Autism Counselling in Shaftesbury
Trying to work out the way forward in the world is hard, especially if you're young, have difficult family circumstances, have trouble with school and peers. Parents too have worries about their children and young people, they want the best but sometimes need a non judgemental, empathetic person to work through issues and challenges of modern life. Finding ways of relating to one another, gathering self-esteem and resilience are all part of the learning of the self.
Trying to work out the way forward in the world is hard, especially if you're young, have difficult family circumstances, have trouble with school and peers. Parents too have worries about their children and young people, they want the best but sometimes need a non judgemental, empathetic person to work through issues and challenges of modern life. Finding ways of relating to one another, gathering self-esteem and resilience are all part of the learning of the self.
I am a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist with over a decade of clinical experience. I draw on a background of working in the NHS and university mental health services to help the people I work with to talk about and find a way through a wide range of emotional and relationship problems. I work with adults (18 years and over) from many different walks of life. My style of working is supportive, respectful and collaborative.
I am a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist with over a decade of clinical experience. I draw on a background of working in the NHS and university mental health services to help the people I work with to talk about and find a way through a wide range of emotional and relationship problems. I work with adults (18 years and over) from many different walks of life. My style of working is supportive, respectful and collaborative.
Hello and a warm welcome to my profile, I am Becky an Integrative counsellor based in Dorset, I have a therapy room in the market town of Sherborne, and also provide therapy sessions online and over the phone. My Integrative approach means that I can draw from a range of theoretical approaches, for example humanistic, cognitive plus others, to tailor my approach depending on your needs. I acknowledge individuality and aim to create a space where you feel safe to express yourself and your emotions. If you are new to counselling or unsure about what to expect, please make contact and I will be happy to support you.
Hello and a warm welcome to my profile, I am Becky an Integrative counsellor based in Dorset, I have a therapy room in the market town of Sherborne, and also provide therapy sessions online and over the phone. My Integrative approach means that I can draw from a range of theoretical approaches, for example humanistic, cognitive plus others, to tailor my approach depending on your needs. I acknowledge individuality and aim to create a space where you feel safe to express yourself and your emotions. If you are new to counselling or unsure about what to expect, please make contact and I will be happy to support you.
My approach is simple: be honest, be real, and create a space where you can relax enough to explore what’s going on for you. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, I'm here to meet you exactly where you're at.
Some of my specialised interests include: addiction, LGBTQIA+ support, and male and non-binary survivors of abuse.
My approach is simple: be honest, be real, and create a space where you can relax enough to explore what’s going on for you. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, I'm here to meet you exactly where you're at.
Some of my specialised interests include: addiction, LGBTQIA+ support, and male and non-binary survivors of abuse.
Struggling with self worth and never feeling good enough or wanting to explore why you struggle with anxious and depressive thoughts.
Maybe you motivation is to work on boundaries with others, whether at work or in your personal life. Dealing with family and friends over stepping, in a people pleasing circle and not putting yourself first?
Whether your looking for long or short term sessions, you will have a safe warm non judgemental space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Learning new skills and techniques to empower you and gain the confidence you always had. Change your perspectives from negative thinking to empowered.
Struggling with self worth and never feeling good enough or wanting to explore why you struggle with anxious and depressive thoughts.
Maybe you motivation is to work on boundaries with others, whether at work or in your personal life. Dealing with family and friends over stepping, in a people pleasing circle and not putting yourself first?
Whether your looking for long or short term sessions, you will have a safe warm non judgemental space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Learning new skills and techniques to empower you and gain the confidence you always had. Change your perspectives from negative thinking to empowered.
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In addition to this, I have specialist skills and experience in working with children, young people and adults on the autism spectrum (some of whom may also have associated learning disabilities).
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist. I offer direct one-to-one therapeutic work (currently via online practice), family sessions and parenting sessions. I also offer training and workshops to both families and professionals, particularly in relation to lifespan needs on the autism spectrum.
In addition to this, I have specialist skills and experience in working with children, young people and adults on the autism spectrum (some of whom may also have associated learning disabilities).
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist. I offer direct one-to-one therapeutic work (currently via online practice), family sessions and parenting sessions. I also offer training and workshops to both families and professionals, particularly in relation to lifespan needs on the autism spectrum.
My approach is tailored and trauma-informed, supporting neurodivergent clients (particularly autism and ADHD) and those exploring depression, anxiety, identity, or trauma.
Drawing from person-centred, relational, and trauma-informed approaches. My practice is neurodiversity-affirming and grounded in respect for your lived experience. Sessions can be online or in-person in either Bridgwater or Taunton, always at your pace.
My approach is tailored and trauma-informed, supporting neurodivergent clients (particularly autism and ADHD) and those exploring depression, anxiety, identity, or trauma.
Drawing from person-centred, relational, and trauma-informed approaches. My practice is neurodiversity-affirming and grounded in respect for your lived experience. Sessions can be online or in-person in either Bridgwater or Taunton, always at your pace.
I also have up-to-date training and experience in working with autistic or ADHD clients of all ages.
I have worked as a therapist in various organisations and have training in working with the impact of trauma, attachment disorders, anxiety, OCD, domestic violence, sexual abuse, bereavement and depression.
I also have up-to-date training and experience in working with autistic or ADHD clients of all ages.
I have worked as a therapist in various organisations and have training in working with the impact of trauma, attachment disorders, anxiety, OCD, domestic violence, sexual abuse, bereavement and depression.
I specialise in clients with ADHD, Autism and neurodivergence, anxiety and mood disorders, as well as providing family support to caregivers with neurodivergent children.
I am flexible and adaptable to your needs. I offer ecotherapy (as walking & talking therapy) as I believe that connecting with nature is essential to our wellbeing. I am a humanistic therapist, which has an emphasis on a persons’ individual nature and how this impacts wellbeing.
I specialise in clients with ADHD, Autism and neurodivergence, anxiety and mood disorders, as well as providing family support to caregivers with neurodivergent children.
I am flexible and adaptable to your needs. I offer ecotherapy (as walking & talking therapy) as I believe that connecting with nature is essential to our wellbeing. I am a humanistic therapist, which has an emphasis on a persons’ individual nature and how this impacts wellbeing.
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when anxiety, loss, or feeling misunderstood begins to affect your sense of self or relationships. You may appear to be coping while feeling exhausted, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Therapy can offer a space where you don’t have to face this alone.
I work with adults navigating anxiety, bereavement, and the emotional challenges that can come with neurodiversity. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, offering a supportive space to explore your experiences, build coping strategies, and develop greater self-understanding at your own pace.
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when anxiety, loss, or feeling misunderstood begins to affect your sense of self or relationships. You may appear to be coping while feeling exhausted, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Therapy can offer a space where you don’t have to face this alone.
I work with adults navigating anxiety, bereavement, and the emotional challenges that can come with neurodiversity. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, offering a supportive space to explore your experiences, build coping strategies, and develop greater self-understanding at your own pace.
There are times in all our lives when we feel out of balance with the world. Counselling is an investment in yourself, it helps bring equilibrium for a happier and healthier you. As an Integrative Counsellor I draw on a range of techniques to suit my clients' needs. I provide a professional, safe and confidential space to help you explore both your inner and outer life.
There are times in all our lives when we feel out of balance with the world. Counselling is an investment in yourself, it helps bring equilibrium for a happier and healthier you. As an Integrative Counsellor I draw on a range of techniques to suit my clients' needs. I provide a professional, safe and confidential space to help you explore both your inner and outer life.
I have experience working with ADHD, autism, OCD, grief, and trauma.
Every so often life throws things at us that we struggle to deal with or understand. This can be anything from the loss of a loved one to break down in relationship with family members to receiving a life changing diagnosis. It can be because of these things that we begin to question things in our everyday life and who we are. Having suffered a grief which ultimately changed the course of my life, experienced breakdowns in relationships, supported my own child through an ADHD diagnosis and not understanding how my past had affected me I understand how it feels to go through these struggles.
I have experience working with ADHD, autism, OCD, grief, and trauma.
Every so often life throws things at us that we struggle to deal with or understand. This can be anything from the loss of a loved one to break down in relationship with family members to receiving a life changing diagnosis. It can be because of these things that we begin to question things in our everyday life and who we are. Having suffered a grief which ultimately changed the course of my life, experienced breakdowns in relationships, supported my own child through an ADHD diagnosis and not understanding how my past had affected me I understand how it feels to go through these struggles.
As an LGBTQAI+ individual do you feel that you can’t find your own place, or are you unhappy with where you are in your life? Maybe you are feeling misunderstood, unable to connect with others, or simply struggling with the dating scene or the community? Sometimes having a gender/sexual identity comes with pressures to conform to a specific body image, to femininity/masculinity ideals, and with certain sexual expectations that don’t mirror your own preferences or needs. Or perhaps there’s something important about yourself that has been lost?
As an LGBTQAI+ individual do you feel that you can’t find your own place, or are you unhappy with where you are in your life? Maybe you are feeling misunderstood, unable to connect with others, or simply struggling with the dating scene or the community? Sometimes having a gender/sexual identity comes with pressures to conform to a specific body image, to femininity/masculinity ideals, and with certain sexual expectations that don’t mirror your own preferences or needs. Or perhaps there’s something important about yourself that has been lost?
Perhaps you have been diagnosed with ADHA or Autism later in life, this can have a big impact on your life, you might want to explore this further.
I work with CBT/ DBT and mindfullness for people with ADHD, which has proven to be successful. My training was Person-centered.I have great understanding in working with adults, young people, older adults, couples and families. I have worked in agencies and gave support in a secondary school to staff and students.
Perhaps you have been diagnosed with ADHA or Autism later in life, this can have a big impact on your life, you might want to explore this further.
I work with CBT/ DBT and mindfullness for people with ADHD, which has proven to be successful. My training was Person-centered.I have great understanding in working with adults, young people, older adults, couples and families. I have worked in agencies and gave support in a secondary school to staff and students.
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I work with neurodivergent adults (ADHD, autism and AuDHD, diagnosed or exploring), and those navigating questions about identity, relationships, or sexuality.
I’m Saida (she/her), a neurodivergent sex-positive counsellor offering online therapy for adults who want to explore their identity, emotions, experiences and relationships without shame. With broad training and robust experience in mental health field, I bring a compassionate, grounded, and flexible approach, tailored to the individual needs.
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I work with neurodivergent adults (ADHD, autism and AuDHD, diagnosed or exploring), and those navigating questions about identity, relationships, or sexuality.
I’m Saida (she/her), a neurodivergent sex-positive counsellor offering online therapy for adults who want to explore their identity, emotions, experiences and relationships without shame. With broad training and robust experience in mental health field, I bring a compassionate, grounded, and flexible approach, tailored to the individual needs.
Hi I'm Claire, and I am a certified Play Therapist with Play Therapy UK (PTUK).
I qualified in 2021 and work with children experiencing a number of emotional, social and behavioral challenges within their life. This is achieved through a non-directed holistic approach using play as our communication.
I have worked within the care industry for over 20years, working alongside both children and adults who have physical disabilities, autism, learning disabilities/difficulties and mental health. I pride myself in hearing a child's voice even when they don't use verbal communication.
Hi I'm Claire, and I am a certified Play Therapist with Play Therapy UK (PTUK).
I qualified in 2021 and work with children experiencing a number of emotional, social and behavioral challenges within their life. This is achieved through a non-directed holistic approach using play as our communication.
I have worked within the care industry for over 20years, working alongside both children and adults who have physical disabilities, autism, learning disabilities/difficulties and mental health. I pride myself in hearing a child's voice even when they don't use verbal communication.
I work with adults & young people (aged 11+) using past & present experiences combined with professional skills & understanding to support people with ASD/ autism, ADHD/ADD, addiction, stress, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, work/home/school transitions & trauma.
Are you in a position whereby your struggles or concerns are impacting on your day to day life? Then now could be a good time to seek some support. Often many difficulties overlap and counselling can help bring a sense of clarity by allowing you time to process, understanding, work through difficulties and overcome barriers, to live a more fulfilling life. You may be neuro-curious or have a diagnosis or traits that you want to understand and to learn about your strengths and feel empowered. You may want support with past trauma or help to work through the impact of a loved ones behaviour due to neurodivergence, addiction or trauma.
I work with adults & young people (aged 11+) using past & present experiences combined with professional skills & understanding to support people with ASD/ autism, ADHD/ADD, addiction, stress, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, work/home/school transitions & trauma.
Are you in a position whereby your struggles or concerns are impacting on your day to day life? Then now could be a good time to seek some support. Often many difficulties overlap and counselling can help bring a sense of clarity by allowing you time to process, understanding, work through difficulties and overcome barriers, to live a more fulfilling life. You may be neuro-curious or have a diagnosis or traits that you want to understand and to learn about your strengths and feel empowered. You may want support with past trauma or help to work through the impact of a loved ones behaviour due to neurodivergence, addiction or trauma.
As someone who is autistic and ADHD, I deeply understand sensory and emotional overwhelm, and I create a space where all parts of you are welcomed.
I offer a safe, accepting space to explore what’s holding you back. Being autistic and ADHD helps me notice patterns others might miss, and bring compassion to the messy, human bits of life. My integrative approach combines person-centred, humanistic, and mindfulness-based methods, alongside practical tools and creative exercises.
As someone who is autistic and ADHD, I deeply understand sensory and emotional overwhelm, and I create a space where all parts of you are welcomed.
I offer a safe, accepting space to explore what’s holding you back. Being autistic and ADHD helps me notice patterns others might miss, and bring compassion to the messy, human bits of life. My integrative approach combines person-centred, humanistic, and mindfulness-based methods, alongside practical tools and creative exercises.
I support autism, SEN, and mental health challenges.
I am a qualified counsellor with a specialist focus on supporting neurodivergent individuals, and I’m here to help you navigate your unique experiences in a safe, non-judgemental environment. My approach is person-centred, working collaboratively with clients to build trust, encourage self-awareness, and foster positive change. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, low self-esteem, relationships, or navigating life as a neurodivergent person, I offer tailored support that respects and embraces your individuality. With experience and understanding of neurodiversity, I aim to create a counselling space that feels supportive.
I support autism, SEN, and mental health challenges.
I am a qualified counsellor with a specialist focus on supporting neurodivergent individuals, and I’m here to help you navigate your unique experiences in a safe, non-judgemental environment. My approach is person-centred, working collaboratively with clients to build trust, encourage self-awareness, and foster positive change. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, low self-esteem, relationships, or navigating life as a neurodivergent person, I offer tailored support that respects and embraces your individuality. With experience and understanding of neurodiversity, I aim to create a counselling space that feels supportive.
I am an experienced school counsellor & qualified teacher & offer an autism affirming tailored service for young people aged 11+.
Seeking support can be daunting -but you have taken the courageous first step! Working with adults & young people aged 11+, I offer an opportunity for you to explore your relationship with yourself, with others & with the wider world, drawing on your own internal strengths & resources to build your self-awareness & self-acceptance to help you make sense of things & feel more clarity. Stepping away from a focus on diagnoses & labels, working together acknowledging you as an individual we can explore the impact that your own unique set of challenges & experiences has had on your ability to engage with & enjoy the world around you.
I am an experienced school counsellor & qualified teacher & offer an autism affirming tailored service for young people aged 11+.
Seeking support can be daunting -but you have taken the courageous first step! Working with adults & young people aged 11+, I offer an opportunity for you to explore your relationship with yourself, with others & with the wider world, drawing on your own internal strengths & resources to build your self-awareness & self-acceptance to help you make sense of things & feel more clarity. Stepping away from a focus on diagnoses & labels, working together acknowledging you as an individual we can explore the impact that your own unique set of challenges & experiences has had on your ability to engage with & enjoy the world around you.
See more therapy options for Shaftesbury
Nearby Autism Counsellors Searches for Shaftesbury
- Blandford Forum
- Bruton
- Dorchester
- Ferndown
- Frome
- Salisbury
- Sherborne
- Sturminster Newton
- Warminster
- Westbury
- Wimborne
- Wincanton
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.