Helen Ogg, Ad. Dip. PC, MNCS(Acc). BSc (Hons). PhD.

Training, qualifications & experience

Always curious about how we think, feel and behave, I earned a 1st Class psychology degree at the University of London in 1996. I went on to research children’s early language and cognitive development for which I was awarded a doctoral degree in 2002.

Other qualifications include:

Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling.

Advanced Post Diploma Certificate in Couples Counselling. My approach to relationship counselling differs from more traditional approaches. If you have had couples counselling with Relate, for example, you will find the way I work to be quite different. The training also covered the particular relationship difficulties encountered when Asperger Syndrome has been diagnosed, or may be a factor.

Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology reflecting an interest in the link between mind and body.

Additional/recent training includes:

Neuro-diverse relationships - neurotypicals (NT's) and Asperger (AS's): recognising the unique challenges of neuro-diverse relationships. How to thrive rather than merely to survive.

Working with Survivors of Sexualised Trauma

Psychopharmacology and Therapy - to aid an understanding of the effects of anti-depressant/anti-anxiety and other psychotropic medication. This informs my therapeutic approach in supporting those clients who wish to discontinue use of such drugs.

I have worked in a wide variety of environments, from secretarial roles in both the public and private sectors, to teaching psychology to post-graduate students. I have also run my own successful small business.

My 'university of life' experiences are an indispensable supplement to my professional counselling qualifications.

I am an accredited member of the National Counselling Society (NCS) and adhere to their Code of Ethics and Practice.

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Couples counselling

Couples counselling - High functioning Asperger's / ASD

Women - High functioning Asperger's / ASD

Further information

Neurodiverse Relationship and Individual Counselling

I have experience of working with couples where high-functioning Asperger Syndrome (AS) has been diagnosed, or may be a factor. I have undertaken advanced couples counselling training that covered AS-NT relationships.

There are unique challenges in these relationships where one partner is neurotypical (NT)/non-AS and the other is AS. Understanding the dynamics of the relationship from two very different perspectives is something I aim to help with - sort of a translator between two brains that essentially perceive the social world in different ways. Over the course of the relationship, the NT may find that her world shrinks as she unknowingly adapts to the AS's needs. If each of you are to thrive, rather than merely to survive in the relationship, it may be especially important that the NT partner learns to prioritise self-care and to develop interests and a social life outside of the relationship.

In addition, I have experience of working 1-2-1 with both men and women where AS is a factor. I am gaining increasing experience helping individuals to recognise and understand the unique challenges of AS, and to accept and embrace who they are.