About us
Neurodiversity-affirming mental health care, tailored to you.
At The Cognitive Collective, we are a dedicated mental health service with neurodiversity and inclusivity at the heart of everything we do. Our highly experienced team has worked across both the private and public sectors, supporting a wide range of clients of all ages, from toddlers to adults.
We specialise in Autism assessments and neurodiverse support, while also offering comprehensive mental health therapy for neurodiverse individuals, including support for anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation, and self-esteem challenges. We understand that mental health for neurodivergent people can look and feel different, which is why our approach is always flexible, adaptive, and tailored to each person’s unique needs.
Unlike many providers who offer “neurodiversity services” without truly adapting to the lived experiences of their clients, at The Cognitive Collective we have created a space where you don’t have to mask or fear being yourself. Whether you are looking for an assessment, therapy, or guidance, we work with you to ensure you feel safe, respected, and understood.
We pride ourselves on offering an end-to-end service, designed with clients in mind at every step — from initial enquiry and assessment through to therapy and follow-up support. Our aim is to make mental health care not only professional and evidence-based, but also inclusive, empowering, and genuinely accessible for all.
Our mission is to lead the way in transforming mental health and neurodiversity services, creating a future where support is truly shaped around individuals and families. We welcome clients in Cheltenham, across the Cotswolds, and online throughout the UK.
Training, qualifications & experience
Amanda Hudson and Clarissa Batista de Padua are highly trained psychotherapists with extensive experience in neurodiversity-affirming mental health care. As co-founders of The Cognitive Collective, they are dedicated to creating an inclusive, flexible, and client-centred therapy environment where every individual is understood, supported, and accepted in their uniqueness.
Clarissa Batista de Padua - MBACP, MNCPS (Acc.).
Clinical Lead at The Cognitive Collective Ltd
Clarissa has been a psychotherapist since 2020 and has been working and training in mental health since 2016. She holds a Master’s degree in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and is registered with the BABCP, MBACP, MNCPS (Acc.). She has experience across both public and private sectors, specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). She is also trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), and mindfulness-based interventions, with a focus on supporting neurodiverse clients, including those with ADHD and Autism.
Amanda Hudson - MNCPS (Accred), MBACP (Accred)
Clinical Manager at The Cognitive Collective Ltd
Amanda brings over 10 years of experience working in therapy and mental health across varied settings. She holds an Advanced Integrative PG Dip in REBT/CBT & Hypnosis, is BACP-registered, and holds professional accreditation with the NCPS. She specialises in Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) and is also trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). With lived experience of ADHD, Amanda has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals and is passionate about making mental health care accessible, empowering, and neurodiversity-affirming.
Together, Amanda and Clarissa provide a warm, flexible, and evidence-based therapy service for clients of all ages, both in Cheltenham, across the Cotswolds, and online throughout the UK.
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 BABCP is the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the UK. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the practice, theory or development of CBT. BABCP also provides accreditation for CBT therapists. BABCP accredited members adhere to the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics in the Practice of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, and are willing to be scrutinised in this adherence as required.
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.
Areas of counselling we deal with
Other areas of counselling we deal with
We offer help to anyone struggling with mental health and treat a range of presentations and disorders, but we specialise in Neurodiverse mental health care.
This means that we tailor the environment and sessions to your individual needs, whilst working in a flexible way that puts you at the centre of your care.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£100.00 per session
Additional information
One-to-one sessions - £100 (50 min session)
Autism Screening - £100 (50 min session)
Full Autism assessment £1800 (3 hours total + full report)
Sessions available online & in person.
Please visit our website and book a slot that suits you for an online session, where you will be asked to make payment. Otherwise, you can contact us to see which slots are available face to face.
When we work
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Further information
We have a team of professionals that work alongside us for 1-2-1 CBT, Private Autism assessments, Neurodiverse-informed therapy and psychiatry.
