Louise Wilkinson

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Manchester, Greater Manchester, M26
Waiting list for new clients
Waiting list for new clients

This professional is accepting new clients but may have a waitlist. Please enquire with them directly to discuss availability.

About me

Hi, I’m Louise. I’m a BACP registered counsellor with over 20 years’ experience supporting adults, young people and children, with a particular focus on working with neurodivergent clients, informed by both professional and lived experience

While my earlier work focused on those facing complex and high-risk challenges, over time I’ve developed a particular passion for working with neurodivergent clients-especially those who are late diagnosed or beginning to question and understand themselves in new ways.

I offer neuro-affirming, compassionate, and creative counselling for people navigating anxiety, emotional regulation, identity, low self-esteem, loss, adverse childhood experiences, and trauma, including historic sexual exploitation and substance-related challenges.

As a neurodivergent therapist, I also bring lived experience into my work. This allows me to offer not only professional understanding, but a deeper level of empathy, insight, and authenticity. Where helpful, I may gently share reflections or understanding to support your process-always guided by what feels safe and useful for you.

My practice is grounded in the belief that neurodivergence is a natural and valuable part of human diversity, not something to be “fixed.” My aim is to help you feel seen, heard, and understood-and to support you in making sense of your experiences in a way that feels empowering and meaningful.

Who I Work With

• Adults, young people and children aged 10+
Young people finding their way through identity, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm
• Late-diagnosed or self-identifying neurodivergent adults and young people
• Adults experiencing anxiety, burnout, low mood, or relationship challenges
• Individuals who identify as neurodivergent, or are beginning to explore whether this may be part of their experience (including ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other differences)
• Clients looking for understanding, validation, and support following an ADHD or autism diagnosis
• Individuals affected by adverse childhood experiences, trauma, or substance use.

About Me and My Practice

I offer integrative, person-centred therapy that adapts to your communication style and emotional needs. My approach draws from a range of therapeutic methods and may include talking therapy, creative exploration (such as art and creative materials), and sensory regulation techniques, co-created with you to reflect who you are.

I am mindful of the sensory, social, and emotional realities of neurodivergent individuals, and tailor sessions to feel respectful, accessible, and attuned to your unique needs.

My style is collaborative, flexible, and responsive. Whether you’re a young person working through school stress or a late-diagnosed adult exploring identity and self-understanding, I’m here to walk alongside you with curiosity, care, and acceptance.

I aim to create a space where you don’t have to mask, explain yourself repeatedly, or fit into expectations that don’t feel right for you.

I also offer:
• One-to-one counselling for parents and families
• Short or long-term therapy, depending on your needs

Young People

I’ve spent many years working with children, young people and their families, with much of my career focused on emotional health and substance misuse, and in counselling since qualifying in 2013.

Currently:
• I lead a team of counsellors and emotional health practitioners within a well-respected children and families charity

Previously:
• I worked as a specialist substance misuse practitioner for young people, based within Youth Justice and Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) teams
• I spent 7 years volunteering as a counsellor at Brook Young People’s Service, offering support around identity, relationships, and emotional wellbeing
• I’ve supported neurodivergent young people, looked after children, and those facing difficult or high-risk situations
• I managed a team within a specialist housing service, supporting adults experiencing severe mental health issues and learning difficulties

My approach with young people is always collaborative and respectful. I take time to build trust, understand what’s going on for them, and work together to find a way forward that feels right.

General Experience

In addition to my private practice, I work as a manager within a children and families charity, leading a team of counsellors and emotional health practitioners. My earlier career involved direct work with young people experiencing high-risk and complex needs, including those affected by substance misuse, trauma, and child sexual exploitation.

I have supported people in schools, community services, youth offending teams, CAMHS pathways, and charity settings. This breadth of experience gives me a grounded understanding of the wider systems affecting mental health-especially for neurodivergent and marginalised clients.

Location

I’m based in Radcliffe, just a few minutes’ walk from Radcliffe tram station, with free parking nearby. My practice is easily accessible by public transport.

 Getting Started

• Free 15-minute telephone or on line consultation  no pressure, just a chance to answer any questions you have and see if we’re a good fit
• Appointments available during daytime, some evenings  and weekends           

 Let’s Talk

I’m passionate about creating a therapeutic space where you or your child can feel safe, accepted, and supported especially if you’ve felt overlooked or misunderstood in the past.

If you’re curious to know more, or would like to explore working together, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Because sometimes life needs a Plan B.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • Level 4 Diploma in Person Centred Counselling
  • Certificate in working with the functionality of neurodivergent children and young people 
  • Level 3 Diploma in Person Centred Counselling
  • Level 3 Substance Misuse Qualification (Adults and Young People)
  • ILM level 5 Award in Leadership and Management
  • Trauma Training Level 2: Trauma Skilled
  • Safeguarding Children
  • Designated Safeguarding Lead training
  • Safeguarding Adults

 I am currently undertaking a Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Clinical Supervision and offer supervision sessions to qualified counsellors and those working in a helping profession and to student counsellors seeking secondary supervision. Please contact me for further details.  

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.

Accredited register membership

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Fees

£60.00 per session

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Manchester, Greater Manchester, M26

Type of session

In person

Types of client

Children (0-12)
Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Organisations

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

My practice is based on the first floor.

Online platforms

Whatsapp
Doxy

Supervision

In person
Online

Qualified and experienced counsellor and supervisor in training offering therapy and supervision to individuals in person and on line.

View supervision profile