In my work as a psychotherapist a very interesting pattern is becoming clear to me - least one in every three adolescent and adult client who present with severe anxiety, depression, chronic low self-esteem and addiction are also struggling with undiagnosed issues, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Asperger (high functioning autism) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) which have led to emotionally traumatic experiences in social, educational, and work environments.

These people are often highly intelligent and frequently find themselves on a traumatic life journey of being excluded, bullied, and in a social and educational system that does not understand or meet their needs. This experience understandably has led to instances of confusion, hurt, low trust, anger, panic, chronic low self-esteem, and an unjustifiable feeling of low capability for most of their lives. It has in many cases led to mental health issues. This lack of diagnosis and a clear understanding of what they are struggling with has left many people so alone and confused with their hyperactive, distracted or rigid brains that it has led to attempted suicide.

As a therapist and supervisor, I have found that looking at the client simultaneously from both an emotional and a neurological perspective to be essential in understanding them and in their understanding of themselves. This has afforded me the opportunity to identify the supports they need to move forward and has contributed to their speedy recovery. Finally it is important to help our client to understand how this new awareness will help the next generation. I find my clients are very encouraged to know that their newfound awareness with help them understand their children, in particular that ‘different’ child in the family that they felt so frustrated with and didn’t know why. They will now know how to give them loving and practical social and educational support moving forward. These children will not have to endure the lonely struggle of pain and shame suffered by their parents and family members of past generations. Please find the many testimonials given by clients in the testimonials section re: this area of work.