My Story

For anyone to whom Neurodiversity  is a new concept, it is the idea that  neurological differences are to be recognized and respected as any other human variation. Neurodiversity can help everyone (families, educators, colleagues and friends etc)  frame challenges as differences, rather than as deficits.

My therapeutic approach is eclectic and tailored to accommodate the neurodiversity of my clients and families. I have training in a variety of evidenced based approaches enabling me to work with a range of clients including the Neurodivergent.

As a Multiply Divergent adult: #ADHD, #Dyspraxia # Dyslexia My experience has been that people often focus on the challenges of neurological divergent. I want to change the narrative and create a balanced view which focuses equally on our talents and strengths.

I  provide ‘lived’ and professional therapies and education for children and families struggling with ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression, sensory integration and life transitions. I provide individual therapy for children and young adults as well as training for parents,carers and educators.

I am passionate about empowering Neurodivergents and their allies with the knowledge and mindset necessary to Embrace Difference!

So you know what to expect, let me tell you a bit about myself.

Untanglingminds is UK based, but I move around the world quite a bit!

 I was diagnosed with Dyslexia in my 20s, Dyspraxia in my 30s and ADHD in my 40s. 

In my career (even pre-diagnosis) I worked with many neurologically diverse adults and children and have a real affinity with this section of the community through my lived experiences and my professional history. 

I have worked internationally and in a variety of settings: Family Centres, Refugee Resettlement Projects, Mental Health Charities, Women’s Crisis Centres, alongside Child Protection Agencies, in Special Education and International School Counselling services. I have also worked with those involved in the Judicial Systems.

The realisation that I was wired differently, and not a clumsy, impulsive imposter occurred slowly. Even though I was working as a Special Education Teacher at the time! Life was busy, studying and qualifying, moving countries and raising children, no time to stop and reflect!. 

My neurodiverse family includes one neurotypical, and two Autistics both of whom are dyslexic like me. Because we are neurodiverse, our brains are wired differently enough to be noticeable, and we have some very unique strengths and challenges as a family.

We end up with a lot of miscommunications, but that helps us all become more empathetic, and exercise forgiveness.

We often have the benefit of two or more different ways of looking at a situation or coming up with a solution, which can be confusing but is also very helpful!

We can have very different needs when it comes to relaxing or recharging; I want to go out and talk and be energetic whilst my youngest prefers (actually needs)  to stay home and relax alone in a dark room.

Being in a neurodiverse family means I am deeply familiar with the challenges that child rearing has for parents, and particularly those who raise children overseas. I appreciate the patience, tolerance and loving understanding that parents learn to develop.

Now in my fifties I am embracing life as a neurodivergent therapist, consultant and neurodiversity-affirming educator. My diagnoses and my subsequent career progression have been life-changing, life-affirming, and have brought me peace, relief, and fulfilment. A lot of things make sense and now I am making the accommodations and adding the support I need to live a great life that suits me, my neurotype and my personality.

Neurodivergent people have a lot to contribute to society, and I believe we should listen, uplift and empower them more. I am very open about my neurovariations because of this reason. I am proud of my accomplishments in overcoming many hurdles and obstacles throughout my life, and I enjoy helping others overcome adversity and be their magical, neurodivergent self. I believe the future is bright and the future is neurodiverse.

Please get in touch if you would like to book a session and I am more than happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. 

I'm proud to highlight my diverse expertise and recent achievements. A Qualified Psychotherapist I am accredited with the British Association of Counsellors and  Psychotherapist (BACP),  I uphold top professional standards. I'm also a global member of the ION Institute of Neurodiversity, showing my dedication to diverse neurological support. Recently, I gained senior membership with the Indian Counselling Association and was honored by the Mother Teresa International Committee for advocating for impactful work with neuro minorities. I actively support the LGBTQ community, notably through queer affirmative therapy. With certifications as a Certified Autism Specialist and experience and certifications as an IB School Counsellor, I offer a comprehensive approach to my practice. Moreover, as an approved clinical practicum supervisor, I ensure quality supervision for emerging professionals. Look for me on the Association of Neurodiverse Therapists (ANDT) directory, where I promote neuroaffirming-friendly settings. Additionally, I provide specialized yin yoga sessions for adolescents seeking self-awareness and emotional regulation.

• Counsellor Course in Child Protection -International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children. ECIS (online Germany)
• Online & Telephone Counselling Foundation Course. CRC (online Germany)
• Adams State University,USA Counselor Education Supervision Training
• Cultural factors and psychotherapy in China - Training by China American Psychoanalysis Alliance (CAPA) China
• CIS Child Protection training - CIS College 
• Using Sand In Play Therapy - Duke Kunshan University (DKU) China
• Using Art-Based Multicultural Interventions  The Peggy Guggenheim EDU Center Regione Veneto ITaly
• Domestic Violence/Abused Women Shelter Staff Training Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Kuwait City

• International School Counselling Association (ISCA) Member
• Association of German International Schools (AGIS) Member
• Practising International Baccalaureate (IB)   School Counsellor
• ERCOS, ACAMIS, ISCA & SENIA International Conference/Workshop  Presenter
• ANDT (Association of Neurodivergent Therapists)
• ION Institute Of Neurodiversity

Counselling for Neurodiverse Adult Clients

Lots of people struggle with executive functioning.  It’s hard to complete tasks, see things through, and stay organised. Oftentimes it’s challenging to do household tasks. Such as folding the laundry, doing the dishes, etc. 

Do you struggle to walk through a grocery store because of all the sounds and sights? Causing you to run out without anything on your list because it’s so overwhelming? 

Maybe you have a hard time with small talk?  

Does your brain light up with energy, sparking a creative wave that always ends in a crash? 

Sometimes when you’re talking do you get really excited and then get distracted or change topics rapidly? 

I  believe that people who are neurodivergent or have neurodiverse brains are beautiful, unique, and extraordinary.  Society tells us that we have to fit into something that wasn’t made for us. For example… Overwhelming social situations with too many people, sounds, smells, lights? I work with people who have a formal diagnosis or who are undiagnosed or 'not sure'. I take time to get to know you and work with you to find an approach which suits your individual needs. 

Counselling for Neurodiverse Young People

Growing up isn’t always easy.

Growing up with a neurodiverse brain (a brain that takes in information, processes, and responds to the world a little differently) can be even harder. 

Feeling completely overwhelmed?

“Where do I fit in?”

“Why do things like making friends seem to be easier for others than for me?” 

“Will I be able to do things like go to college, have a job, a relationship, or a family?”

The challenges that young people with neurodiverse brains face are very real. They are more likely to:

• Struggle in school, both socially and academically
• Suffer from depression and anxiety
• Lose their confidence and motivation 
• Experience bullying and/or relationships where they are being taken advantage of
• Fail to launch successfully into college and/or living independently

I consistently find that young people really benefit from having an ongoing working relationship with a therapist who is experienced in working with individuals with neurodiverse brains.  I can help children and adults work towards neurodiversity acceptance and celebration.

Counselling for Neurodiverse Families and their Allies

I am passionate about empowering neurodivergents and their allies with the knowledge and mindset necessary to embrace difference!

I help families to understand each other's needs and help them improve their communication. Working together we can often think of new ways to navigate daily life so that stress and anxiety are managed better. I can help families work towards neurodiversity acceptance and celebration.  

I can work with you on the following issues, and more:

• Social and communication differences 
• A strengths-based approach to identifying skill sets -Embracing a diagnosis as a social identity  
• Advocating for support in the classroom or at work -Disclosing a diagnosis at school, work, or to loved ones -Supporting families with a new diagnosis 
• Managing Executive Function / Independent Living 
• Understanding and supporting sensory differences
  
  

Counselling & Education for other Groups

Counselling for Families with relatives detained overseas (or prisoners and their families)

A report written by the Chief Inspector of Prisons in the UK, ‘Neurodiversity in the Criminal Justice System’, (2021) suggests that it’s possible that half of people entering prison can “be expected to have some form of neurodivergent condition which impacts their ability to engage.”

What can be done ?

It is essential that people in prison with neurological differences are supported, so that they can overcome feeling misunderstood. Individuals with neurodivergence can often suffer with their mental health, alongside other challenges faced in prison. Having a family who ‘gets them’, can advocate with their needs, and maintain meaningful connections  on the outside is paramount. 

Having a family member in prison overseas can often feel like you’re serving a sentence yourself. It can be a difficult subject to discuss with friends and family and can put a strain on the family’s finances and general well-being. Counselling can help with the feelings of trauma, guilt and shame and can provide a safe space to make sense of the events and to build the resilience required to face the emotional and practical burden.

Counselling for Third Culture Kids  Expatriates Families & Global Nomads 

“Where do I belong?”

“Who am I?”

“Why do I often feel so restless?”

“I don’t fit in, what's wrong with me?”

“I struggle to make or keep lasting friendships and intimate relationships.”

“I have a good life, I should be happy, yet I am often sad and depressed for no apparent reason.”

TCK’s are children who travel all over the globe while accompanying their parents for their careers. Moving in and out of foreign countries with their parents' career transfers.

TCK’s have been described by Pollock & Van Reken (2009) in their book ‘Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds’ as:

 “A person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents’ culture.

The TCK frequently builds relationships to all of the cultures, while not having full ownership in any.

Those who have had a mobile childhood are often unsure of their identity and don’t feel they ‘belong’ anywhere. 

Hidden losses and grief are frequently the root of their presenting upset, along with making and maintaining friendships and seeking identity.

I use a range of creative, culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches (including messy play), Always keeping in mind TCKs view their world through the lens of many cultures. The goal is to create a world where our neurodivergent children are valued as strong individuals. Where they feel understood, heard and embraced for their strengths which will enable them to be defined by them and to soar wherever they find themselves in the world.