Autism Counselling in Shepton Mallet

Photo of Emmelaine Leighton-McCardell, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Emmelaine Leighton-McCardell
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
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.
01458 552285 View 01458 552285
Photo of Lucy Gearing, Counsellor, BACP
Lucy Gearing
Counsellor, BACP
Hi. Sometimes we can find ourselves in troubling and distressing times, not knowing how to find our way out. It can be much easier and achievable when shared with someone who can support and guide you through it. It can feel very lonely and isolating, often a place you never expected to find yourself in and living through. Finding a way out and some peace can feel like an impossible task. Being able to talk to someone in a non-judgemental environment that gets and understands you can be a massive relief. To know that you have the support of an experienced qualified counsellor is a great support with working through your concerns.
Hi. Sometimes we can find ourselves in troubling and distressing times, not knowing how to find our way out. It can be much easier and achievable when shared with someone who can support and guide you through it. It can feel very lonely and isolating, often a place you never expected to find yourself in and living through. Finding a way out and some peace can feel like an impossible task. Being able to talk to someone in a non-judgemental environment that gets and understands you can be a massive relief. To know that you have the support of an experienced qualified counsellor is a great support with working through your concerns.
01749 608523 View 01749 608523
Photo of Paula Squibbs, Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Paula Squibbs
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hi, I’m Paula. First and foremost, I am a genuinely warm, compassionate and caring person with a heart that compels me to help and support others. This will always be at the forefront of my work with clients. Building a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship is vital for effective therapy. My way of connecting with people helps to put them at ease and allows them to open up and feel genuinely heard.
Hi, I’m Paula. First and foremost, I am a genuinely warm, compassionate and caring person with a heart that compels me to help and support others. This will always be at the forefront of my work with clients. Building a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship is vital for effective therapy. My way of connecting with people helps to put them at ease and allows them to open up and feel genuinely heard.
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Photo of Helen Marie Yates, Counsellor, BACP
Helen Marie Yates
Counsellor, BACP
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hello and welcome, I have experience in many different client issues, to name some- self harm, relationship difficulties, body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria, neuro diversity, relationship difficulties, bereavement, miscarriage, infertility, addiction and trauma. I have a strong grounding in eating disorders, LGBTQ issues and sexual abuse. You may use the space how you wish to and I will be alongside you, supporting you along the way to find your own answers and come to your own solutions, conclusions and understandings. I wouldn't offer you advice but would facilitate what you would like to work on and what you wish to explore.
Hello and welcome, I have experience in many different client issues, to name some- self harm, relationship difficulties, body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria, neuro diversity, relationship difficulties, bereavement, miscarriage, infertility, addiction and trauma. I have a strong grounding in eating disorders, LGBTQ issues and sexual abuse. You may use the space how you wish to and I will be alongside you, supporting you along the way to find your own answers and come to your own solutions, conclusions and understandings. I wouldn't offer you advice but would facilitate what you would like to work on and what you wish to explore.
01373 485190 View 01373 485190
Photo of Emma Pickerill, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Emma Pickerill
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Serves Area
Five years experience in private practice as a humanistic and integrative psychotherapist in training. Through open and honest dialogue I work with you to explore your inner world and uncover the root of your struggles, helping you find new ways of being and relating to yourself and others. My approach creates a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. We work to uncover the underlying patterns and beliefs holding you back, fostering self-awareness and promoting self-acceptance. Through this you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and meaningful changes can emerge.
Five years experience in private practice as a humanistic and integrative psychotherapist in training. Through open and honest dialogue I work with you to explore your inner world and uncover the root of your struggles, helping you find new ways of being and relating to yourself and others. My approach creates a safe and supportive space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences. We work to uncover the underlying patterns and beliefs holding you back, fostering self-awareness and promoting self-acceptance. Through this you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and meaningful changes can emerge.
01935 312715 View 01935 312715

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Amy Woodman, Counsellor, MBACP
Amy Woodman
Counsellor, MBACP
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.
01278 553192 View 01278 553192
Photo of Dr Iulian Chear, Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Dr Iulian Chear
Psychotherapist, PhD, MUKCP
Online Only
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?
0117 463 7137 View 0117 463 7137
Photo of Claire Miles, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Claire Miles
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Online Only
I particularly welcome neurodivergent adults who have found standard therapy oesn't account for how their mind works.
I'm a BABCP-accredited High Intensity CBT therapist with 20+ years of NHS experience. I specialise in trauma (TF-CBT), OCD (ERP), anxiety disorders, health anxiety, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity. I offer evidence-based, NICE-recommended therapy. Sessions are online, to fit around your life and location and timings are flexible,
I particularly welcome neurodivergent adults who have found standard therapy oesn't account for how their mind works.
I'm a BABCP-accredited High Intensity CBT therapist with 20+ years of NHS experience. I specialise in trauma (TF-CBT), OCD (ERP), anxiety disorders, health anxiety, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity. I offer evidence-based, NICE-recommended therapy. Sessions are online, to fit around your life and location and timings are flexible,
0117 463 9434 View 0117 463 9434
Photo of Victoria Staynings, Counsellor, MBACP
Victoria Staynings
Counsellor, MBACP
Bristol BS35
I work with a wide range of clients from the age of 14 years old, I have many years experience specialising in supporting clients with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism and Trauma.
As an integrative practitioner I draw upon a number of counselling approaches including Person centered, Psychodynamic, CBT, Spiritually and Gestalt to create the best suited therapeutic process for each individual client. My face to face practice is on Thornbury High street with free parking a very short walk away.
I work with a wide range of clients from the age of 14 years old, I have many years experience specialising in supporting clients with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism and Trauma.
As an integrative practitioner I draw upon a number of counselling approaches including Person centered, Psychodynamic, CBT, Spiritually and Gestalt to create the best suited therapeutic process for each individual client. My face to face practice is on Thornbury High street with free parking a very short walk away.
0117 463 1284 View 0117 463 1284
Photo of Anna Reeves, Counsellor, MBACP
Anna Reeves
Counsellor, MBACP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I often work with neurodivergent population, making therapy accessible and adapted to suit the individual needs of each client.
I have worked across child and adult mental health services for a few years now and I work integrationally to make sure that the type of therapy that you need is available to you. I have a lot of experience in working with neurodivergence and can adapt to each individuals requirements. I believe you are the expert in your life.
I often work with neurodivergent population, making therapy accessible and adapted to suit the individual needs of each client.
I have worked across child and adult mental health services for a few years now and I work integrationally to make sure that the type of therapy that you need is available to you. I have a lot of experience in working with neurodivergence and can adapt to each individuals requirements. I believe you are the expert in your life.
0117 463 4954 View 0117 463 4954
Photo of Katie Norsworthy, Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Katie Norsworthy
Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS40
I often work with people who have experienced trauma, and also work with autistic individuals, using a range of adaptations to therapy.
My approach is integrative, which means I use different techniques and approaches to best suit the person in front of me. I sit on a person centered basis, and use a lot of psychodynamic work to explore the root of what's causing difficulties, and how your life experiences have impacted your present. I bring in other techniques such as CBT when useful.
I often work with people who have experienced trauma, and also work with autistic individuals, using a range of adaptations to therapy.
My approach is integrative, which means I use different techniques and approaches to best suit the person in front of me. I sit on a person centered basis, and use a lot of psychodynamic work to explore the root of what's causing difficulties, and how your life experiences have impacted your present. I bring in other techniques such as CBT when useful.
01934 314985 View 01934 314985
Photo of Tayler Remi, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Tayler Remi
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Serves Area
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.
0161 524 9096 View 0161 524 9096
Photo of Vicki Dale, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Vicki Dale
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Bath BA1
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.
01225 530284 View 01225 530284
Photo of Dr Elaine Hutchinson, Counsellor
Dr Elaine Hutchinson
Counsellor
Wells BA5
I support children and young people with ASD and PANDAS and I am one of very few AutPlay and TraumaPlay practitioners in the UK.
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
I support children and young people with ASD and PANDAS and I am one of very few AutPlay and TraumaPlay practitioners in the UK.
Hi, I'm Elaine. I'm a child & adolescent therapist & counsellor who supports children, teens & their families to manage big feelings, stressful situations and other life challenges. I work with children & young people aged 6-25 (as well as some adults) and support them with a huge range of issues from anxiety and worries about school, fostering and adoption, to trauma, bereavement, sexual abuse and domestic violence, covering pretty much everything you can think of in-between. I'm an accredited therapist who offers play & creative arts therapy, TraumaPlay and talking therapy. I have a therapy dog who loves to be involved.
01749 605317 View 01749 605317
Photo of Helen Hoyte - Helen Hoyte Therapy, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Helen Hoyte Therapy
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Serves Area
I offer a trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming space focused on helping you understand your nervous system, emotional responses, and sense of self.
I offer trauma-informed counselling and coaching with a focus on ADHD, emotional regulation, and identity. My approach combines talking therapy with nervous system awareness, helping you understand your responses and reduce overwhelm. Together, we work to build resilience, shift patterns, and create meaningful, lasting change aligned with who you are.
I offer a trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming space focused on helping you understand your nervous system, emotional responses, and sense of self.
I offer trauma-informed counselling and coaching with a focus on ADHD, emotional regulation, and identity. My approach combines talking therapy with nervous system awareness, helping you understand your responses and reduce overwhelm. Together, we work to build resilience, shift patterns, and create meaningful, lasting change aligned with who you are.
07923 469456 View 07923 469456
Photo of Sara Bailey, Counsellor, BACP
Sara Bailey
Counsellor, BACP
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.
01278 557622 View 01278 557622
Photo of Sarah Samuels, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Sarah Samuels
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I am an HCPC registered, and BPS chartered Clinical Psychologist and have been working with people with a learning disability and autistic people for over 20 years.
As a specialist in neurodiversity and learning disability, my services include psychological therapy, diagnostic assessments, pre and post diagnostic support, and consultation. I also offer supervision and training to health and social care professionals and organisations. I offer either online, phone or in-person sessions (on the Devon/Somerset border).
I am an HCPC registered, and BPS chartered Clinical Psychologist and have been working with people with a learning disability and autistic people for over 20 years.
As a specialist in neurodiversity and learning disability, my services include psychological therapy, diagnostic assessments, pre and post diagnostic support, and consultation. I also offer supervision and training to health and social care professionals and organisations. I offer either online, phone or in-person sessions (on the Devon/Somerset border).
0114 697 9087 View 0114 697 9087
Photo of Tanja Baker - Tanja Baker Counselling, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Tanja Baker Counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Yeovil BA21
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.
01935 312729 View 01935 312729
Photo of Giovanni Amati, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Giovanni Amati
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Bath BA1
I have experience working with people who are neurodivergent, whether navigating ASD, ADD, and/or ADHD, or facing other challenges.
Do you ever feel stuck in your emotions, overwhelmed, or disconnected? You’re not alone. Life can sometimes feel like a struggle, but you don’t have to navigate it on your own. Sessions with me provide a safe, supportive space where your emotions can gently be released, allowing you to move forward with clarity and ease. I believe in the power and neurological benefit of real human connection, which is why I prioritise face-to-face sessions. In-person therapy creates a space for deeper understanding, warmth, and trust, helping you feel truly seen, heard and supported.
I have experience working with people who are neurodivergent, whether navigating ASD, ADD, and/or ADHD, or facing other challenges.
Do you ever feel stuck in your emotions, overwhelmed, or disconnected? You’re not alone. Life can sometimes feel like a struggle, but you don’t have to navigate it on your own. Sessions with me provide a safe, supportive space where your emotions can gently be released, allowing you to move forward with clarity and ease. I believe in the power and neurological benefit of real human connection, which is why I prioritise face-to-face sessions. In-person therapy creates a space for deeper understanding, warmth, and trust, helping you feel truly seen, heard and supported.
020 4572 0398 View 020 4572 0398
Photo of Alison Edwards - Alison Edwards Therapy, Coaching and Supervision, Psychologist, MSc, FMBPsS
Alison Edwards Therapy, Coaching and Supervision
Psychologist, MSc, FMBPsS
Online Only
My 16 years experience in supporting neurodivergent clients (with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia or other difficulties) led me to further training in 2021 in autism, and specialised CBT and ACT for ADHD and emotional regulation problems.
I completed a 12 month NHS placement and MSc in Psychological Therapy, qualifying in 2008, and I later worked as a CBT Therapist. I'm a member of the BPS and BABCP. I'm experienced in delivering Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), mindfulness, and person-centred counselling.
My 16 years experience in supporting neurodivergent clients (with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia or other difficulties) led me to further training in 2021 in autism, and specialised CBT and ACT for ADHD and emotional regulation problems.
I completed a 12 month NHS placement and MSc in Psychological Therapy, qualifying in 2008, and I later worked as a CBT Therapist. I'm a member of the BPS and BABCP. I'm experienced in delivering Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), mindfulness, and person-centred counselling.
01392 321135 View 01392 321135
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.