Rebecca Milgate

Bex Milgate (MBACP) - Neurodivergent Therapist & Psychoeducator

www.bexmilgatetherapy.com

I am a neurodivergent (Autistic, Dyspraxic & Synaesthesic), neuroaffirming psychotherapist and psychoeducator working with clients who are neurodivergent, either diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or discovering.

My approach:

Being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world, certainly has its challenges. Yet, I also believe it has strengthened my offering as a therapist and psychoeducator to all neurotypes. I don’t presume or expect a set way of being, or a set journey or goal of ‘happiness’. I strive to constantly learn and evolve but learn from authentic lived experience.

My approach is neuroaffirming and this is incredibly important to me. I do not use pathologised neuronormative practices or languages (I do not believe neurodivergence is in anyway a disorder and in any way needing to be 'fixed').

I see my role as creating a validating enabling space, to help you discover and shake off the ‘shame dust’ and let you be you. A lot of work usually involves understanding the unique nervous system, and understanding the complex shame and trauma that goes with being neurodivergent in a predominantly neurotypical world. To genuinely authentically validate people’s experiences and ways of being, sharing knowledge and insight along the way. 

Complex trauma often forms a big part of my work with clients. Because of the idea of 'normal' in our society, complex trauma unfortunately is abundant among us neurodivergent folk. My approach is always trauma-informed, it is about breaking down that shame dust, getting to the roots, and building us back up with the power of knowledge, some somatic tools, and affirming validation.

I work online both in private practice and also with the charity Autistic Parents UK (https://www.autisticparentsuk.org). I work with anyone 16+.

I offer specialised neurodivergent affirming therapeutic support for diagnosed, self-identified, and discovering individuals from around the globe. 

The term neuro-affirming or neurodivergent affirming is flung around quite freely by many who don’t recognise its meaning or importance.

For me, as a neurodivergent therapist, I see it as recognising the wondrous intersectionality of individuals, respecting autonomy, and validating differences and lived experience. Part of my aim in therapy is to promote and nurture self-identity and advocacy. To adapt and honour all ways of communicating, behavioural needs, and processing.

My approach is humanistic, relational - curious! I do not practice or subscribe to any behavioural therapies, I will not use pathologised language, I will however, offer a genuine validating environment, free of shame, and free of judgement. A divergent approach which breaks down society's idea of 'normal'.

Sessions:

Sessions are usually 1 hour and take place remotely online, during a time and day that is agreeable to both of us. Some clients do not use mouth words and so a chat option is available. We can draw, share music, create words or feelings for our emotions. It is important to me that you communicate how you need and can communicate.

I offer an informal initial 30 minute online session, a connection call, to get to know each other. During this I can talk a little more about me and my approach, understand your needs and reasoning for counselling. We can also check if we have any immediate queries with particular emphasis on removing barriers and fears about counselling or psychoeducation.

The next session will open up areas you wish to explore and sets the scene for us to establish a therapeutic relationship that fits you and the way you communicate. My practice is client-led, you bring to the sessions what you need to bring, which may differ from week to week. Do look at my website to get a clearer idea about who I am, and the details of my work.

Currently I have availability online on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays

I am a neurodivergent (Autistic, Synaesthesic, Dyspraxic) neuroaffirming psychotherapist and psychoeducator. 

I specialise in working with discovering, diagnosed, self-realised neurodivergent adults (18+).

Aside from my private practice, I work as the Head of Counselling for Autistic Parents UK, and I am also a sessional lecturer for the University of Warwick working with trainee therapists to develop their understanding of neurodivergence. 

My approach is humanistic and relational having originally studied a BA (hons) degree in the person-centred approach. I have carried out a great deal of further training focused on neuroaffirming neurodivergent therapy. From understanding the neurodivergent nervous system, trauma-informed work from a neurodivergent perspective and also somatic (polyvagal), creative, and parts work. 

For me, my main aim in therapy or psychoeducation sessions is to provide a validating and neuroaffirming space for clients to develop a better understanding of their neurodivergent selves. With affirming and validating awareness, brings acceptance and this can further bring our ability to advocate not only for ourselves but for our loved ones. 

Neuroaffirming practice is a big part of my life, writing, and teaching. For too long we have been unjustly pathologised and I am extremely keen to change this narrative of the neuronormative society we live in.

I am not a typical therapist. I bring the real me to the therapeutic relationship, I bring genuine authenticity and transparency. I don't expect my clients to use mouth words if it is not possible (we have a chat function), emotions are not necessarily words they can be anything you need them to be, we can express ourselves in a myriad of ways. 

My background and lived experience allows me to authentically see my clients in whatever way they need to be seen, actually heard, actually believed, actually understood. 

Our first session is always free. It is usually a 30 minute online meet where I can get a better understanding of your support needs and you can get a better understanding of who I am and my approach. 

Meeting anyone for the first time is daunting for us neurodivergent folk, (I include me in this!). It is important to me that my clients feel as safe and as relaxed as they can be in this first meeting. If you don't want the camera on, that is ok. If you would prefer to use the chat function, that is ok. 

Do take a look at my website, which will hopefully give you a bit more of an idea of who I am, and how I work, and feel free to get in touch if that feels like it could work for you.