Autism Therapy in Manchester
Being autistic, or wondering whether you might be, can bring a mix of feelings. You might be dealing with misunderstandings, sensory overload or years of trying to fit in. Therapy can provide space to reflect on your experiences without the need to mask or explain yourself.
As a BACP-Registered, Trauma Informed Counsellor, I offer one-to-one, neuro-affirming counselling in Manchester. It's for autistic adults, including people with a late diagnosis, people who are self-identified or waiting for an assessment and people who aren't sure yet. Our sessions are shaped around your needs and communication style. I'll meet you where you are, with care, clarity and respect.
If you'd like to talk about whether counselling could help, I'm here.
Counselling for autistic adults
Autism is not a problem to be fixed. It's a different way of experiencing the world, and it can shape how you take in information, relate to people and make sense of your surroundings. Many autistic adults come to counselling because of burnout, anxiety, low mood, or years of masking.
You don't need to mask, explain or adjust yourself in our sessions. My approach is person-centred which means you're the expert on your own life. There's no set agenda and no expectation to talk in a certain way. We'll find a pace and structure that suits how you think and communicate.
There's no homework. I might sometimes suggest something you could try between sessions, but it's optional and I won't check up on it. If it would help, I can share some ideas from CBT or Transactional Analysis, and we can look at how they fit your own patterns. We'll only use what feels supportive, never what feels too much.
My room is quiet and warm, and I've set it up with neurodiversity in mind. There's more about the adjustments I offer in the FAQs below.
It's your space to explore what actually works for you, on your terms.
What autistic people often bring to counselling
Everyone's experience of autism is different, and so are the reasons people come to counselling. The cards below cover some of the things people bring: masking, burnout, sensory overwhelm, finding it hard to name feelings, being autistic and LGBTQ+, and wondering about ADHD. They aren't a checklist. They're here so you know you won't need to explain it all from scratch.
Masking
Many autistic people learn to mask: hiding the way they naturally talk, move or react so they fit in. You might rehearse what to say before a phone call, or hold back stimming because it draws attention. It can help you get by, but it takes a lot of energy. Here, you don't need to hold eye contact, and there are fidget toys in the room if they help. We can look at what masking has cost you, and what feels right to keep.
Autistic Burnout
Autistic burnout is an exhaustion that rest doesn't seem to touch. Things you used to manage, like cooking or answering messages, can suddenly feel out of reach. It can overlap with low mood, so it's worth speaking to your GP if you're worried. In counselling, I won't set unrealistic goals or expect you to become more productive. If a full session feels like too much right now, half-hour sessions are an option.
Sensory Overwhelm
Light, noise and crowds can affect autistic people much more intensely, and it often builds up over a day. A supermarket or an open-plan office might leave you drained for hours afterwards. If you've been called fussy, you may have learned to push through without saying anything. In my room, the lighting can be dimmed or brightened and the temperature changed straight away. Just tell me what you need.
Knowing what you feel
Some autistic people find it hard to put words to what they're feeling, which is sometimes called alexithymia. You might notice a tight chest or a churning stomach without knowing whether it's anxiety, anger or hunger. We don't have to start with feelings, or name them in a particular way. We can look at what's coming up for you in a more factual way, or use one of your interests as an anchor.
Autism and LGBTQ+
Research suggests autistic people are more likely than the wider population to be gay, bi, trans or non-binary. For some people, masking autism and masking sexuality or gender have happened side by side, so it's hard to know where one ends and the other begins. You won't need to explain one to get support with the other. I keep up to date with the laws and political changes affecting LGBTQIA+ people, so you won't need to explain those either.
Autism & ADHD
Some people find autism only explains part of their experience. You might need routine but struggle to keep one, or crave stimulation and then feel overwhelmed by it. If that sounds familiar, ADHD might be part of the picture too, and some people call this AuDHD. You don't need to know which applies before you get in touch, and if keeping track of appointments is hard, I can send you a reminder email beforehand.
Ready to begin?
If you're autistic, think you might be, or are simply looking for a counsellor who won't judge you, I'm here when you feel ready. I offer a free 15-minute call so you can ask questions, share what's on your mind or just see how it feels to talk. You are welcome here, exactly as you are.
Why work with me?
I'm a Level 4 BACP-registered, trauma-informed counsellor, and working with autistic adults is one of my main areas of interest and training. My training includes Working with Autism with Counselling Tutor, and Neurodiversity and Trauma with PESI. You can see my full credentials.
For many autistic adults, life has also involved trauma or discrimination, and I think counselling should recognise that. What matters most to me is that you feel safe enough to be yourself here, without judgement or criticism. You won't need to educate me or explain why things feel the way they do.
Getting started begins with a free 15-minute phone call. We'll talk about what's brought you, and whether you've had counselling before, including what helped and what didn't. I'll explain how I work, so you can decide whether it feels right. If it doesn't, I'll help you find someone who might be a better fit.
There's no pressure, just a chance to connect and decide whether this feels like the right space for you.
Flexible ways to access support
I provide a range of counselling services to accommodate your unique needs and preferences.
All interactions are available in 25-minute and 50-minute clinical sessions, with prices from £32.50.
Face to Face sessions at my comfortable and welcoming therapy rooms in Manchester.
Connect with me from the comfort of your own home, maintaining privacy and flexibility.
Receive support and guidance via telephone sessions, ideal for those with limited internet access or who prefer a voice-only interaction.
Based in North Manchester, here to support you
I’m based in North Manchester and work with clients from all across the surrounding areas, including Whitefield, Prestwich, Bury, Radcliffe, Crumpsall, Blackley, Middleton, Salford, and many more local communities. Wherever you're from, if you're looking for support with your mental health, you're welcome here.
Finding me
I offer in-person counselling sessions at my therapy room in Whitefield, North Manchester. It’s a calm, private space that’s easy to reach from across the city and surrounding areas.
Address: 229 Bury New Rd, Whitefield, Manchester M45 8GW. Find me with W3W or via Google
Getting here:
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By car: Free on-street parking is usually available nearby.
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By tram: About a 30-second walk from the Whitefield Metrolink stop.
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By bus: Local buses stop just a short walk away.
If you’re unsure about directions or access, feel free to get in touch - I’m happy to help you plan your visit.
Not local?
If you're not based near North Manchester - or simply prefer not to travel - I also offer counselling sessions by telephone or secure video call. This can be a helpful option if you're juggling a busy schedule, live further away, or feel more comfortable accessing support from home.
Reviews and testimonials
You might be looking for reviews, especially if you're thinking about talking to someone new. I don't use testimonials. Counselling should feel confidential from the very beginning, and I wouldn't want anyone to feel they ought to say something personal in public in order to recommend me.
If it would help to know more about me before you get in touch, you can see my qualifications on my credentials page, and I'm registered with the BACP (register certificate no. 403698), which you can check on their website. The free 15-minute call is also there for exactly this: to ask whatever you'd like to ask, without any pressure to book afterwards.
Do I need a diagnosis to see you?
I've had a late diagnosis as an adult. Is counselling still useful?
Can you help me get a diagnosis?
Will counselling try to make me less autistic?
I find talking hard. Will that be a problem?
What happens in the first session?
Do I have to call myself autistic?
Do you work with ADHD too?
I'm LGBTQ+. Is that relevant?
Someone I care about is autistic. Can you help me?
I've had therapy before and it didn't help. Would this be different?
What if I'm struggling between sessions?
How long does therapy take?
Autism Counselling FAQs
Related Therapies
Autism often overlaps with other things people come to counselling for. If one of these sounds closer to what's going on for you, you're welcome to start there.
Useful Resources
If you're not ready to get in touch yet, these organisations have clear, reliable information about autism.
If you need urgent help with your mental health, the NHS urgent help page explains your options. In an emergency, call 999.
Autism Help, Support & Guidance
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