My Therapeutic Approach
Therapy is a collaborative process that is shaped around you as an individual. Without making assumptions, focusing solely on symptoms, or trying to fit your experiences into a diagnostic framework, I take time to understand your unique story, your relationships and the experiences that shape the way you think, feel and respond to the world.
As a relational, trauma-informed psychotherapist, I believe that healing happens in the safety of a trusting therapeutic relationship. I work alongside you with warmth, curiosity and compassion, offering you both support and gentle challenge when needed. Together we create a space where you can explore difficult emotions, unresolved experiences and long-standing patterns at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.
Whether you are seeking greater understanding, recovery from trauma or lasting personal change, I tailor therapy to your individual and relational needs and goals. At times, this may involve providing space for reflection and deeper self-exploration. At other times, I may draw on evidence-informed approaches and practical therapeutic techniques such as BWRT to help you process traumatic experiences, regulate overwhelming emotions and challenge long-held limiting beliefs to effect lasting, permanent change.
My aim is not to simply help you cope with life's difficulties, but to help you understand yourself more deeply. As your self-awareness grows, so too can your capacity for resilience, self-compassion and choice. Therapy can help you move beyond surviving towards living with greater confidence, authenticity, emotional freedom and a renewed sense of purpose.
Neurodivergent Couples Therapy
My approach to couples therapy is informed by my training as an Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE)-trained neurodivergent couples therapist and The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy. I specialise in supporting couples where one or both partners are autistic, have ADHD or identify as neurodivergent. I help couples to understand how each partner's unique experiences and perspective shape the relationship and influence their connection.
Neurodivergent relationships often involve challenges that can be confusing or painful for both partners. Emotional dysregulation, sensory sensitivities, communication differences, executive functioning, rejection sensitivity and differences in needs for connection can all create recurring patterns of misunderstanding. Behaviours that may appear uncaring, controlling, overly emotional or withdrawn are often expressions of very different neurological experiences rather than lack of love or commitment.
As a therapist, I help both partners develop a shared understanding and respect for each other's differences. I offer practical tools and help them understand how their words and behaviours may be impacting their partner, often in a way they may not intend.
As a neuro-affirming therapist, I also help couples recognise and build upon their strengths such as deep loyalty, honesty, passion, creativity, problem-solving skills and authenticity. I believe couples therapy is about creating relationships where both partners feel heard, respected and understood, where differences are accommodated and where each partner can influence the relationship without compromising who they are.
"Rather than trying to eliminate differences, therapy helps each partner develop the capacity to tolerate those differences..."
-The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy
A Client Review
"Before meeting Fiona, I was in a very low place. I was apprehensive about starting therapy and unsure whether it would be right for me, but it turned out to be the best decision I could have made for myself. Fiona is incredibly warm, kind and understanding. She made me feel comfortable and completely unjudged from the very first session. Even after our first meeting, I felt a huge sense of relief. Over the eight sessions we had together, she helped me completely change my perspective and better understand my emotions.
She provided practical exercises I could use daily, many of which I still use nearly a year on, as well as powerful techniques to help me change my mindset and manage emotions tied to difficult situations. Having a safe space to offload my thoughts and work through ongoing challenges was highly valuable. Fiona helped me regain my confidence and sense of self, reminding me to believe in myself and trust that I can get through the other side of challenges.
The positive changes were noticed by those around me as well, and we are all incredibly grateful for her. I am now thriving thanks to the work we did together and have a great toolbox for the future." Emily - Manchester
Book a Free 30 minute Consultation with me to find out more!
Please get in touch with me if you have any questions about my counselling or psychotherapy service.
Online sessions are currently conducted through Zoom Video Conferencing.
Appointment confirmations and reminders are sent via Writeupp Practice Management Software.
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