Therapy & Counselling
Professional support – Therapy and Counselling
There may be times when you need support from a professional, including counselling or psychotherapy. If you are feeling like you are struggling emotionally you can contact your GP for a referral to an NHS counsellor. If you need support with your child you may be referred to your local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). However, there can be long waiting times for these services and the provision is often time-limited. Other options are outlined below under Private Practitioners or Organisations.
Private practitioners
You can search on the following websites for private counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists who will charge a fee for their services.
- Association of Child Psychotherapists For supporting your child
- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) You can search for a counsellor on It’s good to talk under ‘Disability’.
- British Psychological Society (BPS) You can search the Directory of Chartered Psychologists under ‘Parenting’ and any other relevant information, i.e. diagnosis.
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) The HCPC regulates health and care professionals (including practitioner psychologists) so you can check if your professional is registered. Counsellors and psychotherapists are not currently covered.
- United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy You can search on Find a therapist under ‘Disability’.
- We are now listing professionals who provide Coaching and are accredited with International Coach Federation. I advise you speak to individual practitioners to find out more about the type of support they provide.
- Therapists who work in the USA and around the world are listed here.
Private practitioners with expertise in supporting parents of children with additional needs
The following professionals (Counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists) are registered with the organisations, as oultined, as well as having specific experience of supporting parents or carers of a child with special needs. Please contact them direct to discuss further details such as location and fees.
Registered Pracitioners: Psychologists, Counsellors and Therapists
Jane Alcock
West Meon, Hampshire. Online and face to face. Telephone: 07951 856649
Email: janealcockcounselling@gmail.
Alison Bennett
Nr Ledbury, Herefordshire. Telephone: 07947 624977 Email: theviewcounselling@aol.com
www.theviewcounselling.co.uk BACP Accredited. (Parents and Teenagers)
Wendy Bosley
I work online, telephone or face-to-face in East Cornwall.
07958 319050, woobosley@gmail.com I work on Thursday & Fridays and Saturday morning. Counsellor (MBACP). (Parents and Children)
Natasha Boxill
London. Telephone: 07944 576566 Email: openearcounselling@me.com www.openearcounselling.com Counsellor. BACP Registered. (Parents and Children)
Karin Brauner
Hove, East Sussex. Telephone: 07807 925589 Email: k.brauner.counselling@gmail.com www.k-brauner-counselling.co.uk Counsellor. BACP Accredited. Bilingual (English/Spanish) (Parents and Children)
Chris Brennan
West London. Telephone: 07968139452 Email: brennanchris10@gmail.com https://chrisbrennantherapy.com
Drama CBT Therapist. Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and The British Association of Drama Therapists. (Parents and Children)
Rachel Bull
In person and online Kent/East Sussex border, close to Hastings and Rye. https://hidesfarmtherapy.co.uk/our-team/
Tel: 07599177747 Email:dr.rachelbull@gmail.com I am registered with the Association of Child Psychotherapists. I am a child and adolescent psychotherapist (ACP) working with children and young people from 0-25. I provide support for parents and soon-to-be parents as well as supervision for professionals. (Parents and Children)
Santou Carter
Based in the London, UK, but I work exclusively online https://griefsupport.co/
Email: contact@griefsupport.co Tel: 07707 138 114 (Registered with the NRPC)
A loss & grief and anxiety specialist, working with families who have health challenges and bereavement (Families, parents and children)
Emily Cook
Steyning, West Sussex. Currently only offering online sessions. Email: emilycookcounselling@gmail.com
Tel: 07951 035411 https://www.emilycookcounselling.com/
Registered with BACP and UKCP. I am a psychotherapist with experience in working with carers- including parent carers. My MSc research was based on the therapeutic relationship when working with a carer. My other areas of interest are working with those experiencing chronic pain and long term health problems. I offer a free initial consultation to see if my way of working is right for you. (Adults only)
Pippa Copleston
Online sessions. Email: pippa.copleston@gmail.com www.uckfield-counselling.com
Registered with UKCP, BACP, NCS, ACTO. I am a Psychotherapist with over 20 years clinical experience. I have a current enhanced DBS certificate, up-to-date Level 4 Safeguarding training, and formal training in online therapy provision. I have both lived and clinical experience in neurodiversity, parenting a son with learning difficulties and supporting clients in similar situations. (Parents/other family members 16+)
Charlotte Deeves
Stroud, GL6. Telephone: 07760 258559. Email: Charlotte.deeves@gmail.com
BACP Accredited. (Parents only)
Dr. Raymi Doyle
Belfast, BT5 6AE N. Ireland Tel: 07827 922725 Email: raymidoyle@gmail.com www.thespacebetweenus.co.uk. I am a Children and Young Person, Adult, and Couples Psychotherapist as well as a Clinical/Researcher Supervisor with over 20 years’ experience working both nationally and internationally. I am accredited & registered with the BACP. I provide both online, face to face, and a hybrid of both support that is trauma informed and bespoke to your needs.
I have integrated the principles of Neurotransception, a conceptual framework developed through my doctoral research into all elements of my practice which is focused on neutralising unhelpful power dynamics that can exist implicating and explicitly within relational dynamics. I also provide Neuroinclusive Consultancy for both individuals and organisations. Please see my website for more details on all these services.
Sharon Ellis
Online – video and telephone (UK wide). Email: 02sharon02@googlemail.com NCPS registered.
I work with anyone who has caring responsibilities or are disabled themselves. (Adults and Children)
Nigel Farmer
East Midlands, LE11 1JU.Tel: 07788 712776 Email: loughboroughcounselling@gmail.com https://loughboroughcounselling.com BACP Accredited. (Parents and Children)
Ellie Finch
Online and Telephone Counselling (UK wide)
Tel: 07709 059801 Email: ellie@elliefinch.co.uk
https://www.elliefinch.co.uk/parentsandfamiliesofchildrenwithadditionalneeds
I take direct referrals and I’m also registered as a provider with insurance companies including Axa Health, Aviva and Vitality. As well as being a parent of a child with additional needs myself, I have specialist training and experience in working with parents and siblings of children with additional needs; special needs, disabilities and complex medical conditions. Another of my specialisms is using video games, such as Minecraft and Roblox, therapeutically. I co-wrote, with Dr Jo Griffin, an article on how social workers can better support parent carers here.
MBACP (Accredited), ACTO Professional Member (Parents, Children, Couples, Families)
Harriet Foges
Near Guildford, Surrey. Face to face and online sessions. Tel: 07899700541 Email: harrietfoges@gmail.com
I am a couple and individual adult psychodynamic psychotherapist with experience of working with people who have caring responsibilities for children with additional needs and disabilities. I have particular experience with neurodivergent (including non-verbal) children and their parents. Also long experience with looked after children with additional needs. Registered with BPC and ACC and a member of the Tavistock Society of Psychotherapists.
Emma Foley
Pontypridd, Wales. Online and Telephone Counselling. BACP Registered.
Email: emmafoley@msn.com www.talkingheadscounselling.co.uk
I work with children, young people and adults, parents of children with disabilities, experience of working with clients with autism. Private practitioner MIND. Volunteer work – Counsellor with Llamau; Associate Counsellor for Cardiff University Wellbeing Service. Life experience – sibling to learning disabled adult; 7 years teaching, emotional, and special needs support in primary education.
Karen Frodsham
Online Counselling. https://karenfrodsham.co.uk Tel: 07952 662788, Email: karen.counselling@virginmedia.com
Registered with BACP, ACTO, ACC (Association Christian Counsellors). Work with adults over the age of 18 years
I have over 24 years clinical experience as a counsellor mainly in the NHS and in private practice. I worked in a maternity unit supporting couple through birth trauma, pregnancy difficulties and bereavement for 11 years and in GP practice with clients bringing a wide range of problems and difficulties. I have lived and work experience in neurodiversity, I am dyslexic, before counselling training I qualified as both a nurse and midwife (now non-practising and not registered). I was a face to face therapist for 20 years and trained to work online during the global pandemic of 2020, I now work solely online due to family health and changing work patterns
Clare Gale
Devon. Online sessions in the UK or face to face in Totnes.
Email: claregale@protonmail.com Telephone: 07305 863661
www.revibe-counselling.co.uk/counselling-for-SEN-parents
Specialises in providing compassionate counselling to parents who have children with additional needs of any kind. NCS Accred. Also runs ‘Time for You’ groups for SEN Mums in Devon & Cornwall www.mums4achange.org (Parents)
Ruth Gait
Bath. Face to face, online sessions and telephone sessions. BACP Registered.
Email: ruthcgait@gmail.com Telephone: 07813064858 I work with both parents and children and young people and couples
Other info: I am a parent carer. I have many years experience of working with children, young people (CYP) and adults with additional needs as well as parents; these include CYP with severe and less severe learning difficulties and their parents, CYP and parents of children with attachment issues, CYP and their parents or adults within the wide range of neurodiversity, CYP and adults who describe themselves as LGBTQI+ who may also be neurodiverse.
Sarah Goodman
Based in Shoreham-by-sea, West Sussex. www.counsellingwithsarah.co.uk Email: counsellingwithsarah0@gmail.com
I work with individuals aged 16+ I have lots of experience working with parents and carers. BACP registered. (Parents and Young People 16+)
Katie Greaves
Based in East Sussex/Kent. Work online and via telephone. www.liberatecounsellinguk.co.uk Email: info@liberatecounsellinguk.co.uk Tel: 07856961976.
I specialise in working with neurodiversity, offering sessions to parents of young children as well as working directly with neurodivergent adults and teenagers. Alongside my own private practice as a psychotherapeutic counsellor, I have 20 years of experience teaching in secondary schools. My professional background is also deeply enriched by my lived experience; I have personally navigated the complexities of ASD and PDA within my own family life, and I hold my own diagnoses of both autism and combined ADHD. This unique intersection of professional expertise and personal neurodivergence allows me to offer a deeply empathetic, authentic, and grounded space for autistic individuals. I understand the nuances of the neurodivergent experience from the inside out, and I am dedicated to supporting my clients through a lens of true validation and shared understanding. Registered with NCS. I work with both adults and secondary-aged children.
Dr Lisa Greenspan
North London www.lisagreenspantherapy.com Practitioner member of Teen Yoga Foundation. Email: lisa.greenspan@gmail.com BPS, BACP, HCPC registered.
(Parents and Children)
Dr Joanna Griffin
I manage the www.affinityhub.uk website and am the author of Day by Day: Emotional Wellbeing in Parents of Disabled Children. I provide face to face and online supervision to other practitioners only. www.griffinpsychology.co.uk Chartered Counselling Psychologist, BPS, BACP, HCPC registered (I am not currently seeing clients).
Dr Ellie Hambly
Wadhurst, East Sussex as well as online. www.drelliehambly.com Email: drelliehambly@gmail.com
Theresa Hammond
Kent. Telephone: 07977 696658. Email: mardengirl@aol.co.uk. BACP Registered.
(Parents only)
Clare Harland
North London and online (via Zoom) Tel: 07399 200878 Email: clareharlandcounselling@gmail.com
Website: www.pausetherapy.co.uk or here BACP Registered. (Parents only)
Justine Harvey
Face to face in Marlow and online. Email: justine@sentiotherapy.co.uk Website: www.sentiotherapy.co.uk
BACP Registered. I work with age 11+ and adults & have particular experience of SEN, having worked in a secondary school for 10 years.
Mark Hudson
Nottingham City Centre and online.
Kelly Kearley
Bromsgrove, West Midlands but I work online. Email: kelly@mindovermattertherapy.
Angela Kelly
Bookham, Surrey. Tel: 07557 520017 Email: angela.emotions1@gmail.com
www.emotionscounsellingandpsychotherapy.com BACP Registered.
(Parents and Children)
Janet Kotecha
South Bucks. Face to face, online and telephone sessions. Tel: 07813 333212
Email: janetkotecha@gmail.com www.beaconsfield-counselling.co.uk
Psychotherapist, counsellor and supervisor. MBACP Accredited.
Gina Mahoney
I offer in person therapy in Angel North London and near Kings Cross/Camden I also work online or via telephone. Tel: 07989434087 Email: ginagestaltcounsellor@
BACP Registered. (Parents/Adults)
For the past three years, I’ve been working with Contact, a charity supporting families of children with complex physical and/or neurological needs. Both professionally and personally, I understand the joys, responsibilities, and challenges that come with supporting a family member with additional needs.
Dr Michelle Marlborough
Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. Direct private referrals or those registered with AXA, Aviva, Innovate Healthcare, Cigna, Vitality, Aetna Global and WPA. Clinical Psychologist. www.wrenpsychology.co.uk
Tel: 07876 480572, Email: wrenpsychology@gmail.com
Naomi Marston (Lifecare Counselling)
Kent, Sevenoaks and Westerham. Telephone: 07904 091563 Counsellor.
http://www.lifecarecounselling.com Email: lifecarecounselling@gmail.com
BACP Registered. (Parents and Parents-to-be only)
Briony Martin
Leeds City centre (LS1), working face to face and online. Tel: 07517 363252
brionymartincounselling@outlook.com. Website: here and location details here. BACP Registered. (Adults only)
Louisa McMullon
Based in Kent, offering online or face to face sessions, Louisa is a BPS Chartered and HCPC Registered Forensic Psychologist, having worked in the field of psychology for 20 years. Louisa specialises in working with the impacts of trauma, offering an integrative treatment style, drawing upon a number of evidence based psychological treatment modalities, including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing). Louisa is also a parent carer, having lived experience of birth trauma, complex behavioural, medical and neurodiverse needs. www.resilientmindspsychology.
Kate Mendez
Kent. www.anotherstep.co.uk Telephone: 07535227531
Email: kate@anotherstep.co.uk BACP Registered (Parents and Teenagers)
Dr Helen Molden
Practice based in Winchester, Hampshire but online referrals also accepted.
www.psychological.me.uk Contact at: helen@psychological.me.uk
Counselling Psychologist BPS, HCPC, UKCP Registered (parents, children & teenagers)
Nicola Mucklow
Cannock. Telephone: 07985 425434 Email: nmpsychotherapy-counselling@outlook.com
Counsellor. MBACP Accredited. (Parents only)
Dr Michelle Muniz
Central Scotland (Glasgow) www.purplehouseclinic.co.uk Tel: 0141 255 1390 michelle.muniz@purplehouseclinic.co.uk. Consultant Clinical Psychologist.
BPS, HCPC Registered (Parents and Children)
Dr Tracey Murray
Mount Lennox Complex, Antrim Road, Belfast. Tel: 07594945154.
Email: TraceyM.hearttherapyni@
Tracey is an experienced Art Psychotherapist and a mum to a teenager with a rare chromosome disorder and additional needs. As a practitioner with personal experience in the complexities of parent care-giving, Tracey provides face to face and online focused support and therapeutic intervention for the parents/caregivers of children or adults with additional and complex needs. Support to identify and explore the unique stresses of complex care-giving and caregiver burnout with the aim to establish practical and sustainable ways to manage. Explorative support to help navigate SEND and complex needs provisions and systems. Exploration of family relationships and support networks. Tracey’s aim is for parents/caregivers to be heard, seen and understood, to engage with their strengths and ensure they too are supported.
Rachael Neville
London. Telephone: 07769 878722 Email: rachaellouiseneville@gmail.com
www.rachaelneville.com BACP Registered. (Parents and Children)
Hayley Newman
Cornwall – face to face sessions in Truro and Falmouth as well as online for UK-wide clients. Email hayleynewmancounselling@gmail.
Jane Nicholls
Reading, Berkshire. Telephone: 07428 178484 www.janenicholls.co.uk
Email: janenicholls94@gmail.com Counsellor. BACP Accredited. (Parents only)
Neresia Osbourne
CR0 (face to face) or online. Email: neresia12@gmail.com Tel: 07543535161 https://therapyandcoachingconsultancy.com/
BACP Integrative Psychotherapist, Therapeutic Coach, BACP Coaching Executive Division member and BPS graduate Member. She specialises in working with families and carers of disabled and special needs babies, children, and young adults, Neurodiversity, Multiple Birth Parenting, BIPOC and Maternal health, Birth Trauma and Birth Injuries.
She is also a Court appointed Deputy being a mother of twins, one of whom has disabilities.She is a member of British Association of Brain Injury and Case Management (BABICM), has a Psychology and Counselling Degree (MBPSs) Counselling and Coaching PGDip ,and is currently pursuing a DCPsych in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy. BACP Registered. (Adults only)
Sarah Pagdin
Tel: 07876 488110 Email: contact@2diverse.co.uk www.2diverse.co.uk
I specialise in supporting families with autistic teens/young adults, sometimes working with parents only, sometimes with the young person and the parents individually. I’m a HCPC registered counselling psychologist and International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST) accredited Advanced Schema Therapist/Supervisor/Trainer. I’m also autistic as is my 24 yr old, Alexis, who works alongside me in our programmes for parents. Alexis identifies as non-binary and together we have a lot of experience living and working with the intersection of gender identity and autistic identity. We often find ourselves helping other families who need support in this area. (Parents and Young People)
Janey Pike
Chelmsford, Essex. Face to face and telephone counselling. www.thepsychotherapeuticcounsellor.com
Email: thepsychotherapeuticcounsellor@gmail.com Parent Carer and Counsellor.
BACP Registered. (Parents only)
Maxine Preston
Orpington, providing online and telephone therapy. www.unwindyourhead.com Email: mpreston@unwindyourhead.com
I have experience working with The Maypole Project who support families with children who have complex needs, also in a secondary school working with neurodiversity including ADHD, autism, and SEN children/young people. I have personal and professional experience of understanding challenging behaviour, EHCP support and the pressures/challenges of being a parent/carer. I work with both parents and young people (aged 13 upwards). Therapeutic counsellor (MBACP)
Jane Pyzniuk
Darwen, Lancashire. Telephone: 07990 580356. Email: jane.pyzniuk@btinternet.com
Counsellor. BACP Accredited. UKCP Registered. (Parents only)
Pippa Rees
Edinburgh, Scotland. Telephone: 01865 728866. Email: pippawatsonrees@gmail.com www.pippawatsonrees.com Counsellor and Supervisor. BACP Accredited. Telephone and online sessions available. Previously an HCPC-registered Occupational Therapist and many years experience working with Adults with Learning Disabilities. Also a Parent Carer. (Parents, Young Adults, Students and Professionals)
Mary Schrider
I work face-to-face out of a dedicated practice in the centre of Shipley West Yorkshire, providing easy access from many areas of West Yorkshire, including Leeds, Bradford, Bingley, Saltaire, Baildon, Guiseley, Menston, Ilkley and beyond. I also offer online or telephone therapy for those who can’t make it in to the practice. I am BACP registered and have a specific interest in working with parents navigating the relational challenges of raising a child with additional needs.
www.wharfstpractice.co.uk, Email: mary@wharfstpractice.co.uk. Tel: 07857 198446.
Laura Smith
Pinner, Harrow and surrounding areas. Telephone: 07490 093838. Email: counsellingwithlaura@gmail.com. Website: www.counsellingwithlaura.co.uk. Counsellor and Psychotherapist. BACP Registered. Experience of working with parents and teenagers.
Kelly Stallwood
Aylesbury HP19 – face to face and online. Tel: 07944714127 Email: info@evergreen-therapy.co.uk https://evergreen-therapy.co.uk/ Counsellor (PCAB qualified). I am a parent carer myself and have been supporting unpaid carers for a number of years. (Parents)
Nelly St Leger
Cambridge, CB5 8AF. Telephone: 07780 536097 Email: nelly.stleger@btopenworld.com
nellycounselling.wix.com/home Counsellor. BACP Accredited. Previous SEN experience.(Parents and Children)
Dr Mazal Tasgal
Telephone: 07792714170 Email: Miriamtasgal@gmail.com
My area of expertise is working with mothers of complex disabled children who are classified as having a life limiting condition.
UKCP accreditation and MBACP. Registered with HCPC and the BPS.
Dr Tania Thorn
Online only. www.adhdanswers.co.uk VA: Alexmacnaughton@outlook.com
Neville Tomlinson
Shrewsbury and Telford. Telephone: 07539 395333. Email: nevillet@hotmail.co.uk
www.time2bheard.co.uk Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor. BACP Registered. Counselling: Parents, carers, and teenagers. Supervision: Counsellors, Psychotherapists, and Counselling Psychologists
Silja Turville
Fulham and Wimbledon (face to face) as well as online throughout the UK. www.siljaturville.com Tel: 07514 370960 Email: silja.turville@acorntooakeducation.org BACP Registered.
I work with parents and have lived experience of the educational and support systems and how they create challenges for parents on top of needing to support their children. I am also an accredited coach with the International Coaching Federation and have trained with the ADD Coaching Academy (ADDCA) and have the National Autistic Society non-medical helper training.
Felicity Tutton
Malvern. Telephone: 07798 740388. Email: HopeMattersTherapy@gmail.com
Integrative Counsellor, BACP Accredited; Gestalt Psychotherapist, UKCP Accredited; Clinical Supervisor. Post-graduate diploma in SEN. (Parents and Children). I work with individuals, teenagers, couples and carers. I’m also a Clinical Supervisor and have a Post-graduate diploma in SEN.
Jessica Vaccaro
Based in Norwich. Sessions available online via Zoom or in person.
Email: info@jessicavaccaro.com Website: www.jessicavaccaro.com. Experienced counsellor and member of BACP. My specialism is working with perinatal issues including infertility, all types of pregnancy loss, a foetal/infant diagnosis, birth trauma or postnatal depression. I also have personal and professional experience supporting parent carers. (Adults only.)
Julie Wales
Cheltenham, Glos. Telephone: 07412 651 894 Email: hello@juliewalescounselling.co.uk
www.juliewalescounselling.co.uk. Counsellor. BACP Registered (Parents and Children)
Tristan Warr, Spring Hill Counselling
Yeovil, Somerset, & Online. BACP & ACC Registered: https://www.
Tristan Warr at Spring Hill Counselling is an integrative counsellor for individual adults, using different types of therapy depending on what feels right for the person. Life rarely fits into clear categories, and clients are welcome to bring whatever feels important to them. Book a free online consultation to see if it feels right for you. (Parents, 18+)
Caroline Wells
Surrey. Telephone: 07730 013262 Email: Carolineswells@btinternet.com
Family therapist, UKCP registered (Parents and Children)
Dr Stephen Wright
West Kent. Telephone: 07557 989165 Email: info.oakschildpsychology@gmail.com
Clinical Psychologist. HCPC Registered. Click here for more details.
Offering online sessions in the UK. (Families and Children)
Helen Young
Fareham, Hampshire. I also offer online or telephone counselling sessions to anyone within the UK. Telephone: 07874 810357. Email: info@hycounselling.co.uk www.hycounselling.co.uk Gestalt Humanistic Counsellor. BACP registered and a graduate member of the BPS.
ICF Accredited Coaches
Connect in
Charlie Lyons of Connect In provides coaching & wellbeing support for parents & parent carers – supporting them to be well & grow. Wellbeing courses, 1:1 coaching & small group sessions are available. Wellbeing & Development Coach (ICF Accredited)
Tel: 07943 867529 www.connectin.me.uk
Charlotte Flynn
Online and telephone sessions. www.charlotteflynn.com
Email: charlotteflynncoaching@outlook.com (ICF Acrredited)
I help you discover how you can thrive, even in times of challenge. My specialism is coaching the loved ones of people with disabilities. I hold space for you to gain clarity on your unique strengths and focus on how you can create a life which is fulfilling, both personally and professionally.
Jodie Warren
Online and telephone sessions available internationally. Email: hello@jodiewarren.com
Registration: ACC coach accredited with International Coaching Federation (ICF), member of the ICF and Association for Coaches (AC).
I help parents to navigate the SEND system calmly, confidently & effectively. Having worked as a specialist teacher in schools and for Local Authorities for 19 years I now work privately with parents and carers & support them to understand their child’s needs, identify and implement effective support and advocate for their child in a way that is both effective & sustainable. If you would like to find out more about how I could help you please email to arrange a free, 30 minute consultation calls.
Are you a Professional who would like to be listed?
More professionals will be added onto the list in due course. If you are a professional with relevant experience and would like to be included, please make contact via the website.
Affinityhub does not take responsibility for any of the professionals or organisations listed on this website. If you wish to receive further details or have any concerns over their practise you will need to contact them direct or their registration organisation.
My book is available Day by Day: Emotional Wellbeing in Parents of Disabled Children.