ADHD & Autism-Affirming Counselling for Adults in Bayside

Living with ADHD or autistic traits as an adult can be deeply challenging, especially if you’ve spent years trying to adapt to systems that weren’t designed for your nervous system.

Many adults seek counselling because they feel:

  • exhausted from masking or trying to “keep up”

  • misunderstood or judged by others

  • overwhelmed by sensory input, demands, or expectations

  • frustrated by difficulties with focus, motivation, or organisation

  • uncertain about identity, especially after late diagnosis or self-identification

  • ashamed for not coping the way they think they “should”

You are not broken. Your brain works differently — and support should reflect that.

A neurodiversity-affirming approach

I work from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective, which means:

  • ADHD and autism are understood as natural variations of human neurology

  • The focus is on understanding and support, not fixing or changing who you are

  • Therapy respects your communication style, processing speed, and sensory needs

  • Masking, burnout, and lived experience are taken seriously

You don’t need to perform, explain yourself repeatedly, or meet neurotypical expectations in sessions.

How counselling can help

Counselling can support you to:

  • understand how ADHD or autism shows up in your life

  • reduce shame and self-criticism

  • recover from burnout and chronic overwhelm

  • develop strategies that suit your brain

  • work with anxiety, emotional regulation, or rejection sensitivity

  • strengthen self-acceptance and self-trust

  • navigate work, relationships, and life transitions

Support is collaborative and paced to your capacity.

You don’t need a formal diagnosis

Many adults come to counselling:

  • before assessment

  • after late diagnosis

  • or through self-identification

A formal diagnosis is not required. Your lived experience is valid.

Common reasons adults seek support

  • ADHD or autism-related burnout

  • Late diagnosis and identity integration

  • Difficulty with executive functioning

  • Sensory sensitivity or overload

  • Anxiety or depression linked to neurodivergence

  • Relationship or workplace challenges

  • Feeling “too much” or “not enough”

My approach

My work is:

  • trauma-aware

  • client-centred and collaborative

  • affirming of neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ identities

  • grounded in evidence-based psychotherapy

We work together to create understanding and change that feels sustainable, respectful, and realistic.

Practical details

  • Individual counselling for adults

  • In-person sessions in Bayside, Melbourne

  • Online sessions available

  • Confidential, supportive environment

  • No referral required

The first session is a space to explore what’s been happening for you and decide whether working together feels right.

ADHD & Autism-Affirming Counselling Frequently Asked Questions

  • ADHD and Autism-affirming counselling is a therapeutic approach that recognises neurodivergence as a natural variation in brain functioning. It focuses on understanding your experiences, reducing shame, and developing strategies that align with your nervous system, rather than trying to “fix” or change who you are.

  • Adults who experience challenges related to ADHD or autism traits—such as chronic overwhelm, sensory sensitivity, executive functioning difficulties, anxiety, or burnout—can benefit. Support is also valuable for those with a late diagnosis, self-identification, or identity questions linked to neurodivergence.

  • No. You don’t need a formal ADHD or autism diagnosis. Counselling is based on your lived experience, challenges, and goals. Many adults seek support before assessment, after late diagnosis, or through self-identification, and all are valid reasons to access therapy.

  • Counselling provides tools and strategies to manage sensory overload, executive functioning challenges, and emotional exhaustion. Through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, therapy helps you understand triggers, pace your energy, and recover from chronic stress in ways that suit your brain.

  • Yes. ADHD and autism traits often influence emotional regulation, worry, and sensitivity to rejection. Counselling can help you develop coping strategies, build self-trust, and respond to these challenges in ways that reduce shame and improve overall wellbeing.

  • Traditional therapy may assume neurotypical patterns or encourage masking. Affirming counselling respects your communication style, processing speed, sensory needs, and lived experiences. It focuses on support and understanding rather than forcing you to conform to neurotypical expectations.

  • The first session is an opportunity to explore what’s been happening in your life, discuss goals, and decide if working together feels right. There’s no pressure to share everything immediately, explain yourself repeatedly, or meet external expectations. The focus is on safety, understanding, and choice.

  • Yes. Counselling is available for adults in-person in Bayside, Melbourne, or online. Sessions are confidential, client-centred, and paced to your capacity, allowing you to access support in a way that works for your lifestyle and nervous system needs.