Autism Counselling in Manchester
My name is Francesca Grundy MA, MSt (Oxon.), PGCE, Dip. Couns. and I am the founder of North Manchester Counselling.
It would be my privilege to work collaboratively with you towards a happier life and more peaceful mind.
I believe in the healing, transformative power of person-centred therapy and will accompany you on life's journey, however dark and difficult it may feel at times. I offer a variety of techniques to adults and teens including creative art therapy techniques and CBT activities.
My cosy comfy therapy room is in Prestwich, on the border with Salford and I also offer online and text support.
My name is Francesca Grundy MA, MSt (Oxon.), PGCE, Dip. Couns. and I am the founder of North Manchester Counselling.
It would be my privilege to work collaboratively with you towards a happier life and more peaceful mind.
I believe in the healing, transformative power of person-centred therapy and will accompany you on life's journey, however dark and difficult it may feel at times. I offer a variety of techniques to adults and teens including creative art therapy techniques and CBT activities.
My cosy comfy therapy room is in Prestwich, on the border with Salford and I also offer online and text support.
I am an integrative Counsellor with a background in Person-centred, behavioural, cognitive, psychodynamic and solution focused counselling. Outside of my practice I have 6 years of experience supporting and advocating for people with neurodiversity and physical disabilities. Counselling sessions are a highly collaborative process and are guided by you and your therapeutic goals. I believe in empowering clients to highlight their strengths and skills. Restoring confidence in yourself to manage challenges independently.
I am an integrative Counsellor with a background in Person-centred, behavioural, cognitive, psychodynamic and solution focused counselling. Outside of my practice I have 6 years of experience supporting and advocating for people with neurodiversity and physical disabilities. Counselling sessions are a highly collaborative process and are guided by you and your therapeutic goals. I believe in empowering clients to highlight their strengths and skills. Restoring confidence in yourself to manage challenges independently.
Do you spend most of your time feeling anxious, misunderstood or alone?
I’m Sam Parker, a BACP-registered counsellor based in Didsbury, Manchester. I became a counsellor because I genuinely care about people knowing they’re not alone.
I specialise in person-centred counselling for adults and young people, I offer a counselling approach that is non-judgmental, and centred around you. My priority is to create a compassionate, and safe space where you can explore whatever is on your mind. My clients come with a range of issues such as grief, loss, life changing or limiting illness addiction and neurodiversity related issues.
Do you spend most of your time feeling anxious, misunderstood or alone?
I’m Sam Parker, a BACP-registered counsellor based in Didsbury, Manchester. I became a counsellor because I genuinely care about people knowing they’re not alone.
I specialise in person-centred counselling for adults and young people, I offer a counselling approach that is non-judgmental, and centred around you. My priority is to create a compassionate, and safe space where you can explore whatever is on your mind. My clients come with a range of issues such as grief, loss, life changing or limiting illness addiction and neurodiversity related issues.
As someone who has navigated my own neurodivergent journey, I know how powerful it can be to gain self-awareness and feel truly understood.
I believe in the power of growth and self-discovery. My approach to counselling isn’t just about coping day to day, it’s about helping you understand yourself on a deeper level, so you can move forward with clarity and a sense of your self worth.
You might be feeling anxious, burnt out, or disconnected from others. Maybe social situations feel overwhelming, or you struggle to express yourself and be truly seen. Perhaps work is draining your energy, leaving you exhausted and unfulfilled. Or maybe you don’t quite know why you feel stuck, you just know something needs to change.
As someone who has navigated my own neurodivergent journey, I know how powerful it can be to gain self-awareness and feel truly understood.
I believe in the power of growth and self-discovery. My approach to counselling isn’t just about coping day to day, it’s about helping you understand yourself on a deeper level, so you can move forward with clarity and a sense of your self worth.
You might be feeling anxious, burnt out, or disconnected from others. Maybe social situations feel overwhelming, or you struggle to express yourself and be truly seen. Perhaps work is draining your energy, leaving you exhausted and unfulfilled. Or maybe you don’t quite know why you feel stuck, you just know something needs to change.
You might also be questioning whether you are autistic and looking for clarity, understanding, or validation after years of feeling different or misunderstood.
I work with adults experiencing a range of emotional difficulties and offer neuroaffirming autism assessments for adults. With over 10 years’ NHS experience, I provide compassionate online therapy and comprehensive autism assessments. My therapeutic work draws on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and EMDR and is always tailored to your needs, goals and pace.
You might also be questioning whether you are autistic and looking for clarity, understanding, or validation after years of feeling different or misunderstood.
I work with adults experiencing a range of emotional difficulties and offer neuroaffirming autism assessments for adults. With over 10 years’ NHS experience, I provide compassionate online therapy and comprehensive autism assessments. My therapeutic work draws on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and EMDR and is always tailored to your needs, goals and pace.
I also offer neurodiverse affirming approaches to therapy, to support clients who identify as ADHD, AuDHD or Autistic.
Do you struggle with anxiety, imposter syndrome or low mood? Comparing yourself negatively to others, fearing rejection if you are your authentic self, or make a mistake. You may have always felt this way, stemming from painful experiences in your past. Or has something happened more recently that has changed your sense of self? Maybe you are starting to identify as ADHD, AuDHD or ASC, and you're trying to make sense of your life story from this new perspective. Therapy is a safe and supportive space to explore your difficulties at your pace, develop new strategies, regain confidence whilst reconnecting with what you value and enjoy
I also offer neurodiverse affirming approaches to therapy, to support clients who identify as ADHD, AuDHD or Autistic.
Do you struggle with anxiety, imposter syndrome or low mood? Comparing yourself negatively to others, fearing rejection if you are your authentic self, or make a mistake. You may have always felt this way, stemming from painful experiences in your past. Or has something happened more recently that has changed your sense of self? Maybe you are starting to identify as ADHD, AuDHD or ASC, and you're trying to make sense of your life story from this new perspective. Therapy is a safe and supportive space to explore your difficulties at your pace, develop new strategies, regain confidence whilst reconnecting with what you value and enjoy
I’ve worked with people with dementia, learning disabilities or autism for over 30 years.
The pandemic and lockdown saw a dramatic increase in social isolation and loneliness, but it also saw an increase in people reaching out for help from counselling and psychotherapy. As a joint-qualified counsellor and social worker, I have seen this change first-hand. It’s okay to recognise that you are feeling overwhelmed and need help; it’s okay to realise that you are stuck in a pattern of behaviour that you know is doing you no good; it’s okay to recognise that there’s something in your life that you want to change. As a Person-Centred therapist, my job is to work with you to create a space from which change is possible.
I’ve worked with people with dementia, learning disabilities or autism for over 30 years.
The pandemic and lockdown saw a dramatic increase in social isolation and loneliness, but it also saw an increase in people reaching out for help from counselling and psychotherapy. As a joint-qualified counsellor and social worker, I have seen this change first-hand. It’s okay to recognise that you are feeling overwhelmed and need help; it’s okay to realise that you are stuck in a pattern of behaviour that you know is doing you no good; it’s okay to recognise that there’s something in your life that you want to change. As a Person-Centred therapist, my job is to work with you to create a space from which change is possible.
I am happy to work with anyone who asks for my help, but I specialise in helping people with autism and Asperger’s syndrome and other neurodiversities, such as ADHD (you might have one of these or are close to someone who has.).
My aim with therapy is to help you work out where you want to get to and help you find your ways to get there. Sometimes it can also be useful to think about what has happened to you. Working this way means we can find a path that suits you, in a collaborative way. I always keep in mind that you are the expert on you. I mainly use solution focused therapy which is a therapeutic approach that works with almost anybody and almost any issue. It is a way of identifying what a better life might be like and thinking through how to get there. I can also use techniques from CBT, psychodynamic and person centred counselling.
I am happy to work with anyone who asks for my help, but I specialise in helping people with autism and Asperger’s syndrome and other neurodiversities, such as ADHD (you might have one of these or are close to someone who has.).
My aim with therapy is to help you work out where you want to get to and help you find your ways to get there. Sometimes it can also be useful to think about what has happened to you. Working this way means we can find a path that suits you, in a collaborative way. I always keep in mind that you are the expert on you. I mainly use solution focused therapy which is a therapeutic approach that works with almost anybody and almost any issue. It is a way of identifying what a better life might be like and thinking through how to get there. I can also use techniques from CBT, psychodynamic and person centred counselling.
I particularly welcome those who have recently discovered they are autistic, PDA and/or ADHD.
There are many reasons why someone might seek therapy. You could be a stage in your life where you are confused about who you really are and what to do next. You may be haunted by old traumas or facing new challenges. It may be that you are experiencing relationship or family issues, there may be problems at work. You may be going through grief and loss, or facing illness or disability. Any of this could leave you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed or burnt out. Alternatively, you may not know why you are struggling with your mental health. I provide a calm, warm, supportive presence to help you figure it all out.
I particularly welcome those who have recently discovered they are autistic, PDA and/or ADHD.
There are many reasons why someone might seek therapy. You could be a stage in your life where you are confused about who you really are and what to do next. You may be haunted by old traumas or facing new challenges. It may be that you are experiencing relationship or family issues, there may be problems at work. You may be going through grief and loss, or facing illness or disability. Any of this could leave you feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed or burnt out. Alternatively, you may not know why you are struggling with your mental health. I provide a calm, warm, supportive presence to help you figure it all out.
My experience working with neurodivergent clients, along with my own lived experience, means that I understand the importance of creating a space where all ways of being, thinking and experiencing are supported.
I offer a supportive, neuroaffirming space where you can bring your whole self without fear of judgement. Every therapy journey is different, because every person is different.
Some people know exactly what they want from therapy, while others aren’t sure where to start. Either scenario (and anywhere in between!) is okay.
In our sessions, you can openly reflect on your thoughts, feelings and experiences at a pace that feels comfortable for you. There’s no pressure to share anything before you are ready.
My experience working with neurodivergent clients, along with my own lived experience, means that I understand the importance of creating a space where all ways of being, thinking and experiencing are supported.
I offer a supportive, neuroaffirming space where you can bring your whole self without fear of judgement. Every therapy journey is different, because every person is different.
Some people know exactly what they want from therapy, while others aren’t sure where to start. Either scenario (and anywhere in between!) is okay.
In our sessions, you can openly reflect on your thoughts, feelings and experiences at a pace that feels comfortable for you. There’s no pressure to share anything before you are ready.
You might be autistic or neurodivergent, living with chronic illness, or experiencing anxiety, low mood, or burnout after years of pushing through and prioritising others.
I offer neurodivergent-affirming, person-centred therapy tailored to you as an individual. I specialise in working with autistic and neurodivergent adults, people with chronic health conditions, and those experiencing emotional overwhelm or burnout. Sessions are flexible, paced, and collaborative, adapting to your needs rather than rigid models.
You might be autistic or neurodivergent, living with chronic illness, or experiencing anxiety, low mood, or burnout after years of pushing through and prioritising others.
I offer neurodivergent-affirming, person-centred therapy tailored to you as an individual. I specialise in working with autistic and neurodivergent adults, people with chronic health conditions, and those experiencing emotional overwhelm or burnout. Sessions are flexible, paced, and collaborative, adapting to your needs rather than rigid models.
I have particular interests supporting those who identify with autistic or ADHD traits and survivors of narcissistic abuse.
In summary, I am an experienced trauma specialist with interests in neurodivergent presentations and those who have suffered narcissistic/emotional abuse. I have over 5,000 clinical hours, 11 years’ experience working with adults. I am now authorised to provide EMDR treatment for a wide range of issues including trauma and am a member of EMDR Association UK.
I have particular interests supporting those who identify with autistic or ADHD traits and survivors of narcissistic abuse.
In summary, I am an experienced trauma specialist with interests in neurodivergent presentations and those who have suffered narcissistic/emotional abuse. I have over 5,000 clinical hours, 11 years’ experience working with adults. I am now authorised to provide EMDR treatment for a wide range of issues including trauma and am a member of EMDR Association UK.
I offer confidential counselling sessions supporting adults, young people, and children with a variety of neurodivergent, emotional, mental, and physical issues either in person or online.
When counselling I use an integrative approach as it encompasses different therapies such as person-centred, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused therapies, creative and play therapies. I find this very helpful as this gives clients a toolbox of skills and coping mechanisms that they can use, rather than a single approach.
I offer confidential counselling sessions supporting adults, young people, and children with a variety of neurodivergent, emotional, mental, and physical issues either in person or online.
When counselling I use an integrative approach as it encompasses different therapies such as person-centred, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused therapies, creative and play therapies. I find this very helpful as this gives clients a toolbox of skills and coping mechanisms that they can use, rather than a single approach.
I understand how life-changing it can be for anyone to be diagnosed with Autism.
I specialised in Autism in Adults, attachment disorder and trauma. I hold MSc in Psychology, MSC in Counselling, NLP Practitioner. I am a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT), the British Psychological Society and the International Trainers Academy of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
I understand how life-changing it can be for anyone to be diagnosed with Autism.
I specialised in Autism in Adults, attachment disorder and trauma. I hold MSc in Psychology, MSC in Counselling, NLP Practitioner. I am a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT), the British Psychological Society and the International Trainers Academy of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
I help my clients to be ready for change I am there to help them reach their potential. Focusing on what they would like to achieve moving forward and what things from the past seem to be holding them back . Making realistic goals together and looking at how to remove the barriers to achieving those goals is key to the best Counselling experience. Taking things gently to explore what would help in the clients best interest and to build confidence to overcome challenges that are holding people back .
I help my clients to be ready for change I am there to help them reach their potential. Focusing on what they would like to achieve moving forward and what things from the past seem to be holding them back . Making realistic goals together and looking at how to remove the barriers to achieving those goals is key to the best Counselling experience. Taking things gently to explore what would help in the clients best interest and to build confidence to overcome challenges that are holding people back .
If you’re neurodivergent or living with trauma, it’s no surprise those didn’t stick; survival mode needs more than a strategy.
I’m often described as grounded, honest, and kind. I pay attention to the parts that don’t always have words, and I work relationally and creatively, with lived experience of neurodivergence and a strong trauma-informed lens. You don’t have to be put together; come as you are, whether shut down, scattered, hopeful, hesitant, or just figuring it out.
If you’re neurodivergent or living with trauma, it’s no surprise those didn’t stick; survival mode needs more than a strategy.
I’m often described as grounded, honest, and kind. I pay attention to the parts that don’t always have words, and I work relationally and creatively, with lived experience of neurodivergence and a strong trauma-informed lens. You don’t have to be put together; come as you are, whether shut down, scattered, hopeful, hesitant, or just figuring it out.
I'm a neurodivergent queer non-binary counsellor and I bring this lived experience to my practice.
I am an integrative counsellor and build upon a person-centred foundation. This means I believe in your potential, and I tailor my approach to your needs. This will be a space just for you, where I’ll always be interested in what you bring. I’ll offer you both non-judgmental support and challenge, and will help guide you towards where you want to be.
I'm a neurodivergent queer non-binary counsellor and I bring this lived experience to my practice.
I am an integrative counsellor and build upon a person-centred foundation. This means I believe in your potential, and I tailor my approach to your needs. This will be a space just for you, where I’ll always be interested in what you bring. I’ll offer you both non-judgmental support and challenge, and will help guide you towards where you want to be.
If this resonates with you, you may be wondering whether your experiences could be related to ADHD, autism, or trauma.
A place where you don’t have to mask or over-explain yourself — where we can explore your experiences together with compassion and curiosity. As a Clinical Psychologist, I am trained in several therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).
If this resonates with you, you may be wondering whether your experiences could be related to ADHD, autism, or trauma.
A place where you don’t have to mask or over-explain yourself — where we can explore your experiences together with compassion and curiosity. As a Clinical Psychologist, I am trained in several therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).
Sophie Travis
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
1 Endorsed
Manchester M1
Waitlist for new clients
I work primarily with neurodivergent and LGBTQA+ clients, offering a safe, unconditionally supportive and confidential environment for us to work together to resolve any issues you may feel present in your life and to support with resilience builiding in day to day life.
I have worked with a diverse group of clients over the past 7 years of my professional career, issues ranging from and involving, incest, rape, suicide, self-harm, BPD, sexuality, trauma, complex PTSD, sex work, domestic abuse, childhood abuse, narcissistic abuse etc. I offer long term support, EMDR and short term SFBT interventions.
I work primarily with neurodivergent and LGBTQA+ clients, offering a safe, unconditionally supportive and confidential environment for us to work together to resolve any issues you may feel present in your life and to support with resilience builiding in day to day life.
I have worked with a diverse group of clients over the past 7 years of my professional career, issues ranging from and involving, incest, rape, suicide, self-harm, BPD, sexuality, trauma, complex PTSD, sex work, domestic abuse, childhood abuse, narcissistic abuse etc. I offer long term support, EMDR and short term SFBT interventions.
I’m a mature, person-centred counsellor with lived experience offering trauma-informed support for people diagnosed with BPD, PTSD, autism, ADHD, depression or anxiety.
I want to hear your story; to help you make sense of your experiences and understand why you needed/need to respond in the way you did/do. I will help you explore your identity beyond keywords and clinical phrases. I can help you separate and understand what these words and phrases mean personally for you in your personal context.
I’m a mature, person-centred counsellor with lived experience offering trauma-informed support for people diagnosed with BPD, PTSD, autism, ADHD, depression or anxiety.
I want to hear your story; to help you make sense of your experiences and understand why you needed/need to respond in the way you did/do. I will help you explore your identity beyond keywords and clinical phrases. I can help you separate and understand what these words and phrases mean personally for you in your personal context.
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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.