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Therapeutic Support 
Changing Pathways

Beach Fench

Changing Pathways offers 1:1 and family support for neurodivergent young people and their parents/carers.

 

Changing Pathways offers a home visiting service for children and teenagers and online sessions for parents and carers.

 

Changing Pathways therapeutic support is provided by Sarah.

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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).

 

My approach combines my social work background, counselling skills and my understanding and experience of neurodivergence. This means that I look at the bigger picture, rather than viewing a child’s presenting issue (e.g. anxiety) in isolation. For example, if a neurodivergent child struggles with high anxiety, I would suggest we

  • consider and address any environmental factors which are contributing to it (such as unmet needs in school)

       and

  • consider and support any neurodivergent needs (such as sensory integration or executive functioning challenges) which may be involved

       as well as offering

  • counselling support for the child (using therapeutic techniques which are appropriate for neurodivergent clients)

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My approach is:

  • Trauma informed

  • Interoception informed

  • Neuro-affirming

  • LGBTQIA+ affirming

  • Home ed friendly​​​​​​​​

Social Work England registration number: SW71185

BASW Independent Member

DBS Checked

​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.

 

The following values are integral to my work:

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  • Respect for the child's neurotype. The development of positive identity is so important 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.

 

  • Respect for the child's autonomy. That means I won't be 'getting them to do' anything. Any ‘goals’ we work towards will be chosen by them and how we spend each session will be up to them.

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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.​

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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 £45 per session.

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​Foundation sessions for neurodivergent young people

 

I offer 6 ‘foundation sessions’ which combine:

  • neuro-affirming psycho-education

  • exploration of strengths and challenges (building self-understanding and self-esteem)

  • 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.

 

Alongside exploring these areas with the child in sessions, I invite parents/carers to share their observations of their child’s strengths and needs via a series of online questionnaires.

 

The foundation sessions can be helpful for

  • children awaiting autism/ADHD (or other ND) assessment who would benefit from a better understanding of their needs and appropriate supports whilst waiting

  • children with a neurodivergent diagnosis who want to explore what that means for them

  • neurodivergent children seeking therapeutic support

 

The foundation sessions

  • offer understanding and skills which form a useful foundation for life as a neurodivergent individual and indeed for any future therapeutic work

  • 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.​​​​

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.

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Parent support sessions are available for a fee of £40 per session. Sessions are usually via video call or telephone.

Online support for parents/carers of neurodivergent children

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My support is around helping parents/carers with the challenges they can face caring for neurodivergent children in a society which is predominantly designed for neurotypicals. These challenges may include:

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  • Negotiating the system to secure a diagnosis and appropriate support for your child

  • Witnessing your child's distress over school (or other environments)

  • Adapting your parenting to suit your child's needs

  • Feeling isolated or judged by friends/family members who do not understand or will not accommodate your child's needs

  • Recognising that your child's pathway in life may be different from the one you had anticipated

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I offer a safe, empathetic and non-judgemental space for you to use in whatever way is most helpful for you. You may value the opportunity to express and explore your thoughts and feelings as you adjust to the changing pathway your child and family are on. You may want to focus more on exploring and understanding your child’s needs. The time is yours to use as you wish.

 

All sessions are currently via video call or telephone.

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I offer a free no-obligation introductory phone call to help you decide whether you would like to work with me. Beyond this the fee is £40 per session.

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.

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