Such is the lack of support for aspies whether diagnosed, undiagnosed or self-diagnosed, and families that we offer a private specialist counselling service.
Why might counselling be helpful for someone with Asperger’s?
People with Asperger’s may seek counselling for the same reasons as the rest of us. In addition, because of the nature of Asperger’s, there are some common difficulties that people seek help with. Aspies may experience social anxiety as they often find it difficult to interpret other people’s behaviour and what is appropriate in different situations.
Longstanding anxiety can lead to depression as can a lifetime of trying to understand social rules and to fit in with other people. Some aspies have been bullied at school and in the workplace and this can lead to low self-esteem and lack of confidence. Aspies may also seek help around relationships with family, friends and partners.
In addition, when someone receives a diagnosis as an adult they often feel the need to spend some time reviewing their lives and to try to come to a better understanding of themselves and the issues they face.
Our counsellors and aspie clients work together to agree individual goals and objectives at the beginning of the therapy.
Why is specialist counselling needed?
Specialist counselling can be helpful to people who feel that their Asperger’s may make it difficult for them to form a therapeutic relationship. Our counsellors have an in-depth understanding of Asperger’s and related conditions. This means they are able to empathise readily and able to adapt their communication and environment to suit the needs of the aspie. They are able to explain how certain difficulties relate to a diagnosis of Asperger’s and offer different types of counselling dependent on the needs of the aspie all with the underlying philosophy of a person-centred way of working.
Sometimes it may be helpful to include say a family member, partner or friends in some sessions. This is always with the explicit permission of the aspie.
After the first session our counsellors may be able to offer telephone counselling that is if people find it difficult to travel to Worcester or if face to face interaction causes too much anxiety. We can also offer some help such as support during meetings or consultations with other professionals.
Parents, spouses and siblings
Parenting is never easy, especially not when a child is diagnosed with autism but for those parents whose sons or daughters were not diagnosed until adulthood bringing up a child who is different and not knowing why they are different (why they don’t like loud noises, bright lights or crowds, their inability to eat what the rest of the family eats) and the worry of seeing the difficulties their child faces at school is heartbreaking, isolating and exhausting. Fathers often think mothers are overprotective which can lead to friction and often family breakdown. Some siblings cope and get on well with their aspie brother or sister but many do not receive much attention from parents compelled to look after the child needing the most care. Being able to unburden oneself to someone who understands can help enormously in these situations enabling each to carry on coping.
The usual for normal counselling is say a block of ten sessions but with aspies everything is OK whilst everything is OK but when it’s not, immediate and appropriate support as and when needed can help avert depression and crisis. Our services also include social anxiety and anger management.
Parents, partners, friends often find a one-off or irregular sessions of immense value in improving relationships and avoiding family breakdown.
Fees: Donation based to support our services to Asperger/autistic adults and their families
£50 per session
Concessions available – please get in touch for more information
To make an appointment please telephone 01905 27825 or contact us via this website.