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For a free 15-minute Zoom intro chat:
Rachel Dowling
MBACP, BSc (Hons) Psychology
ADHDer, Autism Parent,
Neuro-affirming Counsellor,
LGBTQIA+ Ally


Avoidance vs Preparation: a Neuroaffirming Approach to ADHD/Autism/AuDHD. How can parents, partners and caregivers support neurodivergent children and adults in an unpredictable world?
Being neurodivergent can make certain tasks or situations that we think "should" be easy or everyday, feel at times, completely unmanageable.
We want to support loved ones to face challenges in a way that feels safe, gradual, and achievable for them.
“How can we reduce anxiety AND prepare them for the real world, in a way that truly supports them?"
The goal isn’t independence at any cost. It's about supporting our loved ones to to live the best and most capable version of th
5 days ago4 min read


The Loneliness of Being a Neurodivergent Parent
This article talks about the loneliness and isolation experienced by parents of neurodivergent children as they explore their neurodivergence
Mar 183 min read


Reshaping Christmas: Finding Joy in a Way that Works for Every Nervous System
Christmas has always been one of my favourite times of year. The Santa visits, the long walks to look at twinkling lights in the dark, the Christmas markets with their cosy smells and sounds, the happy bustle of shopping: every part of it filled me with excitement! I used to book festive activities for almost every weekend in December, determined to make sure the family experienced all the magic I’d grown up loving. But over time, I learned something important: Not everyone e
Dec 2, 20252 min read


Understanding Neurodivergence and ARFID
Supporting neurodivergent individuals with food intake, variety and nutrition, and understanding ARFID
Nov 6, 20253 min read


Breaking the Binge Cycle:
How Warm, Ready Meals Can Reduce Overwhelm and Support Recovery (Especially if You’re Neurodivergent)Guest Blog from Counsellor Who Cares.
You’re exhausted. You walk through the door after a full-on day and feel that familiar wave of decision fatigue. The thought of choosing what to eat, let alone cooking it, is overwhelming. And before you know it, you’ve raided the cupboard, eaten whatever you could find, and now you’re left with the guilt and regret of yet another binge. Y
May 23, 20253 min read


Navigating Showers as a Neurodivergent Individual
To the neuro majority, taking a shower seems like a very basic task. It is viewed as one simple step as part of a getting ready routine, and a necessary part of every day, but for some Neurodivergent people taking a shower can be very problematic and a source of great distress.
In this blog I touch on some of the difficulties that may be experienced by some Neurodivergent individuals, and some strategies to hopefully help with a more manageable routine.
May 13, 20254 min read


Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD or Autism
The path to realising you or a loved one may be neurodivergent is not always easy, and can bring up all sorts of emotions...
Jan 30, 20242 min read


You've made contact - so what happens next? Information about the introductory chat and first counselling session
You've made contact - so what happens next? Information about the introductory chat and first counselling session
Dec 18, 20234 min read
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