Deborah Dawson

I am currently taking on new clients. Sessions usually take place Monday-Thursday during standard office hours but I do have some flexibility around this, particularly for online sessions. Please ask me. 

I’m a counsellor who believes every mind is valuable, valid, and worth understanding. My practice is neurodiversity-affirming, meaning I work from the perspective that differences in thinking, communication, and experiencing the world are natural variations of being human—not problems to be “fixed.” Whether you identify as autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or whether you’d describe yourself as neurotypical, you are welcome here.

How I Work

I offer a supportive, neuro-affirming space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and challenges at your own pace. My approach is collaborative—we work together to find what’s helpful for you, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.

Sessions can include:

Understanding and embracing your unique ways of thinking

Finding strategies for managing overwhelm, anxiety, or burnout

Building self-acceptance and confidence

Navigating relationships, work, and life changes

Exploring identity and self-expression

Who I Work With

I welcome clients of all neurotypes—whether you know you’re neurodivergent, are questioning, or have never considered the idea before. You don’t need a diagnosis to work with me. My door is open to anyone seeking a compassionate listener and a space where your experiences are respected and understood.

Next Steps

If you’d like to explore working together, please get in touch to arrange a free initial conversation. We can talk about what you’re looking for and how I can best support you. I offer a free 15 minute introduction either over the phone or by video call. 

I am an autistic woman, mother and counsellor and I understand some of the unique challenges that being neurodivergent can bring. My approach is grounded in the belief that every person has the capacity for growth, change, and healing when provided with the right conditions.

I drawing on elements from person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic perspectives to tailor our sessions to your individual needs. Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, trauma, or simply a sense that something in life feels “off,” our work together can help you gain clarity. 

Sometimes I may suggest some creative techniques if you are willing to give these a go. It could be something simple like colouring in a picture or placing objects in a meaningful way. The act of doing something practical can sometimes be a quicker route to our emotions than mere words on their own. 

My commitment is to work ethically, respectfully, and collaboratively.  I regularly engage in professional supervision and ongoing training to ensure my practice remains safe, effective, and up-to-date.

Sessions can take place in person in Stevenage or online from anywhere in the UK. I welcome adults from the age of 16. 

We’ll begin by talking about what has brought you here and what you hope to gain from counselling. I will likely ask some assessment questions to help me understand your situation and ensure I am working ethically and safely. This is also your opportunity to ask me questions about how I work, my approach, and how I can best support your needs.

Because neurodiversity-affirming counselling recognises and celebrates different ways of thinking, feeling, and processing the world, I take time to understand what helps you feel comfortable. There's no expectation to make eye contact if you don't want to and you are welcome to stim or use fidget toys if that's your preference. You’re in control of how much you choose to share in this first session. 

By the end of our 50 minutes, you’ll have a clearer sense of how counselling might support you, and whether you’d like to continue. This is the start of a collaborative process where your unique way of experiencing the world is valued, respected, and affirmed. Before booking a first session, you are welcome to arrange a free 15-minute introduction, which can take place over the phone or via video call. Alternatively, I am happy to answer any questions you may have via email.