Education and Learning Disabilities Counselling in Leigh-on-Sea

Duncan Ashley Paveling
Counsellor, MBACP
2 Endorsed
I am a qualified (MBACP Registered) Counsellor/Supervisor with over 18 years experience working with individuals of all ages (both adults and young people), with an eclectic approach in line with the BACP Ethical Framework. My work includes that with Individuals, Couples and Families, whilst experience has also led me to run regular workshops and support groups. I also have extensive and ongoing experience in both the Media/Sporting industries and in the area of Neurodiversity.
I am a qualified (MBACP Registered) Counsellor/Supervisor with over 18 years experience working with individuals of all ages (both adults and young people), with an eclectic approach in line with the BACP Ethical Framework. My work includes that with Individuals, Couples and Families, whilst experience has also led me to run regular workshops and support groups. I also have extensive and ongoing experience in both the Media/Sporting industries and in the area of Neurodiversity.
01702 967513 View 01702 967513
Karen Haynes
Counsellor, BACP
I am an Integrative therapist which means I use various therapies and tailor the therapy to your needs, as we all are individuals and I feel an indIvidual approach offers the bespoke service clients require. Some people may respond well to CBT or DBT, others prefer a more Humanistic approach. The Psychodynamic approach works well when looking into our core thoughts and TA works wonders with communication. I work collaboratively with the client to get the best results for you.
I am an Integrative therapist which means I use various therapies and tailor the therapy to your needs, as we all are individuals and I feel an indIvidual approach offers the bespoke service clients require. Some people may respond well to CBT or DBT, others prefer a more Humanistic approach. The Psychodynamic approach works well when looking into our core thoughts and TA works wonders with communication. I work collaboratively with the client to get the best results for you.
01702 411182 View 01702 411182
Kim Strong
Counsellor, MBACP
I provide a safe, supportive and confidential space in which clients can seek insight into any issues of concern. My individual clientele spends all ages including children. I also work with couples and families. Short or long-term therapy is offered. My extensive training allows me to draw upon multiple disciplines to tailor the support to the needs of the client.
I provide a safe, supportive and confidential space in which clients can seek insight into any issues of concern. My individual clientele spends all ages including children. I also work with couples and families. Short or long-term therapy is offered. My extensive training allows me to draw upon multiple disciplines to tailor the support to the needs of the client.
01702 655605 View 01702 655605
Phillip Skelton
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
The counselling I provide creates a safe, empathic environment and sensitive space for a person to explore and resolve personal difficulties and limitations they may be experiencing, and to move beyond them. It can also help to enhance your relationship/connection with yourself and others.
The counselling I provide creates a safe, empathic environment and sensitive space for a person to explore and resolve personal difficulties and limitations they may be experiencing, and to move beyond them. It can also help to enhance your relationship/connection with yourself and others.
01702 967946 View 01702 967946
Alex Sinclair Gulland
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, BACP
1 Endorsed
Seeking therapy and finding the right counsellor can sometimes feel daunting — so well done for taking this important first step. Beginning counselling is a courageous act of self-care, and I aim to make the process as safe, supportive, and collaborative as possible. As a Counsellor with lived experience of mental health challenges, I understand how it feels to be vulnerable, uncertain, or “stuck.” My goal is to provide a warm, compassionate, and confidential space where you can explore what’s happening in your life without fear of judgment.
Seeking therapy and finding the right counsellor can sometimes feel daunting — so well done for taking this important first step. Beginning counselling is a courageous act of self-care, and I aim to make the process as safe, supportive, and collaborative as possible. As a Counsellor with lived experience of mental health challenges, I understand how it feels to be vulnerable, uncertain, or “stuck.” My goal is to provide a warm, compassionate, and confidential space where you can explore what’s happening in your life without fear of judgment.
01702 655101 View 01702 655101
Cecilia Carlotti
Psychotherapist, BPC
If you are thinking of starting a therapy you may be willing to deal with painful issues that can manifest in various shapes and intensity and have an impact on the day-to-day life; such issues are personal and linked both to personality and life events. A disturb can express in different ways and symptoms, like panic attacks, Depression, psychosomatic symptoms, Anxiety etc. Other times there is rather a generic feeling of discomfort that needs to be defined and addressed.
If you are thinking of starting a therapy you may be willing to deal with painful issues that can manifest in various shapes and intensity and have an impact on the day-to-day life; such issues are personal and linked both to personality and life events. A disturb can express in different ways and symptoms, like panic attacks, Depression, psychosomatic symptoms, Anxiety etc. Other times there is rather a generic feeling of discomfort that needs to be defined and addressed.
020 3984 8981 View 020 3984 8981
Helen McDonald
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience of working with children and young people with additional learning needs and those who are neurodivergent.
I work in an integrative way which means that I combine a range of theories and practices to best suit individual needs, including person-centred, attachment-based, psychodynamic and CBT approaches. I am qualified to level 7 (Masters level) and I am a registered member of the BACP.
I have experience of working with children and young people with additional learning needs and those who are neurodivergent.
I work in an integrative way which means that I combine a range of theories and practices to best suit individual needs, including person-centred, attachment-based, psychodynamic and CBT approaches. I am qualified to level 7 (Masters level) and I am a registered member of the BACP.
01702 418208 View 01702 418208
Natasha Williamson
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
My name is Natasha and I run The Wellness Project. I help individuals and couples to find a more vibrant and easeful way of life. I believe that if we work to understand your unique psychological make-up, with an appropriate level of support and challenge, change is possible. I consider us equally important in the process and will help you to feel comfortable - always working from a place of kindness and respect. My core training is in Transactional Analysis - however, I have significant post qualification training and consider myself to work integratively, drawing on lots of different theories and skills to best help my clients.
My name is Natasha and I run The Wellness Project. I help individuals and couples to find a more vibrant and easeful way of life. I believe that if we work to understand your unique psychological make-up, with an appropriate level of support and challenge, change is possible. I consider us equally important in the process and will help you to feel comfortable - always working from a place of kindness and respect. My core training is in Transactional Analysis - however, I have significant post qualification training and consider myself to work integratively, drawing on lots of different theories and skills to best help my clients.
01702 908322 View 01702 908322
Emma Litman
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a BACP and EMDR Counsellor offering face to face, online and telephone counselling. My clients say that I'm very easy to talk to, warm and friendly. I can help you to explore your issues to help you gain awareness, understanding and get to a place or acceptance of a situation you are struggling with. I am also a qualified NLP and EFT coach offering specific techniques suited to working with any issues related to trauma, depression & anxiety.
I am a BACP and EMDR Counsellor offering face to face, online and telephone counselling. My clients say that I'm very easy to talk to, warm and friendly. I can help you to explore your issues to help you gain awareness, understanding and get to a place or acceptance of a situation you are struggling with. I am also a qualified NLP and EFT coach offering specific techniques suited to working with any issues related to trauma, depression & anxiety.
01268 437498 View 01268 437498
Simon Uskuri
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
I've extensively trained in Expressive Arts - which has been used greatly for individuals who feel confined to the chair as well as young people and individuals with learning disabilities.
"The hardest step is making the call, the most rewarding step is knowing that you're in control again." Welcome, my name is Simon, I am a highly qualified friendly experienced Counsellor. I am a accredited member of the BACP and follow the ethical framework. I have worked successfully with individuals from various backgrounds and ages around Essex for a number of years. What I can offer you is a safe space that is confidential and nonjudgmental where you can truly be listened to and within that space we together can explore and find the answers you are searching for.
I've extensively trained in Expressive Arts - which has been used greatly for individuals who feel confined to the chair as well as young people and individuals with learning disabilities.
"The hardest step is making the call, the most rewarding step is knowing that you're in control again." Welcome, my name is Simon, I am a highly qualified friendly experienced Counsellor. I am a accredited member of the BACP and follow the ethical framework. I have worked successfully with individuals from various backgrounds and ages around Essex for a number of years. What I can offer you is a safe space that is confidential and nonjudgmental where you can truly be listened to and within that space we together can explore and find the answers you are searching for.
01702 683020 View 01702 683020
Shine Counselling Therapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
Annual leave 11th to 26th April 2026. My specialism is Neurodiverse minds, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and any kind of mind that just thinks a little differently. I get it because i live it too, i work in a very visual way, where you are heard, seen and understood, my Neurodiverse knowledge allows me to see things from a Neurodiverse perspective. Are you feeling scared of facing the reality of what is happening for you ? Knowing you want to feel better but just don't know where to start to get help. Are you feeling like there is no way out of these feelings ? Therapy provides an outsiders perspective, a space to talk, feel safe.
Annual leave 11th to 26th April 2026. My specialism is Neurodiverse minds, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia and any kind of mind that just thinks a little differently. I get it because i live it too, i work in a very visual way, where you are heard, seen and understood, my Neurodiverse knowledge allows me to see things from a Neurodiverse perspective. Are you feeling scared of facing the reality of what is happening for you ? Knowing you want to feel better but just don't know where to start to get help. Are you feeling like there is no way out of these feelings ? Therapy provides an outsiders perspective, a space to talk, feel safe.
01268 202732 View 01268 202732

More Therapists Nearby

Grace Kuhl
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Music Therap.
Serves Area
Maybe you keep finding yourself in the same painful patterns — in relationships, at work, or in how you feel about yourself — and you're not sure why. Perhaps you're neurodivergent or highly sensitive, and the world often feels like too much. Or you've tried talking things through before, but something deeper still hasn't been reached. You don't need to have the words for it yet. That sense that something needs attention is enough of a place to start — and you're very welcome here.
Maybe you keep finding yourself in the same painful patterns — in relationships, at work, or in how you feel about yourself — and you're not sure why. Perhaps you're neurodivergent or highly sensitive, and the world often feels like too much. Or you've tried talking things through before, but something deeper still hasn't been reached. You don't need to have the words for it yet. That sense that something needs attention is enough of a place to start — and you're very welcome here.
020 8129 6475 View 020 8129 6475
Catherine Sonaram-Taylor
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Serves Area
I work as a Complex Trauma/Childhood Abuse & Relationship Therapist, supporting individuals/couples who are "stuck", experiencing issues of high anxiety; anger; stress and distress around a life events, especially if you have a learning disability or autism.
Despite your best efforts of trying to resolve these issues privately with medication or receive counselling elsewhere; this to some degree has been unsuccessful. There is nothing we cannot work through together, let's address them now and not make it more complicated than is necessary. Sessions are held on a fortnightly or monthly basis online or inperson.
I work as a Complex Trauma/Childhood Abuse & Relationship Therapist, supporting individuals/couples who are "stuck", experiencing issues of high anxiety; anger; stress and distress around a life events, especially if you have a learning disability or autism.
Despite your best efforts of trying to resolve these issues privately with medication or receive counselling elsewhere; this to some degree has been unsuccessful. There is nothing we cannot work through together, let's address them now and not make it more complicated than is necessary. Sessions are held on a fortnightly or monthly basis online or inperson.
01883 779204 View 01883 779204
Natalie Clarke
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or lost? Do you feel like you’re not sure who you are? Are you struggling in a world that doesn’t feel right for you? Life can feel heavy, and traditional talk therapy might seem daunting. That’s why I offer something different: a safe, supportive space to explore your thoughts and emotions in a way that works for you. Whether you are dealing with school stress, questioning your identity, or finding everyday life overwhelming, I provide a space where your needs come first. I offer safe, flexible counselling for neurodivergent (ADHD / autistic…) teens or adults, I’m respectful of every mind.
Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or lost? Do you feel like you’re not sure who you are? Are you struggling in a world that doesn’t feel right for you? Life can feel heavy, and traditional talk therapy might seem daunting. That’s why I offer something different: a safe, supportive space to explore your thoughts and emotions in a way that works for you. Whether you are dealing with school stress, questioning your identity, or finding everyday life overwhelming, I provide a space where your needs come first. I offer safe, flexible counselling for neurodivergent (ADHD / autistic…) teens or adults, I’m respectful of every mind.
01227 947915 View 01227 947915
Samantha Riches
Psychotherapist, MSc, GMBPsS
Serves Area
From behaviour, emotion, learning, social difficulties, crisis, sensory and much more.
Hi my name is Sam. I work with children and young people. My focus when working with children and young people is to find a way to work with them to help with all of their areas of difficulty, from emotional to school and the variety of difficulties they can experience. I find that children and young people feel most comfortable in a familiar surrounding so I always try to work with the child in their own home or school.
From behaviour, emotion, learning, social difficulties, crisis, sensory and much more.
Hi my name is Sam. I work with children and young people. My focus when working with children and young people is to find a way to work with them to help with all of their areas of difficulty, from emotional to school and the variety of difficulties they can experience. I find that children and young people feel most comfortable in a familiar surrounding so I always try to work with the child in their own home or school.
07745 872192 View 07745 872192
Don Jacobs
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Dagenham RM10
Hello. I wonder what brings you here today, we all need help at times. Perhaps relationships are difficult and you might feel lonely, or work is stressful. Maybe you don’t feel good or are experiencing depression or anxiety or trauma. Are you looking to realise your potential? Or perhaps some other reason. My aim as a therapist is to help you to get from where you are now to where you would like to be. As a qualified and experienced therapist I can help, my skills can guide you, my focus will be on your unique experience of life. As a person I am warm, approachable and supportive, you will not be on your own.
Hello. I wonder what brings you here today, we all need help at times. Perhaps relationships are difficult and you might feel lonely, or work is stressful. Maybe you don’t feel good or are experiencing depression or anxiety or trauma. Are you looking to realise your potential? Or perhaps some other reason. My aim as a therapist is to help you to get from where you are now to where you would like to be. As a qualified and experienced therapist I can help, my skills can guide you, my focus will be on your unique experience of life. As a person I am warm, approachable and supportive, you will not be on your own.
020 3870 4427 View 020 3870 4427
Light Bubble Counselling
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Serves Area
Do you carry pain that doesn't have a clear explanation; in your body, your relationships, or both? Maybe you've lived with complex trauma, abuse, or experiences from childhood that still shape how safe the world feels now. Maybe that shows up as fibromyalgia or chronic pain your body won't let go of, or as patterns in your closest relationships that feel impossible to shift. Many people I work with have spent years searching for answers their bodies and minds couldn't quite put into words. Together, we make sense of what's underneath, at a pace that feels right for you. English and French session.
Do you carry pain that doesn't have a clear explanation; in your body, your relationships, or both? Maybe you've lived with complex trauma, abuse, or experiences from childhood that still shape how safe the world feels now. Maybe that shows up as fibromyalgia or chronic pain your body won't let go of, or as patterns in your closest relationships that feel impossible to shift. Many people I work with have spent years searching for answers their bodies and minds couldn't quite put into words. Together, we make sense of what's underneath, at a pace that feels right for you. English and French session.
01206 239169 View 01206 239169
Natalie Preston
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
As a fully qualified BACP Registered psychotherapist, I run a private practice in Kings Hill offering integrative psychotherapy. I draw on extensive and continued training in many different evidence-based theories to support my client’s needs. I am adept at helping people untangle complex problems. My specialism is in trauma work, including PTSD and complex PTSD as I understand the far-reaching impacts of trauma. I have a special interest in attachment styles and impacts on relationships. My prior experience has provided opportunities to work in a variety of sectors including NHS referrals, education, voluntary and private sector.
As a fully qualified BACP Registered psychotherapist, I run a private practice in Kings Hill offering integrative psychotherapy. I draw on extensive and continued training in many different evidence-based theories to support my client’s needs. I am adept at helping people untangle complex problems. My specialism is in trauma work, including PTSD and complex PTSD as I understand the far-reaching impacts of trauma. I have a special interest in attachment styles and impacts on relationships. My prior experience has provided opportunities to work in a variety of sectors including NHS referrals, education, voluntary and private sector.
01732 443164 View 01732 443164
Gordon Wax
Psychotherapist, MBACP
London E14
Hi, my name is Gordon. Welcome! I am a full qualified therapist working online and in person from my consulting room in Manchester zone one. Personal therapy helped me to untangle my relationship with myself and my emotions from others. The world alone is a chaotic place to manage our own unknowns, anxieties, and traumas. I understand that everyone experiences the world in different ways, so unique problems require bespoke responses. Our lives are constantly changing, so it’s natural to feel emotions strongly, think differently and respond atypically. I help clients explore all spheres of their life to help build hope and cope
Hi, my name is Gordon. Welcome! I am a full qualified therapist working online and in person from my consulting room in Manchester zone one. Personal therapy helped me to untangle my relationship with myself and my emotions from others. The world alone is a chaotic place to manage our own unknowns, anxieties, and traumas. I understand that everyone experiences the world in different ways, so unique problems require bespoke responses. Our lives are constantly changing, so it’s natural to feel emotions strongly, think differently and respond atypically. I help clients explore all spheres of their life to help build hope and cope
020 3871 8210 View 020 3871 8210
Beth Bolitho
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
London E17
My name is Beth Bolitho and I am a neuro-affirmative psychodynamic therapist working with children, teens, young adults and parents. We all have our mountains to climb. Sometimes the journey can seem insurmountable. We need a companion to encourage us and keep us safe; someone with whom we can sit and reflect about the challenges, our achievements as well as thinking about the path yet to climb. I provide a listening ear, helping people to make sense of their worries, whether it be stress and anxiety, coping with family breakdown or bereavement, struggling with peers, or just feeling uncertain about the future.
My name is Beth Bolitho and I am a neuro-affirmative psychodynamic therapist working with children, teens, young adults and parents. We all have our mountains to climb. Sometimes the journey can seem insurmountable. We need a companion to encourage us and keep us safe; someone with whom we can sit and reflect about the challenges, our achievements as well as thinking about the path yet to climb. I provide a listening ear, helping people to make sense of their worries, whether it be stress and anxiety, coping with family breakdown or bereavement, struggling with peers, or just feeling uncertain about the future.
020 4572 4671 View 020 4572 4671

See more therapy options for Leigh-on-Sea

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.