ADHD, AUTISM & PSYCHOTHERAPY
Different ways of experiencing the world.
Being neurodivergent can influence how we think, feel, communicate and experience the world around us.
For some people, understanding their neurodivergence brings a sense of relief. For others, it can raise questions about their experiences, relationships and sense of identity.
I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where we can explore these experiences together, without assumptions about how you should think, feel or behave.
UNDERSTANDING NEURODIVERSITY
Seeing the person, not simply the diagnosis.
One of my principal areas of focus is working with neurodivergent people, particularly those with ADHD and autism.
I'm a trained assessor for both conditions, and alongside this work, I offer psychodynamic psychotherapy for people who are neurodivergent, who suspect they may be, or who are exploring what a diagnosis means for them.
I recognise that no two people experience ADHD or autism in exactly the same way.
The difficulties you experience, the things you find helpful and the way you understand yourself will be individual to you.
I don't believe that being neurodivergent means there's something wrong with you that needs to be corrected.
Instead, my approach is to explore your experiences, understand the difficulties you may be facing and consider how they affect your life and relationships.
ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
Living with ADHD.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins during development and can continue throughout adulthood.
It can affect attention, concentration, organisation, activity levels, impulse control and the way we regulate our emotions.
Some people experience difficulties with distractibility, forgetfulness or completing tasks. Others may find themselves feeling constantly restless, overwhelmed or struggling to manage the demands of everyday life.
ADHD can also affect relationships, work, education and self-esteem.
For some people, these difficulties have been present for many years without being recognised or understood.
This can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety or a sense that they should somehow be managing things differently.
Therapy can provide an opportunity to explore these experiences, including the emotional impact of living with ADHD and how it may have influenced the way you see yourself.
AUTISM SPECTRUM CONDITION
Understanding your experience of autism.
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference, and autistic people can experience the world in many different ways.
Some people may find social communication or understanding other people's expectations difficult. Others may experience sensory sensitivities, feel overwhelmed in certain environments or find changes to familiar routines particularly challenging.
There may also be intense interests, different ways of communicating or a need for predictability and structure.
For some autistic people, social situations can require considerable effort, particularly when they feel they need to adapt or mask their natural behaviours in order to fit in.
These experiences can have an impact on confidence, relationships and emotional wellbeing.
I recognise that autism isn't experienced in one particular way, and that what may be difficult for one person may not be difficult for another.
Our work together would focus on understanding your individual experiences and the impact they may have had on your life.
BEYOND THE DIAGNOSIS
Sometimes it's about more than ADHD or autism.
Being neurodivergent can influence much more than attention, communication or sensory experiences.
For some people, years of feeling misunderstood, different or unable to meet other people's expectations can affect their confidence and sense of self.
You may have experienced difficulties in relationships, felt excluded or found yourself working particularly hard to manage situations that others seem to find straightforward.
You may also have experienced anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or difficulties understanding and expressing your emotions.
A diagnosis, particularly later in life, can bring a mixture of feelings.
There may be relief at finally having an explanation for certain experiences, but also sadness, anger or questions about how life might have been different.
These are all things we can explore in therapy.
HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER
Understanding the experiences that have shaped you.
As a psychodynamic psychotherapist, I'm interested not only in the difficulties you're experiencing today, but also in the experiences and relationships that may have shaped the way you understand yourself.
For neurodivergent people, this might include exploring what it was like growing up, experiences at school or work, relationships with family and friends, or times when you may have felt misunderstood or different.
We may also explore patterns in your relationships, feelings about yourself and the ways you've learnt to respond to difficult situations.
I recognise that the traditional expectations of therapy may not always feel comfortable or appropriate for everyone.
Part of our work together is developing an understanding of what feels helpful for you, rather than expecting you to approach therapy in a particular way.
The aim is to create a space where you can be yourself, without feeling that you need to mask or explain away your differences.
FINDING YOUR OWN WAY
Different doesn't mean less.
I don't see ADHD or autism as conditions that psychotherapy is intended to cure.
Neurodivergence is part of how a person experiences the world, and I believe it's important to recognise the individual rather than concentrating solely on a list of difficulties or perceived deficits.
For some people, therapy may involve developing a greater understanding of their needs, boundaries and relationships.
For others, it may mean exploring feelings about a diagnosis, past experiences or the pressure they've felt to fit in.
There isn't one particular outcome that everyone should be working towards.
What matters is understanding your experiences and finding ways of living that feel more appropriate and meaningful to you.
SUPPORTING THOSE AROUND YOU
Understanding each other.
Neurodivergence can also affect relationships with partners, family members, friends and carers.
Sometimes difficulties arise not because anyone is doing something wrong, but because people experience, interpret or communicate things differently.
I also work with people who are supporting a neurodivergent partner, family member or someone close to them.
Therapy can provide an opportunity to explore these relationships, the challenges that may arise and the feelings involved.
It can also offer a space to think about your own needs and experiences, particularly if you've spent a long time focusing on supporting someone else.
ADHD & AUTISM ASSESSMENTS
Exploring the possibility of a diagnosis
Alongside my psychotherapy practice, I am a trained assessor for both ADHD and autism.
For some people, seeking an assessment is part of a longer process of trying to understand experiences that may have been present since childhood.
For others, the possibility of being neurodivergent may only have arisen more recently.
[Stephen to explain his assessment services, including whether he currently offers assessments independently, who they are available to, what the process involves and how they differ from psychotherapy.]
If you're considering an assessment, or would like to discuss the possibility of being neurodivergent, you're welcome to get in touch.
LET'S TALK
A space to be yourself.
Whether you have an existing diagnosis, suspect you may be neurodivergent or simply want to explore some of the difficulties you've been experiencing, we can begin with a conversation.
I offer a free, no-obligation introductory telephone call lasting around ten minutes.
It's an opportunity to tell me a little about yourself, ask any questions and consider whether working together might be helpful.
Or email stephen@thepsychotherapistlondon.com
stephen@thepsychotherapistlondon.com
© Stephen Slatter 2026