Availability in-person in Stevenage, Herts SG1 & online UK wide debbie.dawson@unboxedcounselling.co.uk
Online Counselling UK-wide & In-Person Therapy In Stevenage, Hertfordshire
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy with an Autistic Counsellor
You deserve to be heard and understood
Hi, I’m Debbie. I'm an autistic counsellor offering therapy for neurodivergent adults, teens (16+), and parents - online across the UK or face-to-face in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
If you’re feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed, or exhausted trying to fit into a world that wasn't built for your brain, you're not alone. As an autistic woman, mother, and qualified counsellor, I truly get what that’s like.
I provide neurodiversity-affirming counselling that respects your identity and works with your strengths. Whether you're seeking support for ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, burnout or simply want a space where you don't have to mask, therapy here is about being being seen, understood and supported as your authentic self.
Who I Support
- Neurodivergent adults and young people (16+) struggling with anxiety, depression, burnout, identity questions or looking for ADHD or autism support
- People who are considering the possibility that they might be neurodivergent
- Parents and caregivers seeking support in raising neurodivergent children.
- Anyone looking for therapy that respects difference and offers genuine acceptance.
Whether you're looking for therapy for depression, help with anxiety, burnout, parenting, identity, or need a space to be heard, I bring both professional training and lived understanding to our sessions.
How I Work
Therapy doesn't have to feel clinical or intimidating. With me, it's more like having a guide who gets the chaos of a neurodivergent brain.
- Celebrating difference - I don't see you as "broken" or needing to be "fixed". Your brain isn't a problem to solve.
- Going at your pace - whether that's fast, slow or with a few tangents along the way, I'll meet you there.
- Sensory & communication friendly - prefer to keep the lights dim or take breaks? That's not an issue here - it's built into how I work.
How to Get Started
You don't need to know exactly what you want from therapy - we can figure that out together.
The first step is simple: book a free 15 minute introduction with me (phone or video). It's a chance to see if we click and for you to ask any questions before deciding.
debbie.dawson@unboxedcounselling.co.uk or 01438 571406.
Why Work With Me?
Therapy with an Autistic Counsellor Who Truly Understands
You're not just looking for a therapist - you're looking for someone who gets it.
- I'm autistic and a parent, so I bring lived understanding as well as professional training.
- I won't push you into a one-size-fits-all model. Your therapy will be shaped around you.
- I combine counselling skills with real-life experience of neurodivergence, so you don't need to waste energy explaining every little thing.
- My aim is simple: to help you feel seen, supported and less alone in a world that often feels overwhelming.
Professional Background:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Psychology (continuing towards full MSc).
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Ongoing CPD in neurodiversity and mental health.
Services Offered
Neurodivergent Affirming Practice
I have lived and clinical experience of neurodivergence and understand some of the unique challenges and strengths that this brings. Ultimately though, I am neurodiversity affirming - all types of minds are valid and welcome.
Accessible Online Sessions
Looking for a counsellor near me or a therapist near me may seem limiting, but with online therapy, you can experience emotional wellbeing from the comfort of your own home or any preferred location. Whether you are at the office, in a parked car, or on your lunch break, as long as it's a confidential and safe space, therapy can be effectively conducted anywhere.
Talking Therapy with a Twist
As an integrative counsellor, I draw on a variety of approaches including person-centred and psychodynamic. I take the whole person into consideration depending on your needs and wishes. If you are open to trying something a little more creative and have some paints, pens or glue to hand then we can explore this! Please note, I am not a qualified art therapist but I have experience of working creatively with talking therapy clients.