Neurodivergent Clients
I understand, from personal experience, that living with a neurodivergence provides challenges, so I seek to understand exactly what life looks for you right now, as well as find out how you would like your future to look like. We then work together to harness your skills and strengths and take steps towards achieving the life you want.
I help people with ADHD and Autism, both personally and professionally, to gain clarity about what they want to achieve in life.
Whether this is support making difficult decisions or improving confidence, self-esteem and self-talk, my coaching sessions offer a safe space for you to explore your vision of the future.
I work with both individuals and organisations to ensure that neurodivergent people are given the right environment and opportunities to thrive.
What might this look like?
INDIVIDUALS
* Children Age 8 and over to talk through the challenges they are experiencing and explore possible solutions to help improve friendships, gain self confidence and improve self esteem
* Students - organising and prioritising assignments, navigating independence and self care, developing their authentic voice through understanding their strengths and challenges
* Adults - supporting with career choices, navigating complex social situations, managing relationships and practical support in terms of emotional regulation, task completion, organisational challenges and timekeeping
* Parents - how to support their neurodivergent children with positive behavioural strategies
ORGANISATIONS
* Workshops and talks about neurodivergence to ensure that workplaces are inclusive and staff are able to meet their potential by working in a supportive environment
* 1:1 or group coaching sessions for neurodivergent staff, neurotypical managers who need strategies and ideas to effectively support their ND staff
ASSESSMENTS
I partner with The Autism Shed in Kent as part of a multi-disciplinary team who offer a full and comprehensive process to guide you through the diagnosis assessment process for ADHD and Autism. The Autism Shed was founded by Dr Georgie Bainbridge,
DCPsych (CPsychol) Chartered Psychologist (HCPC) Health Care Professions Council, Registered Psychologist (BPS) British Psychological Society, Registered Psychotherapist (UKCP) United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy
Our process
ADHD - for over 14s only. We offer all clients a free pre-assessment chat, to go through some questions with them about their experiences and what brings them to the point of wanting a diagnosis. We also look at biopsychosocial elements of their life and a couple of other brief questions. We will then let them know whether an assessment is indicated - I will talk them through the process and answer any questions. If they want to go ahead with an assessment, I send a lot of forms to fill in (which I will have explained at the pre-assessment) - these include not just ADHD, but anxiety, depression, ASD, plus full medical and developmental history - which is essential for a thorough diagnosis. We will also (if relevant) send schools to forms to be completed.
We do the assessments face to face in either East Grinstead or Herne Bay - but we may be able to travel to a client if necessary (although this would incur further costs). We offer a 2 hour appointment, with Dr Georgie Bainbridge (who is a chartered psychologist and doctor of psychotherapy) and me. I lead the interview, with Georgie being able to listen and ask follow up questions. Georgie has been working in this field for years and is able to suggest possible other factors that may be causing problems too, such as auditory processing disorder, dyslexia, PTSD etc and raise awareness to these too. We are generally able to give the results on the day and offer a really supportive space, where people feel held, valued and heard.
We then follow this up with a full report with personalised recommendations.
The total for this ADHD assessment is £1000.
ASD assessments are more complex. We do the pre-assessment interview to find out about brings people to seek an assessment, plus talk through the paperwork. The ASD assessment is in 2 parts -
ADOS - this is with the person being assessed and Georgie and a highly specialised speech and language therapist and is face to face in Herne Bay.
ADIR - is a very detailed interview with the parents of the person being assessed - this is because it is critical for assessment to get information about the person as a child. We realise this isn't always possible, so people are able to chat to us about alternative ways of doing this.
Again, a report is issued with full recommendations.
An ASD assessment is £2400.
If it is for a child, we will (where possible) do a school observation. Depending on where this is in the country, there is an additional charge for this.
If someone wants both ADHD and ASD assessments, this costs £2900.
What is different about our service?
We aim to make the assessment process a supportive journey, in which you feel safe, supported and heard at all stages. We are available to answer questions and to get further support - either through coaching or therapy, if needed.
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Testimonial:
Over the past couple of years my eldest daughter had really struggled with her mental health, affecting her school life and social life. It really impacted us a family as we really wanted to support her and were not really sure how to do so. We tried counselling but it wasn’t for her.
I then learned that Carrie could offer life coaching sessions and this has been the best decision we’ve made. She has been able to gradually open up and talk about her struggles and also looked into the fact she most likely has ADHD.
I also had a coaching session to better understand how to support my daughter and to also deal with some of the issues I didn’t realise I had been holding onto, such as guilt and anxiety. This has been so helpful and really strengthened our bond. We are able to talk more openly with each other but also understand each others needs and boundaries. I have learnt to respect the fact she needs time to process information and tasks she has been asked to do.
Carrie has been fabulous helping us both and I would highly recommend her to everyone. It has really lifted a weight from my shoulders and seeing my daughter doing well at work and in her social life is amazing.
Thank you.
Lisa W.