Autism counselling with Rachel Nelmes;Towards Change ltd

25/10/2025

Do you want to find out more about me and my journey to becoming an autism specific counsellor?
Have a look! 👀

17/10/2025

✨Autism-Specific Counselling✨

Sessions available in October for teens, adults, and families.

Our approach is neurodiversity-affirming, supportive, and tailored to each person’s needs.

Sessions available in person or online.

💙 Everyone deserves to be understood — just as they are.

14/10/2025

🌟 Finding the Right Counsellor as an Autistic Person: What to Ask 🌟

Starting therapy can feel like a big step — especially when you're autistic. It’s important to work with someone who understands your needs, communicates clearly, and is open to making adjustments.

Before starting therapy, you’re allowed to ask a counsellor questions...in fact I'd totally encourage you to ask questions! It helps you figure out if the person you are talking to is the right fit for you.

*Why It Matters*

Many autistic people have had bad experiences with professionals who didn’t understand autism beyond stereotypes.

A good counsellor should:

♾️Understand (or be willing to learn about) your needs

♾️Respect your communication style

♾️Be open to working in ways that suit you

*Questions You Can Ask*

You can ask these questions by email, in a consultation, or in the first session:

🧠 What are your qualifications and experience?

Are you registered with a professional body?

Have you worked with autistic clients before?

🛠️ What kind of therapy do you offer?

Do you use a specific approach (like CBT, person-centred, etc.)?

Can you adapt your approach for autistic clients?

🔄 Can you adjust how sessions work?

Are you okay with me using scripts, notes, or email to communicate?

Do I need to make eye contact or talk about certain things right away?

Can we have clear structure or routine in sessions?

💻 Do you offer remote sessions or alternatives to phone calls?
💷 What are your fees and cancellation policies?

*A Few Final Thoughts*

You are allowed to ask questions. You are not being “too much.”

You deserve support that works for you — not one that tries to “fix” you.

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to keep looking.

A good therapist will be happy to answer questions, respect your boundaries, be open to learning, and 100% want you to feel safe.

You don’t have to mask in therapy. You deserve to show up as yourself.

10/10/2025

🧠🌍 World Mental Health Day |

Today, we’re shining a light on a truth that’s too often overlooked:

💡 Autistic people are up to 9 times more likely to experience mental health challenges than non-autistic people.
Anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are heartbreakingly common — not because of autism itself, but because of a world that often fails to accommodate, understand, or include.

💬 Autistic voices deserve to be heard.
🏥 Support must be tailored, accessible, and informed.
🤝 Acceptance must go beyond awareness.

Mental health care isn’t one-size-fits-all
World mental health day is a time for us to shout about our mental health 📢📢

06/10/2025

Why not pop over to our blog and check out our post about why you won't find us on Counselling Directory after October 2025

I’ve used Counselling Directory for years now, and it has been a great way to connect with people who were looking for support. But over time, things have shifted.My practice has grown, my values evolved, and I have realised I wanted a more personal way of reaching the people I work with.🌿 Find...

06/10/2025

Here's some of the words clients have shared when asked what they liked about their counselling sessions 🫶

Sessions available in October

23/09/2025

Okay, so today has been a tough day with the news. And it's taken me quite a while to decide if and what I want to post on the subject.

I know traditionally politics doesn't come into counselling, and that's not even true because how much does the economy, cost of living, education etc affect people's mental health...but generally therapists views on politics are kept out of sight.

However today that's pretty hard.

I've thought long and hard about what to share.
And I've come to the decision that instead of sharing who's right and wrong....I'd share my feelings, just in case you are feeling the same way and want to know you are not alone 🫶

Today as an autistic person and an autistic professional I am feeling scared, I am feeling angry, I am feeling upset, I am feeling judged and I am feeling unseen.

All these feelings are valid and if you are feeling similar, then your feelings are also valid.

You are not alone.

08/09/2025

Just a quick note to let you all know that I am out of office until the 18th of September

You can of course still send emails, leave voicemails and complete referrals on the website, but please be patient in waiting for a reply 😊

30/08/2025

Okay so I'm not so great at recording videos but I felt I really wanted to share with you these fabulous fidgets bought this morning at Preston's Makers Market.

Made by a mostly neurodivergent workforce Flexi Fidgets these fidgets are bound to become some of my favourites!
And I have bought some for the fidget basket in my counselling room too to share with clients 🤩

28/07/2025

Finally got my PGDip certificate through and managed to get all my certificates up on my wall at Towards Change HQ 👩🏼‍🎓

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