Autism Counselling in Milton Keynes

Debbie Strafford
Counsellor, BACP
Neurodivergent children may have the additional barrier of being unable to communicate their problems which may further heighten anxieties and leave them feeling unable to cope, this is often expressed through challenging behaviours, withdrawal, eating disorders or self-harm.
Specialising in ASD, ADHD, anxiety and depression, helping children/young people to make sense of their experiences. Led by the client, the approach is always uniquely adapted. Using a wide range of resources to play, make art, tell stories, play music or talk promotes discussions that explore feelings and helps them to better understand their emotions.
Neurodivergent children may have the additional barrier of being unable to communicate their problems which may further heighten anxieties and leave them feeling unable to cope, this is often expressed through challenging behaviours, withdrawal, eating disorders or self-harm.
Specialising in ASD, ADHD, anxiety and depression, helping children/young people to make sense of their experiences. Led by the client, the approach is always uniquely adapted. Using a wide range of resources to play, make art, tell stories, play music or talk promotes discussions that explore feelings and helps them to better understand their emotions.
01788 221796 View 01788 221796
Danielle Christie Greene
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Online Only
My practice is neurodiversity-affirming and informed by chronic illness, offering online psychotherapy for adults and young people living with ME/CFS, burnout, ADHD, autism, and long-term emotional overwhelm.
Psychotherapist specialising in M.E/CFS, chronic health conditions, burnout & neurodivergence. Many of the people I work with feel exhausted or stuck in survival mode after years of managing fluctuating energy, masking, or navigating systems that don’t fully understand their experience.
My practice is neurodiversity-affirming and informed by chronic illness, offering online psychotherapy for adults and young people living with ME/CFS, burnout, ADHD, autism, and long-term emotional overwhelm.
Psychotherapist specialising in M.E/CFS, chronic health conditions, burnout & neurodivergence. Many of the people I work with feel exhausted or stuck in survival mode after years of managing fluctuating energy, masking, or navigating systems that don’t fully understand their experience.
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Sarah Pearson
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I have a special interest in supporting autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD adults, whether you're formally diagnosed, self-identified, or exploring whether you may be neurodivergent.
I’m a trauma-informed counsellor supporting adults experiencing anxiety, low mood, burnout and overwhelm, particularly in relation to neurodivergence, masking, sensory differences and emotional regulation challenges. I offer a supportive, collaborative space and use psychoeducation and resources where helpful, working at a pace that feels right for you.
I have a special interest in supporting autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD adults, whether you're formally diagnosed, self-identified, or exploring whether you may be neurodivergent.
I’m a trauma-informed counsellor supporting adults experiencing anxiety, low mood, burnout and overwhelm, particularly in relation to neurodivergence, masking, sensory differences and emotional regulation challenges. I offer a supportive, collaborative space and use psychoeducation and resources where helpful, working at a pace that feels right for you.
01205 337783 View 01205 337783
Helen Heather
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
You may be exploring ADHD, autism or AuDHD, waiting for an assessment, or adjusting to a diagnosis and trying to make sense of what it means for you.
I specialise in working with ADHD and autism, as well as the push and pull of both conditions in AuDHD. This is a space where your neurodivergence is understood and welcomed, not something to be fixed or worked around. You don't need a diagnosis to work with me. If something resonates, that's enough.
You may be exploring ADHD, autism or AuDHD, waiting for an assessment, or adjusting to a diagnosis and trying to make sense of what it means for you.
I specialise in working with ADHD and autism, as well as the push and pull of both conditions in AuDHD. This is a space where your neurodivergence is understood and welcomed, not something to be fixed or worked around. You don't need a diagnosis to work with me. If something resonates, that's enough.
01234 230236 View 01234 230236
Omoiyari Therapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Online Only
As a therapist, I bring both lived experience and extensive professional expertise working with neurodivergent individuals.
Beyond neurodiversity, I work primarily with adults and young people who are facing diverse struggles. From dysfunctional relationships to anxiety, low self-esteem or depression, my approach is rooted in empathy and adaptability. This space is a judgement-free zone, where unmasking, stimming and self-expression are encouraged and celebrated.
As a therapist, I bring both lived experience and extensive professional expertise working with neurodivergent individuals.
Beyond neurodiversity, I work primarily with adults and young people who are facing diverse struggles. From dysfunctional relationships to anxiety, low self-esteem or depression, my approach is rooted in empathy and adaptability. This space is a judgement-free zone, where unmasking, stimming and self-expression are encouraged and celebrated.
01536 907061 View 01536 907061
Dr Antonia Harrison
Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
Serves Area
If you are seeking a formal Autism /Asperger's diagnostic assessment, this is one of my specialist services.
My clients are sometimes new to therapy, or may have come to my clinic for on-going support following care elsewhere. As all clients are unique individuals, different approaches to therapy are available, and we will work together to find the best-fit for you. We will review your progress often, and adapt treatment as your needs change.
If you are seeking a formal Autism /Asperger's diagnostic assessment, this is one of my specialist services.
My clients are sometimes new to therapy, or may have come to my clinic for on-going support following care elsewhere. As all clients are unique individuals, different approaches to therapy are available, and we will work together to find the best-fit for you. We will review your progress often, and adapt treatment as your needs change.
01234 480102 View 01234 480102
Rachel Fellah
Psychotherapist, PTUK
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a PTUK certified Play & Creative Arts Therapist and certified AutPlay practitioner, based on the Buckinghamshire/Bedfordshire border. I work across areas including Leighton Buzzard, Aylesbury and Milton Keynes. In individual play therapy, I create a safe space where the child feels able to explore themselves and bring about change and understanding. Through sessions together, I help the child to feel seen, heard, understood, accepted and celebrated. I have additional training in AutPlay, a neurodiversity affirming therapeutic approach which seeks to highlight the child's strengths as they work towards therapeutic goals.
I am a PTUK certified Play & Creative Arts Therapist and certified AutPlay practitioner, based on the Buckinghamshire/Bedfordshire border. I work across areas including Leighton Buzzard, Aylesbury and Milton Keynes. In individual play therapy, I create a safe space where the child feels able to explore themselves and bring about change and understanding. Through sessions together, I help the child to feel seen, heard, understood, accepted and celebrated. I have additional training in AutPlay, a neurodiversity affirming therapeutic approach which seeks to highlight the child's strengths as they work towards therapeutic goals.
01296 935916 View 01296 935916
Jill Cooper
Psychotherapist, BACP
Serves Area
I am a psychodynamic Counsellor and a Play and Creative Arts Therapist, including AutPlay (play therapy for neurodivergent children and their families).
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, especially around school, or navigating the complexities of neurodiversity? Whether you're dealing with a recent diagnosis, waiting for one, or simply feeling overwhelmed, I’m here to help. I offer a compassionate, creative therapeutic approach tailored to children, young people, and adults. Together, we can explore emotions and challenges in a safe, supportive space, using play, creative arts, or talking therapies to find the best path forward.
I am a psychodynamic Counsellor and a Play and Creative Arts Therapist, including AutPlay (play therapy for neurodivergent children and their families).
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, especially around school, or navigating the complexities of neurodiversity? Whether you're dealing with a recent diagnosis, waiting for one, or simply feeling overwhelmed, I’m here to help. I offer a compassionate, creative therapeutic approach tailored to children, young people, and adults. Together, we can explore emotions and challenges in a safe, supportive space, using play, creative arts, or talking therapies to find the best path forward.
01234 386785 View 01234 386785
Andrew Regan
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
4 Endorsed
My clients are often navigating stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties or a sense of being lost. They come to Thrive seeking calm, clarity and a space where they don’t have to hold everything alone. I provide a steady, compassionate environment to explore your thoughts and feelings at your pace. Together, we uncover what’s getting in the way and create manageable, meaningful steps that support you in moving forward.
My clients are often navigating stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties or a sense of being lost. They come to Thrive seeking calm, clarity and a space where they don’t have to hold everything alone. I provide a steady, compassionate environment to explore your thoughts and feelings at your pace. Together, we uncover what’s getting in the way and create manageable, meaningful steps that support you in moving forward.
01908 024680 View 01908 024680
You may have neurodivergence, like ADHD or Autism.
Hi, I'm Jennie! I'm a CBT/EMDR Therapist and owner of Chiltern TT/ADHD Clinic. My Associates and I offer face to face or virtual CBT, EMDR, Counselling, Schema, Coaching and Art Therapy sessions and ADHD Assessments. We can support adults and young people with a wide range of difficulties. We are non-judgemental and have a wealth of experience between us, from working with addictions, offenders, children, clients with brain injuries and couples. I pride our team on being non-judgemental and accepting of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. We all hold DBS checks and indemnity insurance, which you can view at any time.
You may have neurodivergence, like ADHD or Autism.
Hi, I'm Jennie! I'm a CBT/EMDR Therapist and owner of Chiltern TT/ADHD Clinic. My Associates and I offer face to face or virtual CBT, EMDR, Counselling, Schema, Coaching and Art Therapy sessions and ADHD Assessments. We can support adults and young people with a wide range of difficulties. We are non-judgemental and have a wealth of experience between us, from working with addictions, offenders, children, clients with brain injuries and couples. I pride our team on being non-judgemental and accepting of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. We all hold DBS checks and indemnity insurance, which you can view at any time.
01442 971728 View 01442 971728
Emma Chamberlain
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
I work with adults (18+) experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties including but not limited to - being neurodivergent/ later life diagnosis, perimenopause, divorce, trauma, eating and related issues.
I am an experienced Counsellor, Integrative Psychotherapist and EMDR Therapist working exclusively with adults. I believe strongly in the creation of a supportive therapeutic relationship in which to safely explore life transitions and transformations. I understand that choosing to begin therapy can feel like a significant step and I aim to provide a calm, thoughtful and welcoming environment in which change can take place at your own pace. Whether you are seeking counselling, psychotherapy or EMDR therapy, I believe in providing a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment.
I work with adults (18+) experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties including but not limited to - being neurodivergent/ later life diagnosis, perimenopause, divorce, trauma, eating and related issues.
I am an experienced Counsellor, Integrative Psychotherapist and EMDR Therapist working exclusively with adults. I believe strongly in the creation of a supportive therapeutic relationship in which to safely explore life transitions and transformations. I understand that choosing to begin therapy can feel like a significant step and I aim to provide a calm, thoughtful and welcoming environment in which change can take place at your own pace. Whether you are seeking counselling, psychotherapy or EMDR therapy, I believe in providing a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment.
01908 024703 View 01908 024703
Olivia Doughty
Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol
I believe that, due to the unrelenting pressures of the world we live in and the way our brains have evolved, everyone can find life difficult sometimes. It is easy for our minds to appear to work against us; getting stuck in loops of painful thoughts and feelings. This can result in depression, anxiety and difficulties with relationships. People who have experienced significant distress, trauma or hurt in life can also, not surprisingly, experience significant difficulties where memories come to haunt us and send us back to previous pain. I hope to help people life the life they want to live, with some sense of agency over pain.
I believe that, due to the unrelenting pressures of the world we live in and the way our brains have evolved, everyone can find life difficult sometimes. It is easy for our minds to appear to work against us; getting stuck in loops of painful thoughts and feelings. This can result in depression, anxiety and difficulties with relationships. People who have experienced significant distress, trauma or hurt in life can also, not surprisingly, experience significant difficulties where memories come to haunt us and send us back to previous pain. I hope to help people life the life they want to live, with some sense of agency over pain.
01908 015934 View 01908 015934
Shadreck Masocha
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
3 Endorsed
I am an experienced psychotherapist specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy & EMDR therapy with 16 years of clinical experience. I have worked extensively in the National Health Service as a clinician and team manager with responsibilities over other therapists. I am also a qualified life coach and mentor. 
I offer evidence based psychological therapies in line with NICE guidelines for the treatment of depression and anxiety presentations (generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders, panic, health anxiety, phobias, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, body dysmorphia and long term health conditions
I am an experienced psychotherapist specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy & EMDR therapy with 16 years of clinical experience. I have worked extensively in the National Health Service as a clinician and team manager with responsibilities over other therapists. I am also a qualified life coach and mentor. 
I offer evidence based psychological therapies in line with NICE guidelines for the treatment of depression and anxiety presentations (generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders, panic, health anxiety, phobias, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, body dysmorphia and long term health conditions
01225 432678 View 01225 432678
Abi Perryman
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
In-Person Psychotherapeutic Counselling in Milton Keynes and Online Counselling Across the UK - Support for Individuals & Couples Navigating change. If you're reading this, something has shifted or maybe it's been heavy for a long time. You may feel disconnected from who you are or stuck in a relationship crossroad, Whatever had brought you here, you don't have to face it alone. I'm Abi, an Integrative Trauma Psychotherapist offering Individual and Couples Counselling online across the UK and in-person counselling in Milton Keynes. Many of my clients choose video sessions because it's easier to fit around life.
In-Person Psychotherapeutic Counselling in Milton Keynes and Online Counselling Across the UK - Support for Individuals & Couples Navigating change. If you're reading this, something has shifted or maybe it's been heavy for a long time. You may feel disconnected from who you are or stuck in a relationship crossroad, Whatever had brought you here, you don't have to face it alone. I'm Abi, an Integrative Trauma Psychotherapist offering Individual and Couples Counselling online across the UK and in-person counselling in Milton Keynes. Many of my clients choose video sessions because it's easier to fit around life.
01908 024877 View 01908 024877
Sam Lewis Therapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
I work with people who have experienced trauma, including sexual or domestic abuse, and those who feel misunderstood or out of place, particularly neurodivergent clients (ADHD/ autism).
You don’t need to have the “right words” or know where to start. We’ll go at your pace, in a space where you can begin to make sense of things without pressure or judgement. Clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed or stuck, and over time begin to feel calmer, more grounded, and more in control.
I work with people who have experienced trauma, including sexual or domestic abuse, and those who feel misunderstood or out of place, particularly neurodivergent clients (ADHD/ autism).
You don’t need to have the “right words” or know where to start. We’ll go at your pace, in a space where you can begin to make sense of things without pressure or judgement. Clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed or stuck, and over time begin to feel calmer, more grounded, and more in control.
01908 103670 View 01908 103670
Kate O'Donnell
Counsellor, MBACP
Hello I’m Kate, I know that taking the first step to come to therapy can be daunting but my aim is to offer you a safe space where you can truly be yourself. Please note that I am away from October 16th to 26th and will respond to messages after this.
Hello I’m Kate, I know that taking the first step to come to therapy can be daunting but my aim is to offer you a safe space where you can truly be yourself. Please note that I am away from October 16th to 26th and will respond to messages after this.
01295 237366 View 01295 237366
Anya Amrith
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
5 Endorsed
Life can be challenging. It may feel like something is holding you back. Perhaps you feel different from your peers, a feeling that can reach back into childhood. You may have developed coping mechanisms that are negatively impacting you. Parts of you may feel disconnected whilst you function through your life. Talking can be hard to do, even with those around you. I work with adults and young people in a trauma-informed way that is safe, gentle and compassionate to work towards real change. I specialise in trauma, sexual abuse, eating disorders, neurodiversity, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, emotional neglect and PTSD/CPTSD.
Life can be challenging. It may feel like something is holding you back. Perhaps you feel different from your peers, a feeling that can reach back into childhood. You may have developed coping mechanisms that are negatively impacting you. Parts of you may feel disconnected whilst you function through your life. Talking can be hard to do, even with those around you. I work with adults and young people in a trauma-informed way that is safe, gentle and compassionate to work towards real change. I specialise in trauma, sexual abuse, eating disorders, neurodiversity, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, emotional neglect and PTSD/CPTSD.
01280 733127 View 01280 733127
Convergence Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP
I specialise in TRAUMA, PTSD, C-PTSD, ADHD. Fast results to resolve the Trauma Shock. As a qualified Psychotherapist, I work with many issues. I enjoy challenges, although I also specialise in ADD/ADHD non-meds assessment and management, child/adolescents/family, with Couples successes. Sex/Sexuality issues. Resolving Rape, Violence, or Accident, usually dealt with in one double session to remove the shock, although Moral Injury and /or collateral damage such as anger, shame, grief, fear, guilt needs to be processed in regular session after shock removed. Don’t suffer in Silence! Email and TEXT to find fast relief with Dr George.
I specialise in TRAUMA, PTSD, C-PTSD, ADHD. Fast results to resolve the Trauma Shock. As a qualified Psychotherapist, I work with many issues. I enjoy challenges, although I also specialise in ADD/ADHD non-meds assessment and management, child/adolescents/family, with Couples successes. Sex/Sexuality issues. Resolving Rape, Violence, or Accident, usually dealt with in one double session to remove the shock, although Moral Injury and /or collateral damage such as anger, shame, grief, fear, guilt needs to be processed in regular session after shock removed. Don’t suffer in Silence! Email and TEXT to find fast relief with Dr George.
01908 103053 View 01908 103053
Blume Psychology Ltd
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
We work with people who suspect they or their children may be neurodivergent, who wish to explore the way their brain works, their strengths and differences.
We offer short wait times for NICE compliant Autism assessments, ADHD Assessments, combined ASD and ADHD assessments and cognitive assessments performed by HCPC registered clinical psychologists. For our assessment clients receiving a neurodivergent diagnosis; we provide robust and personalised post- diagnostic support from experienced clinical psychologists
We work with people who suspect they or their children may be neurodivergent, who wish to explore the way their brain works, their strengths and differences.
We offer short wait times for NICE compliant Autism assessments, ADHD Assessments, combined ASD and ADHD assessments and cognitive assessments performed by HCPC registered clinical psychologists. For our assessment clients receiving a neurodivergent diagnosis; we provide robust and personalised post- diagnostic support from experienced clinical psychologists
01908 103164 View 01908 103164
Sheena Hands
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
I am an integrative therapist working with both short term and open ended therapy. I can provide you with a compassionate and safe space to explore your situation in a supportive and confidential environment free from judgement. I will help to guide you to solutions, new ways of thinking or just facilitate somewhere to explore your thoughts and feelings. I work integratively which means I adapt to work collaboratively with each of my clients based on individual needs and will draw on models of psychodynamic, CBT grounded in person centred.
I am an integrative therapist working with both short term and open ended therapy. I can provide you with a compassionate and safe space to explore your situation in a supportive and confidential environment free from judgement. I will help to guide you to solutions, new ways of thinking or just facilitate somewhere to explore your thoughts and feelings. I work integratively which means I adapt to work collaboratively with each of my clients based on individual needs and will draw on models of psychodynamic, CBT grounded in person centred.
01908 024257 View 01908 024257

See more therapy options for Milton Keynes

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.