Positive about neurodiversity
A little bit about me
My background
I worked for 30 years as a teacher in a range of schools in different cities and countries. I've worked with autistic pupils aged 5-18 and with their families and their school staff, in specialist and mainstream provision, and at home.
In recent years I’ve become increasingly aware of the unmet mental health needs of autistic and neurodivergent pupils as they try to fit into systems that are not designed for them.
I’ve also seen the toll this takes on families who don’t feel supported, and on teachers and school staff who try to meet an increasingly impossible list of demands.
So, in 2019 I decided to train as a counsellor, focusing on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with the intention of bringing my years of experience in autism, education, and training together with evidence-based learning and practice in mental health so that I might support people in ways that work for them.
When I started working for the National Autistic Society in 1996, hardly anyone had even heard of autism and ADHD. Now, thankfully, there is an ever-expanding knowledge about autism, ADHD, and neurodiversity. However, barriers and misconceptions still predominate; even though I thought I knew a lot about it, I didn’t become aware of my own neurodivergence until 10 years ago because I didn’t have much in common with the (nearly always) boys that I’d been working with for more than 15 years.
Because I’ve seen the damage that a lack of understanding can do, and because I’ve had such a range of experience in my life, I’ll always celebrate diversity and try to work in ways that practically support it. I work in a trauma informed way and, as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am trans affirming and will provide a safe space for you, whoever you are and however you identify.
So, whether you’re a parent who is looking for support following your child’s diagnosis, or a teacher who is trying to navigate an increasingly impossible workload, or the CEO of a large organisation who wants to ensure your colleagues and clients are treated fairly, I believe I can work with you flexibly, honestly and creatively so that you can achieve your goals, whatever they may be.
My training
- SCOTACS Diploma in Counselling and Groupwork- A CBT Approach
- COSCA Certificate in Counselling Skills
- Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
- Mental Health First Aid (Young People)
- Post Graduate Certificate Education - Autism and Learning
- NHS Education for Scotland - National Trauma Training Programme: Skilled Level
As well as the more formal qualifications above, I attend regular CPD and learning events as it is important to keep up to date with the latest thinking. Plus I love learning!
What my clients say
My time with Emma has helped me beyond words, I can recognise my feelings, their validity and communicate them to others much more effectively - I cannot thank her enough for how much easier the process of navigating stressful situations in my life has become
Emma has really helped me. Before our sessions I was struggling to sleep and my anxiety was causing me major difficulty in my life. Now I feel like I have built up an understanding of my own mind and I've been given a set of tools to cope with the challenges. I feel like a whole new person.
Emma is a calm, positive and encouraging person who always strives to get the most from you in every session. I felt nervous about starting the sessions but felt comfortable right away and got so much from these.
Emma worked alongside me giving me the confidence to delve into some of the stress and difficulty I was experiencing and together through exploration and questioning I was able to set targets and work towards these at a pace that was helpful to me. Achieving these goals has allowed me to gain a new perspective and this in turn will support my wellbeing in work and beyond. I would not have been able to do this without the knowledge, guidance and support that Emma offered me through our sessions together.
The tools and strategies developed in therapy with Emma has improved my outlook and my wellbeing in all aspects of my life including my relationships, my work life, my anxieties and my mental health. She has taught me the strategies I can use to face any obstacles and anxieties that may arise. Most importantly Emma made me feel safe, never judged and gave me the space to open up about myself, my background, my battle with mental health and my insecurities. Each session flowed naturally with what I needed on that day. During the sessions as well as helping to change my thinking patterns through a CBT approach at the same time Emma was a counsellor, a coach and a mentor, this is all because she is a great listener and can figure out what it is you really need and is truly invested in helping. Emma guided me in developing self confidence, self worth and self love in a beautiful manner in which through the sessions instead of denying my thoughts, feelings I learnt to accept them and embrace them. Then I was guided in placing my thoughts and energy in figuring out my values, my strengths and skills, prior to CBT I didn’t realise I had any of these. This has been a life changing experience and I will carry out these strategies I have learnt and my new way of thinking for the rest of my life.
Professional memberships
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP 403687)
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP 403687)
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP 403687)
The General Teaching Council for Scotland
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP 403687)
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP 403687)
Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Disclosure Scotland
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP 403687)
Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Disclosure Scotland
Contact me
If you have any questions or would like to arrange a confidential, no obligation conversation
about how we can work together, please contact me.