Helen Mclean

Welcome to my Neurodivergent practice.  I am a integrative trained MBACP counselor, who is also neurodivergent myself, I offer a mix of client led talking therapy with adapted neurodivergent friendly DBT.  

As neurodivergent individuals, we experience our lens in a different way, expressing different types of distress living in a society that isn't always designed for our differences.

My approach is working with focus tools that support sensory management, distress tolerance and emotional regulation.  I place  the emphasis on acceptance of how our brains work rather than trying to fix or alter.

My therapeutic aim working with you is to support you to develop skills to identify as well as regulate your emotions.  I work with your brain not against it.

I welcome individuals aged 11 upwards who identify as neurodivergent, whether you have a formal diagnosis or self identifying.  You do not need a diagnosis to access support.  Your experiences are valid and we can work together to better understand your unique strengths and challenges.

I believe that therapy is about more than the conversation we have together.  The environment itself can have a significant impact on how safe, comfortable and able to engage someone feels.  

I offer a space that can be adapted to support neurodivergent individuals, I aim to create an environment that reduces unnecessary sensory and cognitive demands, depending on your preference, this may include:

soft calming lighting

Comfortable seating options and placement 

fidget items and sensory supports (or bring your own) available to aid concentration and regulation

the flexibility to move, stretch or change position during sessions.

sessions that allow time for processing, without pressure to respond immediately.

Clear structure and expectations so you know what to expect from each session.

The option to take brief pauses if you become overwhelmed.

My wish for you as my client is to feel the space allows you to unmask and explore your experiences at your own pace, in a way that feels right for you.  I don't believe there is a 'one size fits all' approach, so we will work together to find what helps you feel most comfortable, regulated and able to engage.

ahead of our first session, you will have given me a brief overview in our initial free 20 minute exploratory session.  during this call we will set a regular face to face or online time weekly or bi monthly.  ahead of our first session I will send you a copy of our  working agreement, which explains confidentiality, fees, data protection and what you can expect of our work together.

A secure google information form to complete before your first session.  This provides some background information, emergency contact details, and any preferences or adjustments that would help me make our sessions as comfortable and accessible as possible.

your first session: 

our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another.  We'll start to explore what has brought you to therapy and what you hope to gain from counselling, and any goals or priorities you may have.

There is no pressure to share everything at once and we can discuss any communication, sensory or processing preferences so that therapy can be adapted to meet your individual needs.