About Divergent Child Therapy

Divergent Child Therapy is a service for neurodivergent children and adolescents (and their families) to access therapy (mainly CBT) that is adapted to their specific strengths and needs. Adaptations are specific to each individual and may, for example, take account of differences in information processing, social communication, sensory processing, engagement and masking.

I am based in North London and see families in a clinic there and occasionally in their own homes where this is needed.  Online and/or telephone sessions can be arranged where travel distance is too far although these might not be appropriate for all children/adolescents.  

I have a strengths-based approach which means that I focus on a child/adolescents' strengths whilst supporting with their difficulties.  I work with families to support a greater understanding of how autism affects their child and how to make adaptations to facilitate positive change for them. I offer adapted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) when appropriate to treat mental health conditions.  I work with schools on behalf of parents, where it would help support the child. I write reports to input to EHCP applications for the children I am working with.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy based on the concept that a person's thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and unhelpful behaviours can trap them in a negative cycle. Adapted CBT takes account of the child's specific autistic strengths and difficulties to make the therapy accessible to them and their specific profile of needs.  Examples of adaptations include having more structured sessions, accommodations for high levels of anxiety that coming to therapy might induce, balance of verbal/visual input according the child's profile and care with language and questioning. CBT is an evidence based approach for many mental health conditions including anxiety, low mood and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

To find out whether my services might be helpful in supporting your child please use the Drop me Line button below with a brief outline of what you are looking for.  I will contact you to understand your needs and see if I can be of help.  

Sessions are 50 minutes long and cost £120 each for in-clinic or £100 for on-line sessions.   In home sessions are also possible and usually include a travel time charge which depends on travel distance. Payment is needed in advance and cancellation with less than 48 hours notice will incur a fee.  Full details are in my terms and conditions which can be provided on request.

I am fully accredited by the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapists (BABCP) and follow their standards of conduct, performance and ethics.  I have supervision monthly (1.5 hours) with an HCPC and BABCP registered clinical psychologist.  My accreditation status can be checked on the BABCP register of accredited practitioners:  CBT Search Results (babcp.com)