Sharen Dobson
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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
Counselling & Coaching for Life's Challenges - Online Support Across the UK.
I'm an AuDHD counsellor based in North East England. I understand what it's like to navigate a world that doesn't always make sense.
I often hear clients say;
- I feel like I am just an observer of life, with no motivation to take part
- I feel anxious about going out but enjoy myself once I get there; it makes no sense!
- I keep being told that I am over- or underreacting to things, and I feel something is wrong with me.
- I have been on anti-depression meds and in and out of therapy for years. Nothing seems to help. I might have ADHD, Autism...
- My Neurodivergent clients say that they feel as though they are always exhausted. Burning out or being irritable is causing issues with their relationships/employment.
- Ever since the menopause, I feel like I cannot cope. I used to be so strong, and now I always cry.
- I have had therapy before and it just doesn't seem to work for me, I am told that I am too self-aware...
- I know there is something that I need to address, I just have no idea what it is or where to start.
How Can I Help You?
Coaching for: motivation and confidence building, overcoming barriers to change, goal setting and achievement, workplace challenges, and personal development.
Counselling: to help you build up an emotional and practical tool kit to help you navigate your life's problems.
I specialise in helping people who feel misunderstood or dismissed by others. Whether you're struggling to be heard by medical professionals, struggling to express your needs in relationships, or feeling isolated by your neurodivergent experiences, I create a space where you can speak freely without judgement.
Accessible Therapy That Fits Your Life
I offer online counselling via text, telephone, or video calls, making therapy accessible regardless of your location across the UK. I understand that life doesn't follow a 9-5 schedule, so I offer early morning and late evening appointments during the week to accommodate shift workers and busy schedules.
You don't need to commit to weekly sessions - I work with what suits you. Whether you need a one-off conversation, short-term support through a difficult period, or longer-term therapeutic work, we'll find an approach that fits your needs and circumstances.
My Approach.
I combine evidence-based counselling techniques with a genuine, down-to-earth style. Having navigated my own challenges with medical professionals who didn't listen and systems that didn't accommodate my neurodivergent needs, I understand the frustration of feeling unheard. In our sessions, your experiences are valid, your concerns matter, and there's no such thing as being "too much."
I believe that therapy works best when you feel comfortable being yourself. That might mean stimming during sessions, going off on tangents, or having conversations that don't follow a traditional therapeutic script. I'm interested in who you really are, not who you think you should be.
Why Choose Online Support?
Online therapy removes many barriers - no travel time, no waiting rooms, and you can access support from the comfort of your own space. For many of my clients, particularly those with anxiety, chronic illness, or sensory sensitivities, online sessions feel safer and more manageable than face-to-face appointments.
Face to Face
I can now offer face to face sessions held at the Melanoma Me HQ in Washington Tyne and Wear. The rooms are warm and inviting with a reception area, refreshments and a chance to be in a space that does not feel clinical. The room charge also helps to go towards providing free therapy to those impacted by Skin Cancer.
Ready to be heard? I offer a £10- 20 minute initial conversation to see if we fit well. There is no pressure, just an opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for how I work. Contact me today to start your journey towards better communication, stronger relationships, and genuine self-understanding.
Contact can be made via WhatsApp, Email or directly through the contact form on my webpage.
Because everyone deserves to feel understood.
Training, qualifications & experience
Experience: I bring a wealth of knowledge from working across diverse settings, which has given me a deep understanding of how mental health affects people from all walks of life.
My journey has taken me through various roles, including working as a social prescriber for mental health services, supporting people in accessing community resources and building meaningful connections. I've also worked as a special needs teaching assistant, gaining valuable insight into neurodivergent experiences and learning differences.
As a counsellor, I've supported clients through some of life's most challenging experiences. I've worked with, Melanoma Me (helping people navigate cancer diagnoses), and Victim Support's homicide division, where I've supported families and loved ones affected by violent crime.
I have also provided counselling in primary and secondary schools, working with young people facing various difficulties. I currently work across six GP practices in the outer west of Newcastle, offering accessible mental health support within primary care settings.
As a qualified clinical supervisor, I'm committed to maintaining high standards of practice and supporting other counsellors in their professional development.
Qualifications:
- NCPS Professionally Accredited member
- BSc in Therapeutic Counselling
- Clinical Supervisor
- Foundation Degree in Counselling and Psychology
- Clinical Autism Specialist
- EFT level 1 and 2
- Social Prescribing Training
- NLP levels 1 and 2
- Advanced CBT Diploma
- Online/Telephone Counselling Training
- DBT Level 1
- NLP Diploma
- Dare Domestic Violence Training
- Special needs teaching assistant
- EMDR level 1-4 trained
This varied experience has taught me that everyone's story is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Whether you're dealing with everyday stress, significant life changes, or more complex trauma, I'm here to walk alongside you at your own pace.
I believe in creating a warm, non-judgmental space where you can explore whatever is on your mind, knowing you'll be met with genuine understanding and respect.
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 support individuals with a blend of coaching and therapy.
Working with those who experience Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, Adenomyosis and Chronic Fatigue.
Therapies offered
Fees
£50.00 - £65.00
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
- £50 Individual, online/telephone 1 Hour
- £60 Individual, face to face 1 Hour (£10 non-refundable charge for room hire)
- Student discounts can be discussed
- 30 minute check in sessions, online and telephone only £25
- 20 minute intro call £10
- Short Text Sessions 30 minutes £25
Longer intensive sessions can be discussed, these are beneficial as one off appointments dealing with a specific issue.
When I work
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Further information
As someone with autism and ADHD myself, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to our therapy sessions. This combination creates a unique space where your experiences are genuinely understood without needing extensive explanations. Many clients tell me they feel immediately comfortable knowing I naturally understand certain challenges from the inside—whether it's sensory overwhelm, social communication differences, or executive functioning struggles.
My approach works because it blends evidence-based techniques with authentic personal insight. I've completed professional training in Poly-vagal theory, some CBT exercises, communication adaptation methods and motivational interviewing while also developing strategies through my own neurodivergent journey. This means I can offer practical tools that are specifically adapted to work with neurodivergent thinking styles rather than against them. Our sessions focus on building on your natural strengths while developing helpful strategies for challenges—whether you're dealing with workplace difficulties, relationship navigation, or simply seeking to understand yourself better.
What makes our work together particularly effective is how it's completely tailored to you as an individual. I create a judgement-free environment where your neurodivergence is respected as a natural variation, not something to fix. With additional background in supporting people through grief, trauma and major life transitions, I can help with the complex emotions that often accompany neurodivergent experiences. My goal isn't to change who you are but to help you thrive as yourself—developing self-advocacy skills, building confidence, and creating a life that accommodates your needs rather than constantly adapting to fit others' expectations. Whether you're newly diagnosed, long-time identified, or simply exploring your neurodivergent traits, I provide the informed, compassionate support you deserve.
