Neurodiversity-affirming counselling for LGBTQ+, kinky and non-monogamous adults in Hove and online.

Why counselling?

Are you finding it hard to navigate your relationships when they don’t fit into society’s expectations? Or has life become so complicated and full of change that you’re feeling overwhelmed, maybe even burnt out, by it all? Is a good night’s sleep a distant memory, making everything feel even more difficult?

I offer a warm, empathic space that is neurodiversity-affirming, where you can explore your feelings, values, behaviours and history, and in doing so develop a better awareness of yourself. Being more in touch with who you are and what you want could help you feel more together and able to deal with what life throws at you.

With space to talk, maybe the complexities of your life and relationships start to simplify. You could feel less stuck and more able to see a way forward. You might even find it easier to switch off at night and sleep.

I believe nothing happens in a vacuum. We are all affected by the world we live in, the people in our lives, what we experienced growing up. And whilst there’s a lot we can’t change, becoming more aware of what we can could provide a new way to look at the issues we are facing.

Issues I can help with:

• Relationship challenges

• Life transitions

• Loss of identity/self

• Anxiety

• Stress

• Overwhelm

• Burnout

• Menopause and perimenopause

• ADHD, AuDHD, and autism (self-identified and diagnosed)*

• Addiction and recovery

• Chemsex

• Sexuality, including coming out at any age

• Kink and BDSM

• Relationship diversity (polyamory, open relationships, ethical non-monogamy)

*Please note that I am unable to diagnose ADHD, AuDHD or autism

Am I the right counsellor for you?

The most important element of counselling is the relationship between you and the counsellor. You need to be able to build trust, so that you can explore all the parts of your life that you find challenging. Part of that is finding someone who understands what you are going through. As well as my training to be a counsellor, I bring extensive and varied life experience.

I’ve been out as a kinky, non-monogamous lesbian for over 30 years. This has been a source of great joy in my life, but also brings with it some unique challenges. When I needed help with those, I found it hard to find a therapist who didn’t think that it was these parts of my life that were the source of my problems. So, if you’re looking for a counsellor who doesn’t think that your life would be better if you were straight, vanilla and/or monogamous, then we might be a good fit.

Rest assured though, I won’t give you advice or tell you there’s a ‘right way’ to live your life. Instead, I’ll listen while you tell me about how you experience the world, and support you in what you are going through. All emotions are welcome in my counselling room, and I can hold what you need me to hold with compassion.

I work ‘within diversity’, meaning that for me diversity isn’t an add-on, but it sits at the heart of the way I look at the world. I have lived experience of how it feels to exist outside of what society says is ‘normal’. But the discrimination you face might be different. It might be because of race, or gender, or age, or (most likely) a complex combination of all these factors and more. By recognising that living in a society that labels you as ‘not belonging’ is inherently harmful, we can begin to reject those messages and accept ourselves and others in all our differences.

I offer a free 20 minute call to see if we might be a good fit for working together. I’ll tell you a bit about me and ask you some questions about what brings you to counselling.u

Qualifications and training

CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Integrative)

CPCAB Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies

CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills

Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling

‘Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity (GSRD): An introduction’ CPD (Dominic Davies, Pink Therapy)

‘Breaking free from the Inner Tyrant’ CPD (Sussex CPD)

‘Privilege & Power’ CPD (Dr Dwight Turner)

Accredited Member NCPS

What does neuroaffirming mean?

I explicitly state that the counselling I offer is neurodiversity affirming, because I feel it is important to acknowledge that historically counselling has often been aimed at making autistic and ADHD people change themselves to fit into a neurotypical world. I don’t do that. I provide a space for you to explore what it means to be you, and understand yourself without shame or feeling like you ‘should’ change or be different.

I strive to make the counselling experience comfortable for you, whether that’s giving you space to move your body, doing online sessions with the camera switched off, or providing longer or shorter sessions. Everyone has different needs, and I’m happy to discuss these and work with you on meeting them during the free introductory 20 minute call I offer.

Costs

I charge £50 for a weekly 50 minute session. This can take place in my practice rooms in Hove or online, depending on your preference.

I also offer shorter and longer sessions, or fortnightly ones (online only) if that suits you better. We can discuss what you need during our first chat and initial meetings.

25 minute sessions, for when there's a very specific issue in the here and now that you need to work on - £30

70 minute sessions, for when you want to go deeper and have time and space to take the work at the pace that suits you - £65

I work online with people located throughout the UK. I am currently unable to work with people located outside the UK.

Let's talk

If you’d like to have a free chat about how I might be able to help you, please fill in your details below and I’ll get back to you with some times I’m available.

Rachel Adler Neuroaffirming Counselling

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Racheladlercounselling@gmail.com

07522 196515

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