East Durham Counselling

01/09/2025

Something I value deeply in my work is being there for my clients and supporting them through difficult times. My working hours are generally between 9am–3pm, Monday to Friday, but I try to make accommodations for those who can’t make sessions during the day where I am able. However, I simply don’t have that much free time that doesn’t require compromising my own or my family’s wellbeing.

Most of my clients know they are always welcome to reach out to me by text or email if you need to – but a reply may not come straight away.

Most clients understand and respect this, and are wonderfully accommodating when life gets in the way. I always aim to offer the same understanding in return.

Setting and keeping boundaries is part of healthy therapeutic work. It models self-care, respect, and balance – the very things we often talk about in sessions.

Thank you for respecting that when I’m not working, I’m giving my time and attention to my own family. This helps me to bring my best, most present self into our sessions.

31/08/2025

28/08/2025

Wanted to share something very important and personal to raise awareness and hopefully help someone who’s struggling with similar feelings I felt back when I...

28/08/2025

There is every good reason why we develop dissociative identity disorder: because the we've suffered has made it incredibly painful to be us, even to be alive. What does recovery therefore look like?

Find out on my podcast': https://www.carolynspring.com/podcasts/what-does-recovery-from-trauma-look-like/

27/08/2025

Now Taking on New Clients

Are you looking for a safe, supportive space to talk things through?
I offer compassionate, non-judgemental counselling tailored to your individual needs.

I work with adults and young people face-to-face in Peterlee or online, making support flexible and accessible wherever you are.

I have a particular specialism in working with neurodivergent clients (including ADHD and Autism), offering understanding and strategies that respect and celebrate your unique way of being.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low in mood, or simply need someone to listen, counselling can help you explore your thoughts and find new ways forward.

Take the first step today.
👉 Contact East Durham Counselling to arrange a free initial chat and see how counselling could support you.

19/08/2025

Some lovely words from a client (shared with their permission of course). There were times when I really wondered how much I was helping, so updates like this are amazing to receive!

05/08/2025

on Instagram

17/06/2025

Transphobia is the problem

The Advocate

06/06/2025

Study found ADHD is not becoming more common, despite a surge in people being diagnosed.

05/06/2025

What does Pride have to do with Neurodivergent people?

A lot!!

So let's go over a few things...
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We know that Autistics are more likely to identify as LGBTQA

And because so many Autistics perceive gender differently and are gender non conforming, we even have our own AUTI-GENDER flag!

(It's green and really pretty)
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ADHD folks are part of Pride, too.

They are more likely to have ambivalent feelings about their gender identity, AND they are more likely to experience same s*x relationships!

There's even a word for the connection between ADHD (or other forms of Neurodivergence) and being LGBTQA: NeuroQ***r.
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Plus, I am Neurodivergent and Inters*x.

I bring the "I" to LGBTQIA,

and ally myself with all the Trans and Gender Non conforming folks who are impacted by discrimination in Healthcare, competitive sports, public service, bathroom access, employment, and education.
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When you really think about it, nothing says Neuro-Spicy AND Q***r, like people who:

love trance music

got in trouble at school

treat our pets like children

are very particular about displaying our collections

get excited about Hannah Gadsby, Janelle Monae, Cara Delavigne, and Billie Eilish

are described as "highly sensitive"

have unconventional mannerisms

enjoy identifying flags

have a strong sense of social justice

use super specific, coded or antiquated language

identify heavily with animals (bears, otters, cubs, bulls, cats)

worry that someone will unmask us

do T-rex arms ("limp wrists")

enjoy hanging out with drama and art teachers

feel like pants should be optional

memorize monologues from classic films

get excited to dress up in fun costumes

and like to sort our possessions into Rainbow order

31/05/2025

Watched an incredible webinar linking neurodivergence to hypermobility, chronic pain and inflammatory disorders by the incredible Dr Jessica Eccles. Please watch if you have a spare hour and are medically minded - this explains so much for many of us.

29/05/2025

Important Update for Clients Regarding ADHD Shared Care in County Durham & Darlington

Today I was informed by one of our local GPs that, within the County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust, they are no longer allowed to accept accept shared care agreements for ADHD diagnoses made by private providers — even if those providers are listed under the Right to Choose pathway.

This means that while the Right to Choose gives you the ability to access an ADHD assessment via approved private providers, including prescriptions subsidised by the NHS, if you have a private diagnosis with the view of working towards shared care after titration, your GP is no longer able to take on prescribing responsibility afterward. This can result in difficulties accessing medication unless private follow-up care is continued — which, understandably, may not be financially sustainable for many.

For us, this is currently looking like continuing to pay for private prescriptions whilst on the Right to Choose waiting list, despite having a private diagnosis.

I know how disheartening this news may feel, especially for those already navigating a complex and exhausting system. Please know that you’re not alone, and I’m here to support you however I can.

I will be seeking wider clarification and confirmation of this as I know up to now shared care has already been hit and miss, and heavily dependent on the individual GP themselves.

If this affects you or you’re unsure what this means for your care, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to provide support on this fee-free.