Lauren Kriwald (my pronouns are She/Her)

Welcome

I'm Lauren, a neurodiverse counsellor - working with clients identifying as autistic and/or with ADHD.

I offer a calm space where together we can step out of daily living and find clarity on what's brought you to seek counselling.

My authenticity and inclusive approach help create a non-judgemental environment. Here, your whole being and experience is welcome.

Therapeutic Approach

I draw from many theories and ways of working but my core intention is to help build transformative relationships from which you can grow, heal and experience lasting change.

Neurodiverse-Informed Therapy

As well as offering tools and insights for navigating neurotypical climates, my approach is underpinned by the work of Deb Dana.

Her work draws key links between the nervous system and the thoughts, feelings and beliefs that follow its different states.

This awareness can bring greater clarity and calm in session as well as changing the landscape of understanding neurodiverse experiencing. (Very exciting stuff!)

Dana's work paves the way for conversation around self-regulation; I draw from IFS's definition here as simply being in connection with yourself.

In finding the parts of us that have had to take a back seat, and being respectful in understanding the reasons for how this has come about, we can begin to build bridges from the stuck places we find ourselves at the start of therapy, to the ways of being we'd really like to inhabit. This self-freeing process begins with the support of our therapeutic relationship.

I will be alongside you with my humanness, compassion and experience. From wherever we may begin, we will work at your pace towards goals we can identify and agree together.

My approach is trauma-informed and also explores mindfulness, self-compassion and using the body as a resource for allowing greater calm and ease.

Areas of experience

- Understanding neurodiversity

- Anxiety + depression

- Transitional support with stages of life - education / work / family

- Chronic stress + fatigue

- Breakdowns / breakthroughs

- Low self-esteem

- Navigating a diagnosis

- Identity, stuckness + creativity

 - LGBTQ+ and sexuality

- Relationships, friendship + social settings

- Bereavement + loss

In Closing

I have a vibrantly optimistic outlook on life, with room for the hardship and shadow that is part of life too. With a background in entrepreneurship and the arts I enjoy working with a wide range of clients and run my practice with the central intention to see you outshine life's obstacles in the ways feel good to you.

I travel, practice meditation and creative pursuits to nurture my own growth and joy. I work with compassion, respectful boundaries and a genuine sense of curiosity in your experience.

If you feel I may be a good fit for what you're looking for, I offer a free 20-minute phone call to give us a chance to say hello, see how it feels to speak on the phone and allow you to ask any initial questions you may have.

I look forward to speaking with you.