What to Expect from the Therapy Process: A Gentle Guide to Getting Started

Taking the first step toward therapy can bring up a mix of emotions—whether it's relief, nervousness, hope, or even uncertainty. These feelings are completely normal. Reaching out for support is a big decision, and I want to make that process feel as smooth and comfortable as possible for you. In this post, I’ll walk you through what you can expect when we begin working together, sharing the approach I take and how I support my clients throughout their therapy journey.

A Neurodivergent-Affirming, Compassionate Approach

I work from a neurodivergent-affirming, strengths-based perspective.  Neurodivergence—whether it’s autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, or other variations of the brain—isn’t something that needs to be “fixed”. Unfortunately, many neurodivergent individuals have been made to feel as if something is wrong with them, often due to the pressures to conform to “neurotypical” standards - but that’s not how I see it. It’s a natural variation in the way some of us move through the world.

As someone who is both Autistic and ADHD myself, and raising neurodivergent children, I truly understand the complexities and joys of living in a neurodivergent household. There are challenges, of course—navigating a world that isn’t designed for neurodivergent brains can be overwhelming. But there’s also incredible strength, creativity, and resilience that comes with being neurodivergent. I aim to support you in embracing your strengths, while also addressing the challenges that may be getting in the way of you living the life you want.

This lived experience shapes the way I support my clients. I offer a space that’s free from judgement, where we work together to understand and celebrate the strengths of neurodivergence while addressing the challenges that come with it.

The First Session: Settling In and Sharing Your Story

Our first session is all about you. It’s a space for you to share what’s brought you to therapy—whether that’s something specific you’re struggling with, a life transition, or just the sense that things aren’t quite working as they should. There’s no pressure to dive into everything straight away. This session is an opportunity to build comfort and trust.

This first session is about getting to know each other and you’ll have the chance to ask me any questions about my approach and get a feel for how I work. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable. Therapy works best when you feel safe, understood, and supported, so it is important to take your time to decide if it feels like the right fit for you. You’ll be able to decide if you want to continue or explore other options, and we’ll work from there.

Planning Together: A Collaborative Approach

Once we’ve built a connection and you feel comfortable, we can begin crafting a therapy plan together. This plan is based on your unique needs, whether you’re looking to explore specific issues, set long-term goals, or simply create a space to process what’s going on in your life.

I believe in a collaborative approach to therapy. You are the expert in your own life, and my job is to listen deeply, ask questions, and offer guidance and tools that resonate with you. Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it’s tailored to meet your unique needs and preferences. You’ll always have a say in what we focus on and how we proceed.

Therapy can be short-term or long-term. Some people find the support they need in a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing therapy. We’ll work together to determine what feels best for you. Sometimes the direction of therapy evolves as you begin to feel more comfortable and learn more about yourself, and that’s completely okay.

Therapy Tools and Approaches

I use a range of evidence-based approaches, each of which is flexible and adaptable to suit your needs. These tools are not rigid or prescriptive—they are tailored to fit your personal goals and challenges. Some of the approaches we may explore together include:

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) – This is a widely used approach that helps people understand and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. The version of CBT I use is flexible and centred around self-compassion, recognising that for neurodivergent individuals, traditional CBT may feel too structured or demanding. Instead, we will work together to explore practical strategies for addressing difficulties without imposing rigid frameworks.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – ACT encourages individuals to accept difficult emotions and thoughts without trying to eliminate them. The focus is on living a values-based life, even in the presence of challenges. This approach is especially helpful for those dealing with stress, overwhelm, or identity-related questions. It’s about embracing all parts of yourself, both the strengths and the struggles.

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – DBT focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It is particularly helpful for those navigating difficult emotions, relationships, and life transitions. I adapt DBT techniques to support neurodivergent brains, ensuring they are accessible and relevant to your lived experience.

• Mindfulness-Based Practices – Mindfulness can be incredibly grounding, especially for those who experience sensory overload or difficulty managing emotions. I use accessible mindfulness techniques that focus on being present in the moment, without pressure to meet specific standards. These may include sensory-based practices, grounding techniques, or even movement-based mindfulness.

  
  

Each of these approaches can be used in combination to help you develop a toolbox of strategies that are useful in your everyday life. These tools will be adaptable to your individual needs, sensory preferences, and communication styles, ensuring that therapy feels right for you.

Supporting Neurodivergent Kids, Teens, and Families

In addition to supporting adults, I’m deeply passionate about working with children, adolescents, and families—especially those living in neurodivergent households. As a neurodivergent parent, I truly understand the complexities that arise when both parents and children are neurodivergent. Whether it’s helping a child with emotional regulation, supporting a teen through identity exploration, or providing guidance to parents who feel burnt out, I offer practical tools, compassion, and understanding.

I also provide support for families seeking ADHD and autism assessments, helping them better understand how these conditions may impact daily life. Knowing the strengths and challenges associated with ADHD or autism can be an empowering part of the therapeutic process. Families who understand each other’s neurodivergent traits can build stronger, more supportive relationships.

The goal is to help families thrive together, fostering connection, understanding, and balance in everyday life.

A Space to Be Fully Seen

Many neurodivergent individuals have spent their lives trying to conform to expectations or masking parts of who they are. My goal in therapy is to provide a space where you can unmask, be fully seen, and reconnect with your true self. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, or identity questions, therapy is about reclaiming your sense of self and developing tools for living a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.

When You’re Ready

Taking the first step toward support is a powerful act. If you’re ready to begin, I’m here to walk alongside you. Therapy isn’t about fixing what’s broken—it’s about finding the strength, support, and strategies you need to navigate life on your own terms. Whether you need short-term support or long-term guidance, we’ll work together to create the path forward that feels right for you.

You can reach out via my website to learn more or book an initial consultation. I look forward to hearing your story and supporting you on your journey.