tests, autism spectrum disorder, autism spectrum, ADHD tests, and official IQ testing.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING: Neuropsychological testing online using different types of neuropsychological tests of brain injury and dementia. EXPERT WITNESS ASSESSMENT & MEDICAL EXPERT REPORTS: Psychology expert witness assessments of disability discrimination, personal injury mentally disordered offenders in the criminal justice system, fitness to plead
020 3962 0179 View 020 3962 0179
Photo of Kerry Beighton - Renewed path counselling and Addiction support, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Renewed path counselling and Addiction support
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
Hello, I'm Kerry, the person behind Renewed path Counselling and Addiction support and I offer support for a wide variety of issues, however I specialise in working with Adults struggling with Addiction or those that are struggling to come to terms with a life without substance and the mental health issues that come with substance misuse, such as, anxiety, depression, damaged relationships, low self esteem, the list is endless. My passion for supporting people in addiction comes from lived experience and years of working as a Drug and Alcohol support worker and I feel this allows me to offer a deeper level of understanding.
Hello, I'm Kerry, the person behind Renewed path Counselling and Addiction support and I offer support for a wide variety of issues, however I specialise in working with Adults struggling with Addiction or those that are struggling to come to terms with a life without substance and the mental health issues that come with substance misuse, such as, anxiety, depression, damaged relationships, low self esteem, the list is endless. My passion for supporting people in addiction comes from lived experience and years of working as a Drug and Alcohol support worker and I feel this allows me to offer a deeper level of understanding.
01709 212872 View 01709 212872
Photo of Anjum Naqvi, Psychotherapist, PhD, MBABCP
Anjum Naqvi
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBABCP
Online Only
Many of the people I work with are struggling with questions of faith, identity, and culture, often alongside a loss of meaning or a fractured relationship with belief, responsibility, and self. I work with people who want to understand themselves properly, not just manage symptoms. Experiences such as religious trauma, diaspora identity, internalised racism, and racial trauma sit at the centre of my work. My role is not to offer quick fixes. It is to help you think clearly about your life, your history, and the patterns you find yourself repeating, especially the ones you already recognise but cannot shift.
Many of the people I work with are struggling with questions of faith, identity, and culture, often alongside a loss of meaning or a fractured relationship with belief, responsibility, and self. I work with people who want to understand themselves properly, not just manage symptoms. Experiences such as religious trauma, diaspora identity, internalised racism, and racial trauma sit at the centre of my work. My role is not to offer quick fixes. It is to help you think clearly about your life, your history, and the patterns you find yourself repeating, especially the ones you already recognise but cannot shift.
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Photo of Frances Cooper, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Frances Cooper
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
1 Endorsed
I am an Art Psychotherapist, and my practice leans towards a person-centered practice. I engage with strengths-based approaches when providing a space for clients to explore trauma and challenges in their life. l aim to empower clients to be the experts in their own unique mental health journey, and work towards a more positive sense of self.
I am an Art Psychotherapist, and my practice leans towards a person-centered practice. I engage with strengths-based approaches when providing a space for clients to explore trauma and challenges in their life. l aim to empower clients to be the experts in their own unique mental health journey, and work towards a more positive sense of self.
0114 478 2780 View 0114 478 2780
Photo of Rashida Mustafa, Psychotherapist, MA, GMBPsS
Rashida Mustafa
Psychotherapist, MA, GMBPsS
At this point in your life when you are looking for therapy, you may have a hunch that the burden you carry has grown too much to hold on your own and somebody needs to hear you out. Many conversations heal, but the difference between a psychologist and a friend is that looking at things with the tools and theories we have at our disposal can help you define the problem, perhaps reframe it and then resolve it. That is the starting point for feeling better. You may wonder whether anything can really help, because everything may seem complicated and deep, but the wonder of your own self is waiting for you to unfold.
At this point in your life when you are looking for therapy, you may have a hunch that the burden you carry has grown too much to hold on your own and somebody needs to hear you out. Many conversations heal, but the difference between a psychologist and a friend is that looking at things with the tools and theories we have at our disposal can help you define the problem, perhaps reframe it and then resolve it. That is the starting point for feeling better. You may wonder whether anything can really help, because everything may seem complicated and deep, but the wonder of your own self is waiting for you to unfold.
0161 850 5488 View 0161 850 5488
Photo of Emily Duckworth, Counsellor, MBACP
Emily Duckworth
Counsellor, MBACP
Life brings challenges we didn’t ask for that can leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed. You might be experiencing anxiety, difficulties in relationships or simply feeling that something isn’t quite right. You don’t have to face these alone. I offer a safe, non-judgmental and supportive space where you can talk openly about whatever is on your mind allowing you to make sense of your thoughts and emotions. Together we’ll explore what matters most to you, at your own pace, while being met with understanding; allowing you to feel more at ease and building the confidence to navigate the best way forward.
Life brings challenges we didn’t ask for that can leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed. You might be experiencing anxiety, difficulties in relationships or simply feeling that something isn’t quite right. You don’t have to face these alone. I offer a safe, non-judgmental and supportive space where you can talk openly about whatever is on your mind allowing you to make sense of your thoughts and emotions. Together we’ll explore what matters most to you, at your own pace, while being met with understanding; allowing you to feel more at ease and building the confidence to navigate the best way forward.
0161 524 4156 View 0161 524 4156
Photo of Holly Abigail Wootton, Counsellor, MBACP
Holly Abigail Wootton
Counsellor, MBACP
Marple SK6
We all experience some form of distress in our lives. It could be sadness, anger, loneliness, stress, grief, anxiety, depression or something that you can’t explain. It could be current or could have happened in the past, or you may not know when it happened. It could lead to feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope, it could be affecting the relationships around you both personally or professionally. There are many things that contribute to this distress and being aware of them can help to ease the connected emotions. Counselling can help you do this by providing a safe and confidential space to explore and reflect upon these feelings
We all experience some form of distress in our lives. It could be sadness, anger, loneliness, stress, grief, anxiety, depression or something that you can’t explain. It could be current or could have happened in the past, or you may not know when it happened. It could lead to feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope, it could be affecting the relationships around you both personally or professionally. There are many things that contribute to this distress and being aware of them can help to ease the connected emotions. Counselling can help you do this by providing a safe and confidential space to explore and reflect upon these feelings
01663 794081 View 01663 794081
Education and Learning Disabilities Counsellors
How effective is treatment for learning disabilities?
When initiated early and tailored to a child’s specific needs, learning disability treatment can be quite effective at helping a child cope with their disability, though its exact efficacy may depend on the severity of symptoms and whether comorbid disorders exist. Less is known about treatment initiated in adulthood, but it is certainly possible that an adult with a learning disability will see some improvement—or at the very least, identify workarounds and accommodations that could make symptoms less burdensome in day-to-day life.

When should someone seek treatment for learning disabilities?
It’s best to seek treatment as early as possible. Because learning disabilities often go unnoticed until a child starts school, or even until they’re a few years along, regular check-ins with teachers and doctors can help parents determine whether children are meeting milestones and keeping up with peers or whether an evaluation for learning disabilities may be warranted. And although earlier is always better, it’s never too late to be evaluated for learning disabilities and to seek treatment.

What happens if learning disabilities are left untreated?
Undiagnosed and untreated learning disabilities can be a source of significant frustration and shame for a child, who may feel that their challenges stem from a lack of intelligence or willpower. Such feelings can trigger low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety, which may push a child toward risky behaviors, including substance use. In adulthood, untreated learning disabilities can interfere with career success, and lingering feelings of self-doubt and shame can negatively affect someone’s mental health.

Are there medications for learning disabilities?
Currently, there are no medications designed to treat specific learning disabilities such as dysgraphia or dyscalculia. However, someone with a learning disability may be prescribed medication for a comorbid condition, such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD, which may have positive downstream effects on their learning disability; for example, a child with both ADHD and dyslexia may find that they’re better able to focus on their reading exercises after being prescribed a stimulant medication.