Joanna Critchley-Peacock
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This professional is currently not accepting new clients at this time.
This professional is currently not accepting new clients at this time.
About me
*My caseload is currently full, so I am unable to accept new clients*
I specialise in counselling for mental health issues related to autism and neurodiversity, and I work with adults and young adults.
Many of the clients I work with are newly diagnosed as autistic or with ADHD, are exploring whether they might be neurodivergent, or are parents of neurodivergent children.
Growing up in a society ‘designed’ for neurotypical people can be detrimental to the mental health of neurodivergent individuals. This can lead to mental health difficulties such as trauma and anxiety.
Often, people are diagnosed with several mental health conditions before realising they may be neurodivergent and seeking counselling or a formal diagnosis.
I am experienced in working with adult and young adult clients on issues such as meltdowns, shutdowns, burnout, autistic inertia, feeling stuck, parenting challenges, low self-esteem, sexuality, gender identity, attachment and relationship difficulties, bereavement and loss, anxiety, low mood, depression, stress, suicidal thoughts, trauma, complex PTSD, and more.
I am a neurodivergent person and a parent to neurodivergent children, and I bring this lived experience to my work. However you are struggling, I will offer you empathy, care, acceptance, and understanding in counselling.
I work relationally, meaning I focus on building a trusting, mutual connection in the counselling relationship. I integrate a range of approaches and techniques to tailor my work to each individual. These approaches are based on neurodivergent preferences and research informed by autistic people.
I draw on techniques from person-centred counselling, transactional analysis, psychoeducation, mindfulness, and training from the National Centre for Autism and Mental Health. I am a neurodivergent-affirming and trauma-informed counsellor. I do not align with any therapies that aim to mask natural neurodivergent traits.
It can take neurodivergent people longer to build trust and feel comfortable with someone new. This can also be true when starting counselling. For this reason, I recommend weekly sessions, at least to begin with, to help build that trusting relationship.
I offer both short and long-term counselling, either in-person or online, from a private room at my home in Weston-super-Mare.
I am a NCPS registered counsellor, on an Accredited Register that has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority. The Accredited Register programme was set up by the government to improve standards and safety for the benefit of the public. Accreditation demonstrates a commitment to high professional standards, to enhancing safety and to delivering a better service.
Training, qualifications & experience
-Lived experience as a neurodivergent person and a parent-carer to neurodivergent children
-BPS accredited BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology
-FdSc degree in Counselling
-Foundation certificate in advanced psychotherapy training (Transactional Analysis)
-Currently undertaking the BPS Approved Practitioners Certificate and Diploma in Autism and Mental Health from the National Centre for Autism and Mental Health
-Completed CPD in working with neurodivergent clients, trauma, disordered eating.
-I have experience in community welfare, NHS mental healthcare and youth work.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
I work with autistic and otherwise neurodivergent over-18s, including those who are diagnosed, self-identify, or are exploring neurodivergence, as well as parent-carers. I offer counselling for mental health and wellbeing in the context of neurodiversity.
Photos & videos
Fees
£50.00 per session
Additional information
Please note that I typically see clients during school term time only.
When I work
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Sessions are available between 9:30am-2:30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
