Hayley Louise Garrod

Many of the people I work with have spent years feeling “too much”, “not enough”, or as though they needed to hide parts of themselves to stay safe. You may have grown up with a parent who was controlling, critical or emotionally unpredictable, or you may have always felt different — particularly if you’re neurodivergent — and are tired of masking, overthinking or trying to fit in.

I support adults who feel overwhelmed, misunderstood or shaped by difficult early relationships, including those who identify as neurodivergent, adult children of narcissistic or controlling parents, and people who struggle with shame, people‑pleasing and self‑doubt. Together, we explore your experiences at a pace that feels safe, helping you make sense of old patterns and reconnect with a more grounded and authentic sense of self.

My approach is relational, warm and compassionate. I pay close attention to how early dynamics influence present‑day feelings, behaviours and relationships. My practice is neurodivergent‑affirming, meaning we explore your experiences without pathologising who you are or expecting you to mask.

You can expect to develop a clearer sense of identity, understand your needs and strengths, and begin to reduce shame, overthinking and self‑criticism. Many clients find they are able to build healthier boundaries and move away from old survival strategies that no longer serve them.

About me

I was diagnosed with ADHD at 32, after many years of feeling different without having the language for it. Unpacking that experience — and the shame and uncertainty that came with it — helped me develop a kinder and more solid sense of self. This personal journey informs my work and deepens my commitment to offering a space where you don’t have to mask, perform or explain yourself.

If this resonates with you, I welcome you to get in touch so we can explore whether working together feels like a good fit.

You’re welcome to contact me by email to express your interest in counselling and share a little about what you’re hoping to explore. This helps me understand whether I’m the right fit for your needs.

I offer a free 20‑minute introductory call by phone or video. This is an opportunity for you to get a sense of me and my way of working, and to ask any questions that matter to you. I may invite you to share what you’d like to focus on initially, whether you’ve had counselling before, and if there are particular approaches you feel drawn to. There is no pressure to go into detail at this stage.

Sessions usually last for 60 minutes and cost £55 per session. 

If we decide to work together, I usually suggest weekly sessions to help us build a strong therapeutic relationship. After the first four sessions, you’re welcome to continue weekly or move to a different frequency if that suits you better. Some people come for a set number of sessions to work on a specific issue, while others prefer longer‑term support.

As our work progresses, I regularly check in with you about how things are feeling. We can revisit your original focus, explore what has shifted, and decide together whether new themes are emerging or whether you’d like to continue deepening the work in the same area. The pace and direction of therapy are always collaborative and guided by what feels safe and helpful for you.

All sessions are confidential within professional and ethical guidelines, and I’m always happy to explain how this works.