Support for Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD women navigating overwhelm, burnout and identity Online UK & York
When you realise you may be neurodivergent, suddenly everything makes sense...and yet nothing makes sense at all. New awareness can feel overwhelming, confusing and strangely relieving all at once.
Are you exhausted from years of coping, unsure how to move forward, or struggling to understand why everything feels harder now? Can you remember the last time you slept well, or felt comfortable in your own body? Do you know who you are without the mask?
I offer neuro-affirming psychotherapy to help you navigate late-identified neurodivergence. Whether you are already diagnosed, or just curious, I help you to make sense of what’s happening in your mind and body. Our work is based on establishing what your needs are, the patterns you would like to change and how you can live in a way that feels sustainable and true to who you are.
I also offer 'Navigate Neurodivergence' - structured reflective sessions for women meeting their neurodivergence in adulthood. These sessions are a space to slow down and make sense of it - at your pace, in your own language, with someone who gets it.
We explore themes such as:
- your ND story
- sensory processing
- nervous system regulation
- executive functioning
- boundaries in relationships
- work and career
- masking & unmasking
- burnout & recovery
- parenting & family systems
- peri / menopause
- money, risk & decision making
- rejection sensitive dysphoria
In both my clinical and lived experience, many autistic and ADHD adults leave assessment with a diagnostic report and some insight, but very little support for what comes next. Navigate Neurodivergence offers the understanding, language and grounding that so many people are missing after realising they are ND.
Sarah Read, Psychotherapist, Online & in York
Who it's for
- Women discovering or exploring neurodivergence
- Women experiencing burnout, masking fatigue, sensory overload
- Women wanting clarity, self‑understanding, and sustainable ways of living
FAQs
What is neuro-affirming therapy?
Neuro-affirming therapy recognises autism, ADHD and AuDHD as natural differences in how people experience and process the world. The focus is on self-understanding, regulation and reducing shame, not changing who you are.
Who do you typically work with?
I mainly work with women who are late identified neurodivergent - autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, or exploring whether they might be. I also work with people supporting someone who is neurodivergent.
Together, we work to help you understand your neurodivergence better and how may impact:
Together, we work to help you understand your neurodivergence better and how may impact:
- Relationship challenges and transitions
- Stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm
- Family ruptures and role confusion
- Confidence, boundaries, and self-esteem
- Grief, loss, and invisible milestones
- Identity questions and recalibration
- Work-life balance and career dissatisfaction
How do I know if therapy is right for me, and if you are the right therapist?
Therapy can be helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, confused about your neurodivergence, or simply wanting a space where you can be fully yourself. Many neurodivergent adults find therapy supportive when they’re trying to understand long‑held patterns, soften masking, or build a life that feels more aligned with their nervous system.
Whether I’m the right therapist for you depends on how my way of working lands with you. My approach is gentle, steady, and collaborative, with a focus on understanding your ND experience at a pace that feels safe. Some people appreciate the calm structure of Navigate Neurodivergence sessions at the beginning; others prefer a more open start. Our introductory call is a relaxed space to get a feel for each other and see whether my style feels supportive for you.
Whether I’m the right therapist for you depends on how my way of working lands with you. My approach is gentle, steady, and collaborative, with a focus on understanding your ND experience at a pace that feels safe. Some people appreciate the calm structure of Navigate Neurodivergence sessions at the beginning; others prefer a more open start. Our introductory call is a relaxed space to get a feel for each other and see whether my style feels supportive for you.
What are your fees?
Therapy Fees: 50min Sessions - £70
We can discuss shorter or longer sessions if these would suit your processing style better.
Navigate Neurodivergence sessions (4 x 75min): £95 per session
Payment is by bank transfer, and is due 48 hours before the session.
We can discuss shorter or longer sessions if these would suit your processing style better.
Navigate Neurodivergence sessions (4 x 75min): £95 per session
Payment is by bank transfer, and is due 48 hours before the session.
Weekly or fortnightly sessions?
Therapy works best when it feels spacious and sustainable. I have found, through experience, that weekly sessions - at least to begin with - can help us to establish a therapeutic relationship. Beyond that, many ND clients find fortnightly sessions particularly effective:
I am happy to discuss with you the frequency of sessions that you feel would work best for you.
- more time to process - can be less overwhelming
- breathing room to reflect, notice changes or integrate insights between sessions
- you can fit therapy in more easily around other commitments - navigate life between sessions
- can be more affordable
I am happy to discuss with you the frequency of sessions that you feel would work best for you.
Do you offer evening or weekend appointments?
I do offer some evening appointments
My working days are Tues - Thur
My working days are Tues - Thur
Is online therapy as effective as in-person?
Online therapy works a lot like in-person therapy and is just as effective - and for many, it offers greater ease and flexibility.
Sessions take place via a secure video platform, allowing you to access therapy from your own space, without commute time.
You’ll receive a private link before each session; all you need is a stable internet connection and a quiet, confidential space to speak freely.
For ND clients online therapy can be particularly helpful:
Sessions are sensory-aware and paced for your comfort, focusing on self-understanding and regulation rather than changing neurodivergent traits.
Sessions take place via a secure video platform, allowing you to access therapy from your own space, without commute time.
You’ll receive a private link before each session; all you need is a stable internet connection and a quiet, confidential space to speak freely.
For ND clients online therapy can be particularly helpful:
- avoids travel and waiting rooms
- reduces sensory overload
- regulate your environment - comfort and privacy
- easier energy management - flexible scheduling
- access to therapy nationally
- the same deep, reflective work as in-person sessions
Sessions are sensory-aware and paced for your comfort, focusing on self-understanding and regulation rather than changing neurodivergent traits.
What might therapy look like & how long will it take?
What might therapy look like?
When you get in touch, I offer a free 20–30 minute phone call or Teams meeting to explore what’s bringing you to therapy and whether we feel like a good fit. I may ask for relevant background information, and your hopes for our work together. You'll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for my approach.
As therapy unfolds through regular weekly or fortnightly sessions, we might talk, reflect, or use creative tools to explore your patterns, boundaries, and sense of self.
As your awareness grows and you begin to implement new insights, we’ll adapt how we work together.
How long will therapy take?
This varies widely depending on your goals and circumstances. I usually suggest we start with 4 - 8 sessions and review it from there. Some people find the clarity and tools they need in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Together, we'll regularly assess your progress and discuss what timeline makes sense for your needs.
When it's time to end therapy, it can be helpful to dedicate one final session together so that we can reflect and bring our work together to a thoughtful close.
When you get in touch, I offer a free 20–30 minute phone call or Teams meeting to explore what’s bringing you to therapy and whether we feel like a good fit. I may ask for relevant background information, and your hopes for our work together. You'll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for my approach.
As therapy unfolds through regular weekly or fortnightly sessions, we might talk, reflect, or use creative tools to explore your patterns, boundaries, and sense of self.
As your awareness grows and you begin to implement new insights, we’ll adapt how we work together.
How long will therapy take?
This varies widely depending on your goals and circumstances. I usually suggest we start with 4 - 8 sessions and review it from there. Some people find the clarity and tools they need in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Together, we'll regularly assess your progress and discuss what timeline makes sense for your needs.
When it's time to end therapy, it can be helpful to dedicate one final session together so that we can reflect and bring our work together to a thoughtful close.
Is what I share confidential?
Absolutely. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of effective therapy.
There are a few exceptions to this which I will talk through with you in our initial consultation.
There are a few exceptions to this which I will talk through with you in our initial consultation.
How do I get started?
Simply use the 'Book A Free Intro Call' form at the bottom of the page or email me at navigatinglifetherapy@pm.me to book your free initial consultation. Please indicate whether you are looking for therapy or my Navigate Neurodivergence sessions (or exploring which would be most appropriate for you).
During this brief chat (20 - 30 min), we'll discuss what you are looking for, I will explain how I work and try to answer any questions you have, and we can determine next steps.
I will respond within 48 hours of your request, so if you have not heard from me within that time please check your junk/spam folders in case my reply has dropped into there.
During this brief chat (20 - 30 min), we'll discuss what you are looking for, I will explain how I work and try to answer any questions you have, and we can determine next steps.
I will respond within 48 hours of your request, so if you have not heard from me within that time please check your junk/spam folders in case my reply has dropped into there.
What happens in the intro call?
The purpose of the introduction call is to find out what issues you are keen to work on and to explain a little of how I work.
I will ask some questions about your challenges and how they are impacting you across your life - home, work, relationships, sleep etc. I will take some contact info and make some notes (which are destroyed if we do not go on to work together).
If I think at the end of the call that I can support you, I’ll share that with you and we can discuss how it would work. But, if I feel that I am not the best person to help you I’ll tell you and if I know someone who could help, I’ll point you in their direction instead.
I will ask some questions about your challenges and how they are impacting you across your life - home, work, relationships, sleep etc. I will take some contact info and make some notes (which are destroyed if we do not go on to work together).
If I think at the end of the call that I can support you, I’ll share that with you and we can discuss how it would work. But, if I feel that I am not the best person to help you I’ll tell you and if I know someone who could help, I’ll point you in their direction instead.
What is Navigate Neurodivergence?
Navigate Neurodivergence -
Over a minimum of four sessions we follow what matters most to you; you choose the themes we look at, often including:
Over a minimum of four sessions we follow what matters most to you; you choose the themes we look at, often including:
- Meeting yourself in midlife - how your neurodivergence shows up now, and how it may have shaped the years behind you.
- Energy, rest, and the cost of masking - noticing what depletes you and what genuinely restores you.
- The grief, the relief, and everything in between - making room for the feelings that arrive with late identification.
- Relationships, boundaries, and taking up space - communicating in ways that fit your wiring, without apology.
What Therapy Clients Say...
Sarah is fantastic at listening in a non-judgemental way...she has really helped me in a short space of time and would recommend her to anyone who does not know where to get started with therapy.
Therapy with Sarah has been a space for me to get my thoughts in order and work out what I actually think and feel about things. I have never really considered what's happening in my body before, but now I recognise different sensations which helps me adjust how I react.
Sarah is so easy to speak to. She really makes me feel heard and understood and provides practical support whilst not putting pressure on me to do anything I’m not comfortable with.
Book A Free Intro Call
I aim to respond within 48 hours of your request, so if you have not heard from me within that time please check your junk/spam folders in case my reply has dropped into there.
- Online UK &
- Tower Court (Regus), Oakdale Rd, York YO30 4XL
Working Days: Tues - Thur, 10am - 7pm