Our Counsellors & Emotional Support Workers
Please note that all Our Counsellors & Emotional Support Workers have experience of autism in their private lives. Some workers have elected to be open about their experiences in their biographies (below), while some have not for personal reasons.
Counsellor allocation is done through our main office. If you wish to consult with one of our counsellors please email info@actionforaspergers.org with details of your enquiry (preferred method of contact) or if email is not possible you can telephone our main office on 01536 266681 and leave a message.
Please be assured that when looking at counsellor allocation, the client’s needs and situation are considered alongside the experiences and expertise of our counsellors to ensure the most suitable counsellor is chosen to work with you.
Counsellors
Aaron Lawrence
I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor, drawing on a range of approaches to tailor sessions to each client’s need. I believe everyone needs love and acceptance from a supportive other, and therapy is one way to provide it.
I have previously worked as a support worker. In this role I learned more about both those who may be on the spectrum and how families adapt to try and meet the needs of their loved ones.
Alison McLauchlan
BA (Hons); PGCE; MA (Distinction) Person Centred Experiential Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice
I am a qualified person-centred counsellor and I work with individual adults or young people. I also integrate other approaches within sessions to meet the needs of each individual client.
Prior to being a counsellor I taught in secondary schools, where many of the students were neurodivergent. I also have lived experience of autism, with a teenage son who is both autistic and has ADHD.
Alison Smith
Barbara Stevenson
BA (Hons), MA, PGC
I am a qualified counsellor and I use an integrative and systemic approach in Counselling. I am specialised in Couples Counselling having been trained by the Relate Institute and worked for several years in the Relate Centre in the Midlands.
I have lived experienced of autism as my son has high functioning autism and ADHD.
Chrissy Nikel
BA (Hons), Dip. Counselling,
I am a member of the National Counselling Society. I trained as a Humanistic Counsellor using a Person-Centred approach and I have lived familial experience of autism and ADHD.
I have been a counsellor with AfA for 6+ years. Over the years I have seen many clients and have worked with children, young people and adults – including couples, parents and late diagnosed.
Debbie King
Adv.Dip. Counselling
I am a qualified counsellor with over 14 years experience. My Autism experience comes from a neurodiverse husband and family members.
I specialise in working with couples where one or both partners have identified as neurodiverse. As an NT in an ASD/NT world I help navigate the communication difficulties faced by both AS and NT individuals.
Elaine Nicholson MBE
MA, PGC, DMS, FRSPH
I founded the charity Action for Asperger’s after close family members received the diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome, which in turn led to the realisation that I was in a coupledom where Asperger’s syndrome featured most strongly; so intense was this experience that I suffered depression without reprieve. Personal therapists whom I consulted, were “way off the mark”, and the rest is history…Action for Asperger’s was created!
Gail Wright
DipHE, Therapeutic counselling Lvl 5
I am a qualified person centred counsellor, who integrates different modalities within sessions to suit each of my client’s needs.
I have many years of experience with autism including three grown children who were all diagnosed and a 20-year marriage with somebody who was undiagnosed.
Gina King
Dip. Counselling,
I am an integrative counsellor for children, teens, and adults. I have trained in different approaches, allowing me flexibility to tailor sessions to individuals.
Previously I was a nanny – including with autistic children and their families. This gave me invaluable insight into challenges faced by both neurodiverse individuals, and by their families. I’m looking forward to using my experience and this insight to bring a feeling of calm and understanding to our counselling sessions.
Jane Hamilton
BSc. (Hons), PGDip. Autism, PGDip. Counselling and Psychotherapy
I am a qualified person centred counsellor, who integrates different modalities within sessions to suit each of my client’s needs.
I have more than 30 years experience of autism in the family and I have also worked professionally with autism for over 25 years.
Janette Houghton
HG.Dip.P.(Dist.), MHGI
I am a registered member of the Human Givens Institute, working in a person-centred, solution-focused way with young people and adults.
I believe members of my family have undiagnosed Asperger’s syndrome which gives me an insight into the interplay between the neuro-typical and neuro-diverse in today’s world.
Jeffrey Samuels
MA Integrative counselling, PGDip Neurodiversity and Narrative therapy.
I was diagnosed with high functioning autism at the age of 55. Ten years on, I have obtained two post-graduate qualifications in autism and an MSc in counselling.
My approach is drawn from psychodynamic, humanistic and relational modalities. I offer a completely non-judgemental and confidential process and some solution focussed concepts.
Jemima Gee
Dip. Counselling
I am a person-centred counsellor and I have professional experience in supporting individuals affected by autism, Asperger’s and ADHD, but also experience from a personal familial perspective too.
I mainly work with adults and teenagers. I support my clients, giving a space to talk through personal worries, issues and circumstances. Sessions are tailored to the individual, as we are all unique!
Julie Sander
PGDip integrative Counselling and Coaching (distinction) MBACP (registered)
I am an Integrative Counsellor and Coach with a specialism in working with neurodivergent people and their family members. I look at what works best for each individual and can draw from different methods to explore past experiences and set goals to move forwards.
I have familial experience of autism as well as a current research interest in counselling and coaching with UEL. I spent many years in leadership roles in the brand/corporate film industry, where I gained experience of mentoring and guiding others.
Kerry Howard
Dip. Integrative Counselling Lvl 5
Prior to my daughter’s diagnosis at 4 years of age (ASD/complex disabilities), I worked in Education as a teacher. I am now a fully qualified integrative counsellor, experienced in supporting neurodiverse (ASC/ADHD) individuals.
I understand the challenges faced by neurodiverse people in a sensory, social and changeable world biased towards the needs of neurotypicals. I work with young adults, individuals and couples (where one or both are neurodiverse), online or in person.
Lorraine Childerstone
I am an integrative counsellor working with Person Centred, Gestalt and Transactional Analysis methodologies.
I have familial experience with my oldest son having a diagnosis Asperger’s syndrome.
I am ACTO trained in online and telephone counselling and experienced in bereavement work and I am delighted to be working with adult and older adult clients for AfA.
Lydia Parsons
BA (Hons), Dip. Counselling
I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor, core model Person-Centred, utilising elements from a range of approaches, Creative therapy, mindfulness, CBT or Transactional Analysis, tailoring sessions to suit each client’s needs.
I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD at the age of 35.
I’m committed to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients, empowering individuals; to recognise their strengths.
Sharon Yardley
MEd, PGDip Counselling
A family member is Autistic with ADHD and GAD so counselling autistic clients and their families was a focus of my person-centred, experiential post graduate diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
I work one-to-one with adults and children and offer sessions either remotely or face to face using walk and talk, for clients able to travel to North Wales.
Zena Steele
When working I use a person centred approach where I also use incorporate various counselling techniques to suit the needs of the individual.
I have experience with autism through previous work, family and friends. My experience has helped me help others on their journey.
Antonia Teixeira
CSE, FRSA, MAC, BA Hons (Cantab.), MA (Cantab.)
I work with all ages and abilities, as well as both couples and individuals. My speciality is working with those with autism who are suffering from complex trauma and/or anxiety.
I pride myself on having a strong track record in helping people identify personal goals to revise patterns of behaviour in order to achieve long term and meaningful change.
Membership Number: NM20626
Student Counsellors
Our student counsellors are in their final year of counsellor training. Student counsellors can see individuals only.
Emma Conybeare
Student Member of the BACP
Olaf Nixon
Student Member of the BACP
Emotional Support Workers (ESWs)
Our ESWs are very knowledgeable about autism and can provide a kind and understanding listening ear for anybody who just needs somebody to talk to rather than needing more in-depth counselling support.
Hattie Cornish
I am an Emotional Support Worker and I support clients who are not in need of counselling, but who are in need of short-term emotional support. At present I am working online.
I have a one-year Psychodynamic Diploma from The Counselling Centre in Kent. I also have lived experience, with an 18-year-old son who was diagnosed at 10 years old with Asperger’s.
Ryan O'Donnell
I am an Emotional Support Worker and I work online, offering remote sessions.
I can provide a listening ear and calming manner, in a relatable environment, for those who are neurodiverse – with particular experience around sexual orientation.
I look forward to supporting you.
