Autism-Informed Counselling in Salford, Manchester

Therapy that works with your autistic brain, not against it. No masking required.

Counselling That Actually Fits

If you've tried therapy before and found yourself translating your experience for a therapist who didn't quite get it, you're not alone. Traditional counselling often wasn't designed with autistic people in mind.

I'm Amy, and I offer person-centred counselling for adults who identify as autistic. I use a person-centred approach, which means our sessions are led by you and what you need. There's no agenda, no homework, no pressure to be anywhere other than where you are right now. Just a space where you can finally feel seen, heard, and understood.

I offer autism-informed, neurodiversity-affirming counselling. That means I see autism as a difference, not a disorder. I won't try to make you more "normal." I won't ask you to make eye contact or read between the lines. And I won't mistake your autistic traits for problems that need solving. I won’t ask you to ‘sit with your feelings’ without explaining what that means.

This is a space where you can show up exactly as you are.

When Traditional Therapy Doesn't Fit

Maybe you've experienced:

Therapists who didn't understand autism - or worse, disregarded your traits
Being asked to make eye contact or pick up on social cues you can't see
The exhaustion of masking even in a space that's supposed to be safe
Navigating a world that wasn't built for you - and being told the problem is you
The grief of late diagnosis, and the complicated feelings that come with it
Burnout, meltdowns, and shutdown without proper support

What Makes This Different

No high masking required: stim, avoid eye contact, sit however feels comfortable. I will never ask you to unmask fully as I know it’s what keeps you safe. However, we can work together to look at how putting some of the masking down might look to give you a break from high masking spaces.

Clear, direct communication: I say what I mean, no hidden subtext to decode. If something I say doesn’t make sense, you can ask me to clarify. We work collaboratively.

Sensory awareness: online sessions available, and in-person sessions can be adjusted for your needs. Want to bring a fidget toy? Cool. Want to draw during our sessions? Absolutely. Lights too bright? Let me know.

Neurodiversity-affirming: I'm not here to make you less autistic, you’re not broken and you don’t need fixing.

Flexible structure — Weekly or fortnightly sessions. In order to make sessions as accessible as possible I offer 30 minute, 50 minute and 80 minute slots. We work at your pace on whatever matters most to you.

Book a Free Discovery Call

What We Can Work On

Prioritising yourself, navigating boundaries and saying no
Recognising your feelings and communicating them to others
Processing a late diagnosis and building who you are now
Recovering from autistic burnout
Managing sensory overwhelm and meltdowns
Navigating relationships and communication
Unmasking and rediscovering who you are underneath
Anxiety, depression, or other challenges that often accompany autism

Next steps and booking

Free discovery call (30 mins) — We have a chat, you ask any questions, and we see if we're a good fit. No pressure, no commitment.

First session — We explore what's brought you here. This is your space - there's no judgement and no expectations.

Ongoing support — Weekly or fortnightly sessions. In order to make sessions as accessible as possible I offer 30minute, 50 minute and 80 minute slots. We work at your pace on whatever matters most to you.

The Stuff People Usually Ask Me

How much are sessions?

Sessions are £40 for 30 minutes, £60 for 50 minutes and £90 for 80 minutes. I offer very limited concession and low cost spaces, when enquiring please let me know you are interested in these.

Do I need a formal autism diagnosis?

No. Self-identification is welcome here. You know your own experience.

Can I bring comfort items or stim toys?

Absolutely. Bring whatever helps you feel comfortable.

What if I need to cancel because of burnout?

I understand that burnout happens. We can talk about a cancellation approach that works for both of us.

Can you diagnose ADHD or Autism?

No, I cannot diagnose ADHD, Autism or AuDHD. I would refer to guidance by ADHD UK on right to choose and private providers

How is this different from regular therapy?

I understand neurodivergence from the inside and have lived experience of supporting and working with AuDHDers. I know what it’s like to have a brain that goes 100 miles an hour, desperately wants to find the perfect organisations system of spreadsheets and notebooks but never uses any. Describing the pain of loud noises and trying to get people to understand that you’re not being difficult on purpose.

I work with you to build strategies and systems that work with your brain rather than ‘shoulds’ and ‘coulds’. I don’t give advice or guidance, I’ll always work collaboratively with you and make suggestions or give ideas through an informed and researched approach.

If you want to stim, fidget, draw, doodle, crochet in sessions - have at it. This space is designed to be as authentically you as possible. You can always ask for changes and adaptations

How many sessions will I need?

That's entirely up to you. I find that clients really start to feel the benefit of therapy after around 6-8 sessions. Some people come for a few months, others for longer. There's no minimum commitment, I don’t take up front block bookings.

Ready to Find a Space That Fits?

Book a free discovery call and let's see if we're a good match.