Autism counselling with Rachel Nelmes;Towards Change ltd

11/07/2025

Did you know that over 80% of autistic individuals experience poor mental health during their lifetimes?

When you are going through a time of poor mental health where can you turn?

Research suggests that mainstream mental health services aren't set up for autistic folk.

That's why autism mental health specialists like me exist. With my experience, my professional learning in autism and neurodiversity, and my own diagnosis I can provide a space for you to feel heard.

08/07/2025

Don't suffer alone in silence.

Being neurodivergent can mean you experience the world different and that can lead to confusion, anxiety, depression.

If you, or someone you know, would like a safe space and a listening ear let's talk

04/07/2025

Sometimes it's just as important to know what therapy services DON'T do as what they do do!

I have heard and read so many experiences of therapy from autistic individuals where these thing have been expected and even insisted on...

So I thought I'd let you all know my take on things....

If you come for sessions with me I would never insist on eye contact.
I 100% encourage movement and fidget toys (I use them myself!)
If another form of communication is better for you...then that's the way we do it!
And there's nothing worse than having the big light on or a ticking clock in the room so off and out they'd go!

It is so important to me that you are comfortable during sessions and you get the very best out of your 60 minutes

30/06/2025

Are you in the Bolton area and looking for either a volunteering opportunity or some support?
BAAS is a super charity to get involved with!
Contact them through the number on the poster.

Did you know that BAAS runs a specialised autism focussed Befriending Service for Autistic Adults? We don't advertise it often because the demand for this service is always extremely high, and there are always more Autistic Adults waiting for a Befriender than there are Volunteers available for them to be matched with.

We're always looking for Volunteer Befrienders who can give just 2 hours a week to make a difference. If you think you may have the skills for this role, or you know someone who might like to get involved with an award winning charity, then please get in touch with a member of the team today - we're waiting to hear from you ☺️

https://www.boltonadultautismsupport.org.uk/befriending-service/

26/06/2025

Today is the graduation day for my Post Graduate Diploma level 7 in Autism and Neurodiversity 🌟
Unfortunately I can't attend and I won't pretend that I'm not disappointed!

So I thought I share some throwback photos from my previous graduations...
the first was in 2016; my FdA in Counselling, followed by 2017; my BAhons in Counselling, and then 2019; my PGcert in Autism but I am determined to one day get a photo from me graduating from my MSc....watch this space!

23/05/2025

The Out of Office email and voicemail responses are now live.

If you still want to get in touch then please do...but I will only be getting back to messages on the 4th of June at the earliest ✨

15/05/2025

Do you remember a while ago the 'Inside our autistic minds' BBC documentary presented by Chris Packham?

Well they have extended the series and 'Inside our ADHD minds' and 'Inside our dyslexic minds' available on iPlayer now.

I haven't watched them yet but I certainly will be!!

If you watch them let me know what you think in the comments section 😃

06/05/2025

Visit the website for more information about how to get in touch... https://www.towardschange.co.uk/
Sessions available in June ✨

30/04/2025

Visit our website https://www.towardschange.co.uk for more information

23/04/2025

This is a massive amount of people!
Get in touch to find out how autism specific talking therapy can help ✨ https://www.towardschange.co.uk/

18/04/2025

We are now closed for the bank holiday weekend 🐣 you can still get in touch via voicemail, text, email or referral form but I won't be able to get back to you before Tuesday the 22nd of April at the earliest.
Hope you all have a gentle Easter. Rachel

17/04/2025

Just a little note: because of my work schedule there is a lot of time when I am unable to answer my work phone, meaning I miss calls from people trying to get in touch 😥 So, if you or someone you know has been trying to get in touch to arrange counselling please let them know you can leave a voicemail, text me, email, or fill out a referral form on the website and I will be in touch as soon as possible