The Neurodivergent Counsellor
About Me
• Michelle Blake
• lived experience of neurodivergence – AuDHD
• part of a neurodivergent family (ADHD, ASC, Dyslexia)
Qualifications
• BA Hons Person Centred Counselling
• Certificaten in Existential Coaching
• Certificate in Clinical Supervision
• PG Cert Autism and Learning
• PG Cert ADHD and Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Registration
• BACP
What I can offer you
• A safe, non-judgemental, empathic and supportive space
• A combination of person centred counselling and existential coaching
• My lived experience of being both Autistic and ADHD
• Extensive knowledge and professional experience
• Online or in-person sessions
All sessions are
• Neurodivergence Informed
• Trauma Informed
Who I work with
• Neurodivergent individuals including self-diagnosed and pre/post diagnosis
• Family members, parents, carers, siblings of these individuals
• Anyone exploring the possibility of being neurodivergent
• Schools, colleges, universities
NEURODIVERGENT INFORMED AND TRAUMA INFORMED THERAPY:
My counselling qualifications and existential coaching training, combined with my lived experience and professional training in neurodevelopmental conditions allows me to create both a neurodivergent and trauma informed safe space during our sessions. This means I can safely work at the depth you may require to explore any underlying causes of the difficulties you are experiencing or any trauma that may surface as a result of our work together.
The collaborative process of coaching can then allow us to focus on creating individualised sessions best suited to your needs. Therapeutic coaching can also support an increased understanding and awareness of the theory around potential neurodivergence, empowering you to access areas of your life that are currently difficult as well as becoming your own best advocate.
SPECIALISED STRENGTHS-BASED SUPPORT SESSIONS:
I offer specialised strengths-based support for recently diagnosed and self-identified young people/adults from around the world as part of a global network of autistic, ADHD and otherwise neurodivergent professionals. Strengths-based support is a collaborative, positive approach that helps uncover your strengths and support your challenges.
I am neurodivergent affirmative, trans, and LGBTQI+ inclusive. I offer in-person or an online platform for sessions and am sensory-sensitive. I want you to feel at ease during our time together, so please feel free to wear sunglasses to our session, have dimmed lights, and camera off, or communicate via the chat option to accommodate your own needs. As each person is unique, I will create a bespoke program of sessions that works for you.
LIMITATIONS:
My goal is to support you to adapt your life to better fit your neurology but it’s important to acknowledge that I am not medically trained. My role in our working relationship is to share my knowledge and expertise around my lived experience and my training, the responsibility for taking action and applying what you learn is yours.
SESSIONS:
Sessions usually last between 1 – 2 hours and can take place remotely or in person, during a time and day that is agreeable to both of us. The sessions will be on a 1:1 basis unless otherwise agreed and after 6 sessions a review will take place. During the review, we will collaboratively agree on whether you feel any further sessions are needed or if a change of focus is required.
COMMITMENTS:
Our commitment to working together requires us to be punctual and inform each other if we need to cancel a session.
CONFIDENTIALITY:
The contents of the sessions will remain confidential except in circumstances where information sharing would be necessary. If you require further information regarding exceptions to confidentiality these can be discussed in further detail during your Initial Consultation session.
ETHICS:
I work within the boundaries of the BACP’s ethical framework and am happy to discuss this framework and provide you with details if you wish to access them.
PRIVACY POLICY:
Full details of my privacy policy can be found on my website via http://www.theneurodivergentcounsellor.co.uk