Autism Counselling in Stroud

Photo of Fiona Ryan, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Fiona Ryan
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Stroud GL5
If you are struggling with feelings of low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, depression or bereavement or if you are having problems in your relationships at home or at work, counselling might be able to help you to make important changes in your life. Counselling provides a special therapeutic relationship where you will not be judged and where you will be given the respect and empathy that is needed for you to truly express yourself. Without providing advice, instructions or directions I aim to empower my clients so that they can work towards a happier future.
If you are struggling with feelings of low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, depression or bereavement or if you are having problems in your relationships at home or at work, counselling might be able to help you to make important changes in your life. Counselling provides a special therapeutic relationship where you will not be judged and where you will be given the respect and empathy that is needed for you to truly express yourself. Without providing advice, instructions or directions I aim to empower my clients so that they can work towards a happier future.
01453 700788 View 01453 700788
Photo of David Lewis Evans, Counsellor, MA, BACP
David Lewis Evans
Counsellor, MA, BACP
2 Endorsed
Stroud GL5
I have particular experience in working with neurodiversity ( autism, dyslexia, ODD) and continue training in the area as well as building on my background in art to offer creative approaches to therapy with a person-centered core.
My clients have a variety of issues. I encourage my clients to have a sense of curiosity about themselves and their process in our work together. Throughout therapy, I seek to meet such needs as genuine understanding and acceptance as well as the provision of a space of safety when clients may be experiencing a life situation or condition that feels unsafe. If you are seeking a therapist with shared lives experience, I can offer personal insights to clients who are seeking counselling for immune illnesses / bowel disease-related depression and anxiety.
I have particular experience in working with neurodiversity ( autism, dyslexia, ODD) and continue training in the area as well as building on my background in art to offer creative approaches to therapy with a person-centered core.
My clients have a variety of issues. I encourage my clients to have a sense of curiosity about themselves and their process in our work together. Throughout therapy, I seek to meet such needs as genuine understanding and acceptance as well as the provision of a space of safety when clients may be experiencing a life situation or condition that feels unsafe. If you are seeking a therapist with shared lives experience, I can offer personal insights to clients who are seeking counselling for immune illnesses / bowel disease-related depression and anxiety.
01453 700943 View 01453 700943
Photo of Rodger Cuddington, Counsellor, BACP
Rodger Cuddington
Counsellor, BACP
Stroud GL5
I offer a reliable, confidential and non-judgmental space to help you explore your inner thoughts and feelings and support you in times of transition, distress and emotional need. We all have the right to be heard and seen, sometimes we can get stuck along the journey of life and encounter challenging thoughts and emotions. Counselling is a hard journey but there is freedom in living authentically and being your true self. I offer counselling sessions face-to-face, online and via telephone and there is no minimum or maximum limit on sessions, full autonomy is given.
I offer a reliable, confidential and non-judgmental space to help you explore your inner thoughts and feelings and support you in times of transition, distress and emotional need. We all have the right to be heard and seen, sometimes we can get stuck along the journey of life and encounter challenging thoughts and emotions. Counselling is a hard journey but there is freedom in living authentically and being your true self. I offer counselling sessions face-to-face, online and via telephone and there is no minimum or maximum limit on sessions, full autonomy is given.
01453 701690 View 01453 701690
Photo of Decima Emily Hayes, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Decima Emily Hayes
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Stroud GL6
I have experience working with issues surrounding trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, family issues, autism and with survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
People start therapy for various reasons. Some want to explore their past, or work through current difficulties, others to accomplish career or relationship goals. Some feel dissatisfied and don’t know why. Whatever the motivation, I offer a non-judgemental empathic space to explore what may be troubling you. I am a trained art therapist and psychotherapist; and believe that using the arts can provide a much-needed outlet to express what words alone often cannot. This can be particularly useful when working through trauma and/or distress, where verbalising experiences and connecting complex feelings can be difficult.
I have experience working with issues surrounding trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, family issues, autism and with survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
People start therapy for various reasons. Some want to explore their past, or work through current difficulties, others to accomplish career or relationship goals. Some feel dissatisfied and don’t know why. Whatever the motivation, I offer a non-judgemental empathic space to explore what may be troubling you. I am a trained art therapist and psychotherapist; and believe that using the arts can provide a much-needed outlet to express what words alone often cannot. This can be particularly useful when working through trauma and/or distress, where verbalising experiences and connecting complex feelings can be difficult.
01453 701613 View 01453 701613
Photo of John Andrews, Counsellor, MBACP
John Andrews
Counsellor, MBACP
2 Endorsed
Stroud GL5
Do you need help with a difficult time in your life? Are you feeling low or anxious, consumed with worry? Perhaps what helped in the past is no longer working. You may be feeling numb or withdrawn. Are traumatic events from your past resurfacing? These challenging experiences are part of us, and when we feel ready it is good to have help. I work closely along side you and together we find out more about yourself, what you want, what is blocking you and how you might overcome this. By addressing these issues can help remove shackles allowing you to grow and realize your full potential.
Do you need help with a difficult time in your life? Are you feeling low or anxious, consumed with worry? Perhaps what helped in the past is no longer working. You may be feeling numb or withdrawn. Are traumatic events from your past resurfacing? These challenging experiences are part of us, and when we feel ready it is good to have help. I work closely along side you and together we find out more about yourself, what you want, what is blocking you and how you might overcome this. By addressing these issues can help remove shackles allowing you to grow and realize your full potential.
01453 702862 View 01453 702862
Photo of Abigail Paige, Counsellor, MBACP
Abigail Paige
Counsellor, MBACP
Stroud GL5
I welcome people with neurodivergent processing,
Hi, I’m Abi, I’m a qualified and trauma-informed, Psychotherapeutic Integrative Counsellor and Supervisor, which means I'm trained in several different types of therapy. My core approach is Person-Centred because it is my absolute belief that you are the expert on you. There is no level of sadness or worry that means therapy is right for you, our experiences and our responses are unique so the route through those feelings is also very personal. We can’t change the past but we can change how much control it has over us, our relationships and our decisions in the present.
I welcome people with neurodivergent processing,
Hi, I’m Abi, I’m a qualified and trauma-informed, Psychotherapeutic Integrative Counsellor and Supervisor, which means I'm trained in several different types of therapy. My core approach is Person-Centred because it is my absolute belief that you are the expert on you. There is no level of sadness or worry that means therapy is right for you, our experiences and our responses are unique so the route through those feelings is also very personal. We can’t change the past but we can change how much control it has over us, our relationships and our decisions in the present.
01453 708152 View 01453 708152
Photo of Kat Rodd, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Kat Rodd
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Stroud GL5
At the heart of my practice is the therapeutic relationship, a space where trust can develop, and where you can feel deeply heard, valued, and met as you are. I will provide you with a space for exploration of your life and 'self', offering an opportunity to gain awareness, express, release and move through things that are no longer serving you. I see my role as a witness, companion, detective, and champion on this explorative journey of yours. I work with a wide range of issues with people from many walks of life.
At the heart of my practice is the therapeutic relationship, a space where trust can develop, and where you can feel deeply heard, valued, and met as you are. I will provide you with a space for exploration of your life and 'self', offering an opportunity to gain awareness, express, release and move through things that are no longer serving you. I see my role as a witness, companion, detective, and champion on this explorative journey of yours. I work with a wide range of issues with people from many walks of life.
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Photo of Helen Fenton - Helen Fenton: Face-to-Face & Online Counselling, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Helen Fenton: Face-to-Face & Online Counselling
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Stroud GL5
Maybe you're struggling after a trauma or bereavement, separation, or with ill-health? Maybe you're feeling alone? Or feel that your life is stuck, or lacking purpose? At times like these, counselling offers a space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings with someone who will strive to understand without judgement, & help you make sense of your feelings, find clarity, or make decisions. I offer all my clients Empathy, Congruence, and Unconditional Positive Regard. I also offer play, sand-tray, art and creative therapies to my younger clients. Home visits are also available.
Maybe you're struggling after a trauma or bereavement, separation, or with ill-health? Maybe you're feeling alone? Or feel that your life is stuck, or lacking purpose? At times like these, counselling offers a space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings with someone who will strive to understand without judgement, & help you make sense of your feelings, find clarity, or make decisions. I offer all my clients Empathy, Congruence, and Unconditional Positive Regard. I also offer play, sand-tray, art and creative therapies to my younger clients. Home visits are also available.
01666 336813 View 01666 336813
Photo of Dr Rachel Graham, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Rachel Graham
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Stroud GL5
I have particular expertise in working with neurodivergent individuals, including autistic children and adults, and take a respectful, strengths-based approach that values neurodiversity.
Chartered Counselling Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working therapeutically with children, teenagers, and adults. I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, CBT, and psychodynamic therapy, tailored to each individual’s needs.
I have particular expertise in working with neurodivergent individuals, including autistic children and adults, and take a respectful, strengths-based approach that values neurodiversity.
Chartered Counselling Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working therapeutically with children, teenagers, and adults. I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, CBT, and psychodynamic therapy, tailored to each individual’s needs.
01453 708245 View 01453 708245
Photo of Caterina Baskerville, Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Caterina Baskerville
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Stroud GL6
Now more than ever we are living in a world where contact with others has become increasingly difficult, not just physically but also emotionally. It would be understandable for many people to be feeling isolated and cut of from the rest of humanity at this time, for some this may also trigger painful, old wounds of unmet needs and maybe even a sense of hopelessness. You may crave feeling really connected to someone who is fully present with you and is invested in really understanding you and your situation, someone who can help you to create a relationship that will help to heal relationships that have failed in the past.
Now more than ever we are living in a world where contact with others has become increasingly difficult, not just physically but also emotionally. It would be understandable for many people to be feeling isolated and cut of from the rest of humanity at this time, for some this may also trigger painful, old wounds of unmet needs and maybe even a sense of hopelessness. You may crave feeling really connected to someone who is fully present with you and is invested in really understanding you and your situation, someone who can help you to create a relationship that will help to heal relationships that have failed in the past.
01453 700679 View 01453 700679
Photo of Rachel Thomas - Apple Tree Psychotherapy - Rachel Thomas, Psychotherapist, MA, BPC
Apple Tree Psychotherapy - Rachel Thomas
Psychotherapist, MA, BPC
Stroud GL6
You may have a child struggling with being at school, or perhaps you find yourself constantly at loggerheads with them. Perhaps they can't sleep, or don't want to get up in the morning, they might feel lonely, or misunderstood, criticised, or attacked . You may have tried every strategy you can find, to persuade your child to eat, or listen, or simply follow instructions. We all believe that childhood should be a time of simple happiness, but in fact this is a time of enormous developmental challenge, and many things can make it hard for children and adolescents to tread the path towards a resilient, positive, independent adulthood.
You may have a child struggling with being at school, or perhaps you find yourself constantly at loggerheads with them. Perhaps they can't sleep, or don't want to get up in the morning, they might feel lonely, or misunderstood, criticised, or attacked . You may have tried every strategy you can find, to persuade your child to eat, or listen, or simply follow instructions. We all believe that childhood should be a time of simple happiness, but in fact this is a time of enormous developmental challenge, and many things can make it hard for children and adolescents to tread the path towards a resilient, positive, independent adulthood.
01453 701919 View 01453 701919
Photo of Jennifer Hiorns - Beehive Counselling, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Beehive Counselling
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Stroud GL5
Waitlist for new clients
If you are experiencing inner turmoil, challenges with relationships or dealing with loss, I can offer you a safe and supportive environment to help you understand the roots of your difficulties. We can try and make sense of the past and how it affects your life today. Gaining insights into the reasons for your issues will develop your capacity to cope with current and future difficulties; to gain the self care tools you need for lasting change.
If you are experiencing inner turmoil, challenges with relationships or dealing with loss, I can offer you a safe and supportive environment to help you understand the roots of your difficulties. We can try and make sense of the past and how it affects your life today. Gaining insights into the reasons for your issues will develop your capacity to cope with current and future difficulties; to gain the self care tools you need for lasting change.
01594 808761 View 01594 808761
Photo of Charlotte Smith - Counselling with Charlotte, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Counselling with Charlotte
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
4 Endorsed
Online Only
I now mainly work supporting women with issues such as relationship issues, chronic illness, PMDD, PCOS and Endometriosis, life transitions, ADHD & Autism, pregnancy pre and postpartum, infertility, pregnancy loss, abortion, self-harm, body image, self-esteem, depression, stress/anxiety and health anxiety
My passion lies with relieving negative thoughts that have become automatic thoughts and to understand the root of where that thought started from. I want to support you in building the confidence to listen to your inner self in a new and compassionate way. To identify what you can change in your life by understanding your habits and beliefs.
I now mainly work supporting women with issues such as relationship issues, chronic illness, PMDD, PCOS and Endometriosis, life transitions, ADHD & Autism, pregnancy pre and postpartum, infertility, pregnancy loss, abortion, self-harm, body image, self-esteem, depression, stress/anxiety and health anxiety
My passion lies with relieving negative thoughts that have become automatic thoughts and to understand the root of where that thought started from. I want to support you in building the confidence to listen to your inner self in a new and compassionate way. To identify what you can change in your life by understanding your habits and beliefs.
01453 701599 View 01453 701599
Photo of Dr Sophie Thomas, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Sophie Thomas
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Stroud GL5
I work with children, young people and their families, often when things are feeling difficult or overwhelming. Some of the reasons families have worked with me include: support to understand and manage feelings of anxiety, depression or frustration; difficulties with emotion-regulation; and difficulties within family relationships, including parent-infant and parent-child relationships.
I work with children, young people and their families, often when things are feeling difficult or overwhelming. Some of the reasons families have worked with me include: support to understand and manage feelings of anxiety, depression or frustration; difficulties with emotion-regulation; and difficulties within family relationships, including parent-infant and parent-child relationships.
01633 603906 View 01633 603906
Photo of Dominic Kodo Olivier, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Dominic Kodo Olivier
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Stroud GL5
Systemic and Family Psychotherapy. MSC (distinction) from The Family Institute, University of South Wales. NHS employed (CAMHS), with small private practice. Working with individuals, couples, families and children. I usually meet with clients face to face at rooms in Stroud, and can also provide digital therapy. Individuals and families £75 per hour. Couples £100 per hour
Systemic and Family Psychotherapy. MSC (distinction) from The Family Institute, University of South Wales. NHS employed (CAMHS), with small private practice. Working with individuals, couples, families and children. I usually meet with clients face to face at rooms in Stroud, and can also provide digital therapy. Individuals and families £75 per hour. Couples £100 per hour
01453 708276 View 01453 708276
Photo of Helen James - Helen James - Clear Skies Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, MA, BPC
Helen James - Clear Skies Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA, BPC
Stroud GL5
For most of us, life is a complex mix of highs and lows. Sometimes we need specialist help, separate to our family and friends, to support our mental health and wellbeing and help us find our way. You might have a child or young person in distress; perhaps you’re battling with parenting or behaviour issues; or maybe you are an adolescent or young adult struggling to navigate life. Psychotherapy can help you make sense of difficult thoughts, feelings and behaviours; allowing you to create better relationships, healthier behaviours, achieve potential and find joy in life.
For most of us, life is a complex mix of highs and lows. Sometimes we need specialist help, separate to our family and friends, to support our mental health and wellbeing and help us find our way. You might have a child or young person in distress; perhaps you’re battling with parenting or behaviour issues; or maybe you are an adolescent or young adult struggling to navigate life. Psychotherapy can help you make sense of difficult thoughts, feelings and behaviours; allowing you to create better relationships, healthier behaviours, achieve potential and find joy in life.
01453 701072 View 01453 701072
Photo of Grace McIntyre, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Grace McIntyre
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Stroud GL6
Senior Coach + Mediator + MA Art Psychotherapist "I am a passionate creative, and have committed a decade working therapeutically in private residential trauma clinics, the NHS, secondary schools and my own business Resonate Therapy LTD. I bring all the skills of a specialist trauma therapist, that has worked extensively with neurodiversity and complex needs. By harmonising together a robust psychologically informed somatic based therapy programme. I specialise in supporting building meta-perspective of individual and collective systems. Are you ready to shift your life on a cellular, neuroplastic dimension?"
Senior Coach + Mediator + MA Art Psychotherapist "I am a passionate creative, and have committed a decade working therapeutically in private residential trauma clinics, the NHS, secondary schools and my own business Resonate Therapy LTD. I bring all the skills of a specialist trauma therapist, that has worked extensively with neurodiversity and complex needs. By harmonising together a robust psychologically informed somatic based therapy programme. I specialise in supporting building meta-perspective of individual and collective systems. Are you ready to shift your life on a cellular, neuroplastic dimension?"
01235 424339 View 01235 424339
Photo of Kirsti Scally, Counsellor, MBACP
Kirsti Scally
Counsellor, MBACP
Stroud GL5
I am aware that it can be a bit daunting to know who to speak with, so many counsellors to choose from. My aim is to make the process of reaching out for support as reassuring and stress free as possible. The relationship with ourselves is central to how we are, having the time and space to explore our deeper questions and concerns and working through them, can offer us a greater sense of peace within ourselves. A quote 'When a person has been hurt in a relationship, they can only be healed in a relationship' - therapy offers a therapeutic relationship to begin to heal our past hurts.
I am aware that it can be a bit daunting to know who to speak with, so many counsellors to choose from. My aim is to make the process of reaching out for support as reassuring and stress free as possible. The relationship with ourselves is central to how we are, having the time and space to explore our deeper questions and concerns and working through them, can offer us a greater sense of peace within ourselves. A quote 'When a person has been hurt in a relationship, they can only be healed in a relationship' - therapy offers a therapeutic relationship to begin to heal our past hurts.
020 4572 6518 View 020 4572 6518
Photo of Rhodri Karim, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Rhodri Karim
Psychotherapist, MBACP
5 Endorsed
Stroud GL5
I offer embodied, relational Gestalt psychotherapy – therapy that fosters a sense of wholeness, agency and ownership over your life and experience, by supporting you to more fully inhabit the here and now. Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, unmotivated or confused by the way things seem to play out in your life. You might be struggling with the injustice of past or current situations, living with hurt inflicted by others or just curious about your own behaviour. Gestalt therapy is about getting to the heart of your experience, bringing presence and choicefulness to the way you exist in the world.
I offer embodied, relational Gestalt psychotherapy – therapy that fosters a sense of wholeness, agency and ownership over your life and experience, by supporting you to more fully inhabit the here and now. Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, unmotivated or confused by the way things seem to play out in your life. You might be struggling with the injustice of past or current situations, living with hurt inflicted by others or just curious about your own behaviour. Gestalt therapy is about getting to the heart of your experience, bringing presence and choicefulness to the way you exist in the world.
020 3910 6822 View 020 3910 6822
Photo of Libbet Paravicini, Counsellor, BACP
Libbet Paravicini
Counsellor, BACP
Serves Area
Life can be overwhelming sometimes. Most people have experienced anxiety, stress or low moods at some point and often try to struggle through alone. Seeking professional help can feel daunting and takes courage to make that first call. I work with genuine care and empathy and offer a warm, safe, non-judgemental environment for you to explore what's troubling you with complete confidentiality.
Life can be overwhelming sometimes. Most people have experienced anxiety, stress or low moods at some point and often try to struggle through alone. Seeking professional help can feel daunting and takes courage to make that first call. I work with genuine care and empathy and offer a warm, safe, non-judgemental environment for you to explore what's troubling you with complete confidentiality.
01666 331453 View 01666 331453
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.