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Therapy for autistic clients

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Many clients have attended therapy or counselling before and had a mix of experiences, although autistic clients are more likely to have found previous therapy unhelpful, or even harmful, and understandably they feel wary about trying again with therapy.

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Below are the questions I am often asked by autistic clients and their families.

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Will you sit in silence?

Definitely not! I might give comments, ask questions, or give advice, depending on what we are working on together.

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Will you keep a blank face with no expressions?

No. I don't believe in the 'blank screen' technique which is used by psychodynamic psychotherapists. 

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Will you answer my questions?
Yes. I hope I can answer any questions my clients ask. I take a collaborative approach, which means making sure that we are both working together, and only working on your goals, and what you want to work on.

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What if I don't know how I'm feeling?

That's ok. Lots of people have difficulty describing how they are feeling, or they can't give a label or name to their feeling. You can tell me about situations, thoughts or ideas, and physical sensations in your body.

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Will you want to focus on my childhood?

Sessions are based on what you want to focus on. CBT for mental health problems involves mostly focusing on the present situation and recent experiences.

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Will you make me re-live a traumatic experience?

No, I don't 'make' clients do anything. Some clients have signs of PTSD and are wanting to overcome this. It might involve talking about the experience at some point later in sessions, but only when you're ready. It involves working on one part of a trauma at a time, not all of it at once.

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I'm dyslexic, and previous worksheets and homework were too difficult.

I'm experienced in tailoring CBT according to the client's needs and abilities. We can discuss strategies without writing. Usually I fill in worksheets on screen whilst we discuss. Homework is decided on together.

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What can you help with?

I have experience of supporting autistic clients with a variety of topics
- at work: workplace stress and bullying, improving your performance at work, imposter syndrome, phobia of job interviews, employment disputes, disciplinary proceedings, workplace adjustments

- in personal relationships: misunderstandings with friends or work colleagues, phobia of social situations, relationship difficulties, reconciliation, separation and divorce

- family: impact of an autism diagnosis on family relationships, supporting a family member who has autism or other neurodiversities, getting referrals and assessments

- intersection with gender identity and sexual orientation

- mental health problems, physical health problems, chronic pain and managing ADHD

 

In my therapy sessions I predominantly use CBT, including 3rd wave approaches which are Behavioural Family Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Compassion Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

 

I can provide a free 15 minute phone consultation to answer questions.

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All sessions by video call.

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Tel: 01392 927749

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Email: therapy@newyoucbt.com

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New You Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered No. 13776770.


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