Why does The Country Counsellor exist?

Let me take you to two moments in time:

The first. 2023. I shared in the journey of someone I love exploring an assessment of autism and ADHD. I was constantly shaking my head and muttering in frustration at the stigma, the lack of local support, the waitlists, and the costs.

The second. 2024. I was standing in a car park on a pleasant autumn day chatting with someone about counselling. They were sharing their mental health experiences as an autistic person. They want to feel accepted and find a sense of purpose. They were close to tears.

I walked away thinking, ‘Interesting…I thought my counselling practice was going to be focused on other areas. But I was wrong. Because this matters, and I can do something about it’.

It matters to me that services celebrate and include neurodivergent ways of being and doing. It frustrates me that there aren’t enough of who do.

It matters to me that neurodivergent people are able to be authentically themselves. It frustrates me that they’re often not.

It matters to me that our communities have the counselling services we need, and it frustrates me that we don’t.

And, it matters to me that I do something about the things that frustrate me.

Hence, The Country Counsellor.

I’m a qualified, accredited counsellor. I care about country people having country-based services. I’m neurodivergent.

If you, or anyone you know, needs support or information in this area – in your personal life, in a school, or in your business – I might be your person.