Counselling for Families

11/12/2025

Neurodiversity and couples: Building a shared language...

Good communication in a neurodiverse relationship isn’t about changing who you are — it’s about finding ways to meet in the middle, with curiosity and care.

1. Use Clear, Direct Language: Be kind but specific. Avoid hints or expecting your partner to “just know.”
Instead of: “You never help around the house.”
Try: “Could you please put the laundry in the dryer before dinner?
2. Ask, Don’t Assume: Clarify what your partner meant before reacting. Try: “When you said you needed space, did you mean you needed quiet time or wanted to stop the conversation?”
3. Slow Down: If emotions rise, take a break. Overwhelm blocks empathy. Agree on a phrase like: “Pause — I need five minutes to reset.”

Contact Julie today for more counselling information, on 📱07412651894 or ✉️ hello@juliewalescounselling.co.uk.

10/12/2025

A quick 'hello!' from Julie Wales to introduce her new support group for women in neurodiverse relationships!

Starting in 2026, this will be a small and tailored group for women suffering from Cassandra syndrome. Want to know more about what Cassandra syndrome is, and how the support group can help? Check out this blog: https://www.juliewalescounselling.co.uk/my-blogs/introducing-a-new-online-support-group-for-women-in-neurodiverse-relationships/.

Or contact Julie to register interest, on 📱07412651894 or ✉️ hello@juliewalescounselling.co.uk.

09/12/2025

Neurodiversity and couples: Why communication feels so different...

Here are some common differences that can lead to miscommunication:

💓 Literal vs. implied meaning: One partner might communicate literally, while the other uses hints or tone. Example: “I’m fine” might mean “I need space” to one, but “Everything’s fine” to the other.
💓 Processing time: Some people need a pause to think before replying. Silence can feel like withdrawal to one partner but is often a sign of deep thought.
💓 Emotional expression: Neurodivergent partners might show care through actions, while neurotypical partners often seek verbal or emotional reassurance.

Contact Julie today for more counselling information, on 📱07412651894 or ✉️ hello@juliewalescounselling.co.uk.

09/12/2025

04/12/2025

Neurodiversity and couples: When neurodiversity affects communication.

For many neurodiverse couples, daily interactions can bring unexpected stress. A difference in tone, timing, or body language can easily lead to misunderstandings.

When one partner processes the world through an autistic or ADHD lens, conversations can become intense or confusing — not because either person is wrong, but because their brains interpret signals differently.

Recognising these neurodiversity communication challenges is the first step toward change. With awareness and gentle curiosity, couples can begin to understand each other’s emotional languages and find shared ground.

Contact Julie today for more counselling information, on 📱07412651894 or ✉️ hello@juliewalescounselling.co.uk.

02/12/2025

Neurodiversity and couples: When it feels like you’re speaking different languages...

Relationships are complex at the best of times, but when one or both partners are neurodivergent — for example, autistic or ADHD — communication can feel even more confusing.

What one partner intends as care might be received as criticism, or a request for space might be misunderstood as rejection. Over time, these differences can create frustration and emotional distance, even when love is strong.

Understanding how neurodiversity shapes communication styles can help couples replace misunderstanding with empathy, and frustration with connection.

Contact Julie today for more counselling information, on 📱07412651894 or ✉️ hello@juliewalescounselling.co.uk.

27/11/2025

Common myths about counselling...

Before starting, some people hold misconceptions about what counselling will be like. Let’s clear up a few:

📌 “I’ll be judged.” – A counsellor’s role is not to criticise but to listen with empathy and understanding.
📌 “I’ll have to relive everything.” – You decide what to talk about, and you’ll never be forced to share more than you want.
📌 “Counselling is only for people in crisis.” – Many people use therapy as a preventative step, or simply as a way of learning more about themselves.
📌 “It’s all about the past.” – While exploring your past can be valuable, many sessions focus on your present challenges and future hopes.

Contact Julie today for more counselling information, on 📱07412651894 or ✉️ hello@juliewalescounselling.co.uk.

25/11/2025

The emotional experience of a first session...

Many people feel a sense of relief during their first session. Finally speaking out loud about what has been weighing on your mind can feel freeing. At the same time, it’s also normal to feel a little drained afterwards. Counselling invites reflection, and giving voice to your inner world can stir up emotions.

This is part of the process. As you continue, the sessions become a rhythm — a space you know is there for you each week, helping you to gradually build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of self.

Contact Julie today for more counselling information, on 📱07412651894 or ✉️ hello@juliewalescounselling.co.uk.

20/11/2025

Setting goals together in your first session...

If you have an idea of what you’d like from counselling, we’ll begin to shape some goals. These might include reducing anxiety, building confidence, improving communication in relationships, or finding better ways to manage stress.

For others, the goal may simply be to have a space where they can talk without judgment. Counselling isn’t a one-size-fits-all process — it adapts to your needs and can evolve as our sessions progress.

Contact Julie today for more counselling information, on 📱07412651894 or ✉️ hello@juliewalescounselling.co.uk.

18/11/2025

Exploring your reasons for counselling in the first session...

During the first session, we’ll talk about what brought you here. Common reasons include:

🌟 Stress and overwhelm – juggling work, family, and personal challenges.
🌟 Anxiety and worry – feeling constantly “on edge” or unable to relax.
🌟 Low mood or depression – struggling to find motivation or joy.
Relationship difficulties – whether with partners, family, or colleagues.
🌟 Life transitions – such as bereavement, separation, career change.
🌟 Neurodiversity – navigating life with or alongside autism or ADHD

Contact Julie today for more counselling information, on 📱07412651894 or ✉️ hello@juliewalescounselling.co.uk.

13/11/2025

Finding your starting point in your first session...

A lot of people worry that they won’t know where to begin. The truth is, there’s no “right” way to start counselling. Some people dive straight into what’s been troubling them, while others prefer to start by talking about their current situation, work, or relationships.

As a counsellor, I’ll follow your lead. You don’t need to prepare a script or have everything worked out in advance. Simply sharing how you’re feeling right now is often enough to open the door to deeper exploration.

Contact Julie today for more counselling information, on 📱07412651894 or ✉️ hello@juliewalescounselling.co.uk.

12/11/2025

Meet the NeuroThrive Team
We look forward to working with you!
— The NeuroThrive C.I.C. Team – Julie Wales
& Tracy Gordon, Gloucestershire, UK

Together, we co-founded NeuroThrive C.I.C. to provide compassionate, neuro-affirming support for autistic and ADHD adults and Parent/Carers across Gloucestershire.
With a shared passion for mental health, wellbeing, and creating inclusive spaces, we combine our skills in counselling, coaching, and mentoring to help individuals build resilience, reduce stress, and thrive in everyday life.
📍 Based in Gloucestershire, we’re here to support you on your journey.
✨ Follow us for updates, resources, and workshops designed to empower neurodivergent adults. www.neurothrive.org.uk

— The NeuroThrive Team 💚