About me
Life can feel overwhelming when you experience the world differently from those around you. Many autistic and ADHD adults spend years trying to fit into environments that were not designed with them in mind. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, burnout, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, and a sense of isolation or disconnection from others.
I am a qualified counsellor with over 10 years of experience supporting neurodivergent adults. Through The Inside Me, I provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences at your own pace.
I specialise in working with autistic and ADHD adults, including those who are newly diagnosed, exploring the possibility of neurodivergence, or trying to better understand themselves after years of masking and adapting to the expectations of others. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling exhausted, misunderstood, or unsure of who they are beneath the roles they have learned to play.
My approach is neurodiversity-affirming and person-centred. I believe that you are the expert on your own experiences. Rather than focusing on changing who you are, I aim to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, build self-acceptance, and find ways of navigating life that feel authentic and sustainable.
Alongside my therapeutic work, I have spent much of my career working closely with neurodivergent people. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges that can arise around identity, relationships, communication, self-worth, anxiety, depression, burnout, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
Therapy offers a space where you do not have to explain or justify your differences. Whether you are struggling with a specific difficulty or simply want to understand yourself more fully, I will work alongside you with empathy, curiosity, and respect.
Training, qualifications & experience
My name is Oran Blackwood (BA, PGCE, NASENCo, MA, MSc), and I am an accredited counsellor with over 10 years of experience supporting adults through emotional, psychological, and life challenges.
I founded The Inside Me to create a therapeutic space where people can feel genuinely understood, accepted, and supported. Too often, individuals seeking help encounter long waiting lists, inaccessible services, or professionals who focus on changing who they are rather than understanding their experiences. I wanted to offer something different: a safe, compassionate, and neurodiversity-affirming environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and challenges without judgment.
I specialise in working with autistic and ADHD adults, including those who are newly diagnosed, exploring the possibility of neurodivergence, or trying to better understand themselves after years of masking and adapting to the expectations of others. Many of the people I work with experience anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, burnout, relationship difficulties, emotional overwhelm, or a persistent feeling of being misunderstood.
My approach is primarily person-centred, meaning I believe you are the expert on your own life and experiences. Therapy is not about fixing who you are. It is about developing a deeper understanding of yourself, recognising your strengths, and finding ways to navigate life that feel authentic and sustainable.
As an Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS Accredited Member (MNCPS Accred) – NCS16-03719), I work within their ethical framework and professional standards. I draw upon a range of therapeutic approaches to meet the needs of each individual, including Person-Centred Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Approaches, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Practice. Rather than following a rigid model, I tailor therapy to the person sitting in front of me.
The values that guide my work are acceptance, compassion, authenticity, and collaboration. I believe that meaningful change happens when people feel safe enough to be themselves and supported enough to explore the challenges they face.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, identity, or the impact of autism or ADHD on your daily life, I aim to provide a space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to move forward.
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
Therapies offered
Fees
£65.00 - £75.00
Additional information
If you are recently diagnosed and are interested in psychoeducation (learning more about your diagnosis and what this may mean for you), please let me know.
