Welcome to The Autistic Therapist
About Me
Hi my name is Karen Sheriff BAHCP, ASDCS. I‘m an Autistic Counsellor & Psychotherapist. Like so many of us, I was late to the autism party - not receiving my diagnosis until the age of 34.
Since then, I’ve been so passionate about working with and advocating for the Autistic and Neurodivergent community & their families.
I’m an integrative psychotherapist, meaning that I utilise a variety of therapeutic approaches to suit the needs of each individual client. My special interest is neurodiversity & I work from a trauma informed, neuro-affirmative approach.
Services
I offer online therapy for individuals via the Zoom platform. This allows you the freedom to choose your preferred environment during our work together.
Fees
Counselling & Psychotherapy at The Autistic Therapist is charged at €70 per session.
Qualifications
I’m a pre-accredited member of the IACP, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Holistic Counselling & Psychotherapy from ICPPD.
I’m a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS)
Finally, I am currently undergoing further degree studies in the area of Holistic Counselling & Psychotherapy which will conclude with a research project exploring the role of counselling & psychotherapy for late diagnosed Autistic women.
I am really excited to keep adding to the conversation about the importance of neurodivergent voices in the field of Counselling & Psychotherapy
Neuro-Affirmative care services at The Autistic Therapist
Could I be Autistic/ADHD?
With the increase in understanding of the Autistic Spectrum, how ADHD presents (especially in females), and the double whammy of AuDHD - so many people are beginning to recognise their own neurodivergence. This might happen after your child gets diagnosed, or a family member/friend receives a diagnosis. This might even happen if you recognise aspects of yourself in the lived experience of other Neurodivergent people across social media platforms.
If you’re considering pursuing a formal diagnosis or even if you’ve self-recognised, then counselling and psychotherapy can help support you as you think about your next steps.
Support after an Autism diagnosis
More people are receiving an adult Autism diagnosis than ever before. This can completely alter how you view yourself and the world around you. Late diagnosis can throw up a host of questions around who you are, who you were, what now? How do you accommodate yourself? What’s the mask and what’s you?
Often after a late diagnosis, we begin to reflect on our whole life through a new Autistic lens. Working with a neuroaffirming therapist can support you as you journey through your new reality.
Support with ADHD
Living with ADHD can be tricky to navigate, particularly in terms of executive functioning struggles and the anxiety that may come along with this.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause havoc with our inner critic - usually due to negative labelling received in childhood/early adulthood by people who didn’t understand our support needs.
Counselling & Psychotherapy can support you to process your diagnosis and develop a toolbox of coping mechanisms to improve your quality of life and your relationship with yourself.
Family Support
If you are a family member living in a neurodiverse household, this can sometimes create additional support needs - especially if you’re Neurodivergent too. Parenting ND kids can be challenging, and that’s compounded when you or your partner are also Neurodivergent.
Through Counselling & Psychotherapy, family members can explore their needs in a safe, supportive space.
Life Transitions
Transitions can be challenging for everyone. However, these transitions can be much more difficult for Neurodivergent folks.
Counselling & Psychotherapy can support with things like pregnancy, postpartum life, marriage, divorce, kids starting school, job loss, moving house, bereavement to name a few