Therapeutic Support
Changing Pathways
Therapeutic support for neurodivergent young people and their parents/carers.
About Sarah
I am a registered social worker with a BA Hons in Psychology (BPS accredited), a Diploma in Social Work, a Diploma in Counselling (level 4), and a Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People (level 5). I am currently working towards an MSc in Coaching Psychology. In addition to my core qualifications, I have a Diploma in ADHD coaching, I am a Certified Sensory Inclusion Facilitator and I access a broad range of CPD opportunities (details below). The support I offer draws upon my social work background, counselling skills and my understanding and experience of neurodivergence.
I am:
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Trauma informed
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Interoception informed
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Neuro-affirming
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LGBTQIA+ affirming
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Home ed friendly
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Sensory informed
Social Work England registration number: SW71185
DBS Checked
Therapeutic approach
I work flexibly and use techniques from various types of therapy to meet the unique needs of each young person. I am particularly mindful of the importance of tailoring and adapting therapeutic approaches for neurodivergent clients.
My approach is
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Relationship based: Research consistently shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is the strongest predictor of successful therapy/counselling outcomes. Taking time to build this relationship is essential.
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Neuro-affirming: Research shows that the development of positive neurodivergent identity is critical for mental health and wellbeing. Understanding and valuing the child’s neurotype enables me to support their understanding of themselves and also prevents me from inadvertently encouraging them to think or behave in a more neurotypical way.
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Strengths-based: Research reveals the benefits of a strengths-based approach for all children, and I suggest that it is particularly beneficial for neurodivergent young people who have often been made very aware of their challenges.
Building upon these foundations, I may incorporate elements of any of the following (or more):
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Interoceptive awareness: Interoceptive Awareness & Neurodiversity | Kelly Mahler
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The Energy framework, tools and strategies to support regulation. Energy: The Framework, Tools, Strategies & Logic to Support Regulation | store-autismlevelup
Home visiting service for neurodivergent children and teenagers
It can be difficult for young people to access therapeutic support. It typically involves meeting a new person in a new environment, often with very little idea of what that meeting will involve.
A home visiting service removes one of those barriers, allowing them to access support in a setting where they feel safe and comfortable. It won’t suit everyone but it can work very well for some.
Each session is tailored to the individual child or young person. I often use play and creative approaches, so bring a selection of resources and activities with me. Children are welcome to incorporate their own interests into the session or do whatever makes them feel comfortable. If they find it easier to engage whilst bouncing on a trampoline, playing on their iPad (or equivalent), cuddling their pet, or anything else, that’s fine with me. Sessions last for up to 45 minutes.
For more information, please view our FAQ’s and our ‘What to expect?’ guide for children and young people. You are welcome to ask any further questions either via email or via a free no-obligation phone call. Beyond this the fee is £50 per session.
Foundation sessions for neurodivergent young people
I offer 6 ‘foundation sessions’ which combine:
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neuro-affirming psycho-education
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exploration of strengths and challenges (building self-understanding and self-esteem)
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development of useful skills (such as self-advocacy and regulation strategies)
Sessions are tailored to each young person but typically explore: valuing neurodivergence, sensory preferences and needs, monotropism, executive functioning, learning style, social navigation, nervous system regulation, self advocacy, masking, spoon theory, and more.
The foundation sessions can be helpful for
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children awaiting autism/ADHD (or other ND) assessment who would benefit from a better understanding of their needs and appropriate supports whilst waiting
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children with a neurodivergent diagnosis who want to explore what that means for them
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neurodivergent children seeking therapeutic support
The foundation sessions
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offer understanding and skills which form a useful foundation for life as a neurodivergent individual and indeed for any future therapeutic work
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identify areas in which your child may benefit from further support
There is no obligation to continue working with me beyond these 6 foundation suggestions. We may feel that no further therapeutic support is needed, or I may suggest an alternative form of support that might be more appropriate.
Sensory Needs Report
As a Certified Sensory Inclusion Facilitator, I can provide a written report outlining your child's sensory needs, preferences and barriers. It will suggest safe and supportive adaptations and strategies to promote comfort, regulation, and meaningful participation across settings. If relevant, it can also incorporate any barriers to education which your child is experiencing. This can be useful for you to share with education providers and others involved in your child's life.
Sensory related barriers can limit or prevent children from accessing environments and activities. The daily experience of navigating sensory-overloading environments without the ability to regulate, escape, or be understood can lead to a chronic state of distress. Over time, this persistent sensory overwhelm can contribute to anxiety, avoidant behaviours, and even long-term trauma. Environments such as schools may come to be experienced not as safe or inclusive, but as places of sensory threat. Identifying and responding to sensory processing differences enables us to prevent or limit this sensory overwhelm, and avoid the distress, anxiety and even trauma it can lead to.
This optional report involves:
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An additional phone/video call with parents/carers
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Online questionnaires to be completed by parents/carers
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Fee of £100 to be paid on receipt of report
Please note, this is NOT a diagnostic assessment, nor does it replace a sensory integration assessment by an Occupational Therapist. The aim is not to diagnose sensory processing differences but to identify sensory-related barriers to participation, recognise sensory preferences and identifying strategies that help a person thrive and feel at ease.
Parent/carer support sessions
Whilst I am working with your child, I will invite you to meet with me for regular reviews (usually every 6 weeks) and am happy to communicate via email between reviews. If you would more further support, I can offer additional parent/carer support sessions.
You will be given free access to our on-demand family programmes alongside your child’s sessions. There is no expectation for you to utilise these, but you are welcome to do so if you feel they may be helpful.
Additional parent/carer support sessions are available for a fee of £45 per session. Sessions are usually via video call or telephone.
Many therapeutic approaches and techniques are based on our understanding of neurotypical individuals.
So how can we best support autistic children and teens seeking help?
We explore this in our FREE guide.