Family Therapy

When Families Need a Different Perspective

Sometimes families need a therapist to shine a gentle torchlight into the system and say, “I can see this… can you?”

Closeness within families can be deeply loving. Yet even the most intimate relationships can develop blind sides — patterns and misunderstandings that quietly hinder rather than help the family dynamic.

Family therapy offers a structured, respectful space to slow things down, observe what is happening beneath the surface, and begin interpreting each other differently.

Neurodivergent Family Dynamics

In neurodivergent families, differences in thinking, communication and sensory experience are common.

These differences can sometimes create confusion and distress within the family dynamic.

Parents with differing neurologies may find themselves “not on the same page.” One parent may respond with logic, the other with emotion; one may need structure, the other flexibility. These differences can unintentionally create inconsistency for children, leading to anxiety, loyalty conflicts or behavioural challenges.

I work with neurodivergent families to help each member understand how the other experiences the world, often transforming situations that feel malevolent into ones rooted in difference rather than intent.

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Parental Alienation and Estrangement

I have particular expertise in parental alienation arising within autistic–neurotypical parental relationships.

Parental alienation does not only affect young children; it can also occur with adolescents and adult children. The experience for the alienated parent can be profoundly painful and destabilising.

Alienation may be:

  • Covert – subtle undermining comments such as “mum/dad would say that.”

  • Overt – direct criticism such as “mum/dad is a fool… ignore him/her.”

Where a child or adult child is autistic, rigid thinking styles or alternative logic systems can sometimes make it more difficult for them to step back and assess relational dynamics flexibly. This can lead to entrenched belief patterns and, in some cases, the closing of a door on a parent for years — or permanently.

Family therapy provides a contained environment in which these dynamics can be explored carefully and respectfully, with the aim of restoring perspective, reducing polarisation and, where possible, rebuilding connection.

A Safe and Structured Space

Family therapy is not about blame. It is about increasing understanding.

Together, we work to:

  • Clarify misunderstandings

  • Reduce escalation and polarisation

  • Explore communication styles

  • Support healthier co-parenting dynamics

  • Address estrangement sensitively

  • Rebuild safety within the family system

Sessions are paced thoughtfully, with careful attention to regulation and emotional containment for all members involved.

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Taking the First Step

If your family feels stuck in repeated cycles, confusion or relational fracture

Specialist support can help bring clarity and calm.

Sometimes all that is needed is someone to shine a light, without judgement gently.

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Clear, Thoughtful and Fair

Fees

Seeking support is an important step, and I believe fee information should be transparent and straightforward.

Autism assessments involve a careful and structured exploration of developmental history, sensory experiences and personal narrative, providing clarity and guidance for next steps where appropriate.

If you are unsure which service feels right for you, please feel free to make contact. We can think it through together.

Individual Counselling

£75 per 60-minute session

Relationship Counselling

£75 per 60-minute session – for couples, one or both partners are autistic or have Asperger’s traits

Autism Assessment

£400 per assessment (Pre-Diagnostic Exploration)

Discover my Services

Individual Autism Counselling

Autism-informed therapy for children (3+), adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, burnout, masking, trauma or identity challenges.

Neurodivergent Relationship Counselling

Structured support for couples navigating communication differences, emotional misunderstanding and the unique dynamics of autistic–non-autistic partnerships.

Autism Diagnosis and Assessment

A structured, thoughtful exploration of developmental history, sensory patterns and lived experience, guiding individuals toward clarity and appropriate diagnostic pathways.

Professional Supervision

Specialist supervision for counsellors and psychotherapists working with complex estrangement cases and autism-related dynamics.

Family Therapy

Support for families experiencing communication breakdown, parental strain or estrangement within neurodiverse systems.

Publications

  • Autism and the Importance of Soft Toys

  • How do you know if your client has autism?

  • Guidelines for Working with Clients with Asperger Syndrome

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and ADHD

  • The Estrangement of Adult Autistic / Asperger Children

  • Asperger’s: What You Need to Know

  • Dangers of Sharenting

  • Autistic Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic