Explore Autism therapy with a neurodivergent counsellor

Exploring your autistic experience: how therapy and counselling can support your journey

Today I’ll be sharing reflections on Autism therapy. Discovering you’re autistic can be a profound experience. For many of us, it comes after years of feeling “different,” trying to fit into systems and expectations that weren’t made with us in mind. I know this from personal experience.

If you’re new here, I’m Laura, a counsellor, nature therapist and trauma therapist. I specialise in counselling autistic clients, ADHD therapy and working with anyone who is AuDHD (like me!). My work is all about helping clients to explore, understand, and embrace their neurodivergent experience. I’m based in Stirchley, Birmingham and I offer support both in person and online. My approach as an autistic therapist is grounded in neurodiversity-affirming practice, which means I don’t see autism as something that needs fixing, but as a valid and meaningful way of experiencing the world.

The rising understanding of autism in adults

Over the past few years, there’s been a huge increase in awareness and discussion about autism, especially among adults who were never identified in childhood. Many people, particularly those socialised as women, grew up masking their differences, over-adapting and feeling “too much” or “too sensitive.”

Realising that you’re autistic can be life-changing. It can bring clarity and compassion to old experiences, but it can also stir up grief for the times you felt unseen or misunderstood. You might start to look back on your life through a new lens, reinterpreting moments that once seemed confusing or painful.

Therapy can offer a grounding space to make sense of all this and a place where you can bring your whole self, without having to translate or hide parts of who you are.

What makes neurodiversity-affirming counselling different?

Traditional counselling and psychology models have largely been built around neurotypical, western-centric and pathologising frameworks. This means that autistic ways of thinking, feeling and communicating are often misunderstood or misinterpreted.

Many autistic people who’ve tried therapy in the past have come away feeling invalidated, or worse, blamed, for being who they are. I’ve experienced that myself. Before I knew I was autistic, I often felt like there was something “wrong” with how I processed or expressed things.

Neurodiversity-affirming therapy changes that narrative. It centres acceptance, self-understanding and empowerment. Instead of focusing on “overcoming” autism traits, we work together to understand what supports you, what regulates your nervous system and how to navigate a world that often doesn’t accommodate difference. While finding neurodiversity-affirming therapy doesn't necessarily mean working with a counsellor who is neurodivergent, my personal experience with autism and ADHD gives me a perspective that neurotypical therapists might not have.

Autism isn’t a flaw, it’s a form of human diversity. Therapy can help you embrace that truth and find ways to live that feel aligned with who you really are.

My Journey as an Autistic counsellor

In my work as a therapist, I’ve found that many of my autistic and ADHD clients share familiar stories of masking, misunderstanding, burnout or deep exhaustion from trying to keep up with neurotypical expectations. Because I’ve lived those experiences too, I hold space differently. I know that communication styles, sensory needs, and emotional rhythms vary widely and I adapt how we work to suit you.

I aim to create a space where you feel safe enough to drop the mask, explore your identity and rebuild trust in your own perceptions and instincts. That’s really important to me, because I know how much I’ve benefited from being in spaces where I could unmask and explore my identity, where I felt safe, supported and understood.

You don’t need to be formally diagnosed to benefit from autism-informed counselling. Whether you’re newly exploring your identity, or you’ve known for years that you’re autistic, therapy can be a valuable space for integration, reflection and healing.

Safety, trust, and relationship in therapy

For any kind of counselling to be effective, two things matter most: safety and trust. This is especially true for autistic clients, where sensory, emotional or social safety can deeply affect the ability to open up.

I work collaboratively with every client, checking in often and tailoring the space to your needs. This might mean adjusting lighting or timing, using written communication alongside verbal or pacing sessions differently. Together, we’ll build a relationship that feels supportive and stable, without pressure to conform or perform.

I also work under the supervision of a neurodivergent supervisor, which means I’m supported by someone who understands the nuances of autistic experience. This helps ensure that my work remains grounded, ethical and attuned to the needs of my neurodivergent clients.

How Autism therapy can help

Therapy isn’t about changing who you are, it’s about understanding yourself more deeply, coming to a place of self-compassion, and supporting your wellbeing. Every autistic person’s journey is unique, so our work together will reflect that.

I use an integrative approach, drawing from:

• Somatic therapy — to help reconnect body awareness and sensory experience

• Gestalt therapy — to explore emotions and identity through presence

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — to nurture self-compassion and flexibility

• Psychodynamic therapy — to make sense of past experiences and patterns

• Mindfulness and neuroscience-informed practices — to regulate the nervous system and reduce overwhelm

These approaches can help you feel more resourced, grounded, and self-accepting, not by changing your nature, but by working with it. I share more about my approach as a therapist here. You might also want to check out this post about how I work with trauma.

Working with me

I offer autism counselling in person from Stirchley, Birmingham, as well as online sessions via Zoom. Alongside autism and ADHD, I also support clients with:

• Anxiety and low mood

• Relationship patterns and communication

• Burnout and life transitions

• Grief and loss

• Trauma and emotional regulation

• Spirituality

If you’re looking for autism therapy, therapists for autistic adults or a neurodiversity affirming therapy, I offer a free 15-minute introductory call. It’s a relaxed opportunity for us to meet, discuss what you’re looking for, and see how we might work together.

If you’re ready to explore your autistic identity in a space where you’re seen, heard, and accepted exactly as you are, I’d love to hear from you. Head here to find out more about working online and here for everything you need to know about working in person.