Heart and Mind Therapies

Heart and Mind Therapies Collaborative and empowering counselling, supporting neurodivergent professionals to thrive.

What Is Confidence?Confidence isn’t just about how you look—it’s about how you feel within yourself. • It’s walking with...
11/04/2025

What Is Confidence?

Confidence isn’t just about how you look—it’s about how you feel within yourself.

• It’s walking with your head held high.
• It’s believing in yourself.
• It’s knowing your boundaries.
• It’s trusting yourself.

But how do you become confident?

You’ve probably heard the phrase “fake it until you make it.” Sure, anyone can learn to act confident—there are countless self-help books that teach you how to walk, talk, and present yourself that way.

But faking it doesn’t build real confidence.

True confidence comes from something deeper: self-love, self-acceptance, and truly knowing who you are. It’s not about pretending—it’s about embracing yourself fully.

Real confidence allows you to walk tall, not just when things are easy, but even when life challenges you.

Yes, there will be moments that shake you, maybe even knock you down. But true confidence isn’t about never falling—it’s about knowing you have the strength to rise again.

Because at the heart of confidence is this simple, unshakable truth:

I am who I am, and I am enough.

Travel Do’s and Don’ts from an Autistic TherapistDo:✅ Bring sensory aids. Use whatever helps you feel comfortable—noise-...
05/04/2025

Travel Do’s and Don’ts from an Autistic Therapist

Do:
✅ Bring sensory aids. Use whatever helps you feel comfortable—noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, sunglasses—whatever makes the journey easier for you. There’s no shame in using what works.

✅ Plan your journey. Mapping out your route in advance can bring predictability and a sense of control. Check for things like seating arrangements, toilet locations, and any potential quiet spaces.

✅ Ask for support. Airports and transport hubs often have dedicated assistance services. Don’t hesitate to reach out to staff, and consider informing the airline of your needs before your trip.

✅ Travel with a buddy. If possible, go with someone who understands and supports you. Having a trusted person by your side can make a huge difference in reducing stress and anxiety.

Don’t:
❌ Expect it to be easy. There’s no “should” when it comes to how you experience travel. If it’s difficult, that’s okay. Give yourself permission to take breaks, use your coping strategies, and prioritise your comfort.

Travel should be about the experience, not just the destination—so make it work for you.

"You don’t look autistic!"How many times have you heard this—once, twice, a hundred times?Hearing this statement can be ...
31/03/2025

"You don’t look autistic!"

How many times have you heard this—once, twice, a hundred times?

Hearing this statement can be unsettling, making you question yourself. Am I really autistic? Have I somehow fooled everyone, even myself? Am I "autistic enough" to be valid?

But here’s the truth: You are autistic. Your experience is real, and no ignorant remark can change that. When someone says this, it’s not a reflection of you—it’s a reflection of their own misunderstanding.

So next time you hear it, turn the question back on them. Ask:

•What does an autistic person look like?
•What do you actually know about autism?
•What qualifies you to challenge my experience and reality?

Their answers (or lack thereof) might reveal more than they realise, and hopefully, encourage them to rethink their assumptions.

Because you don’t need to look autistic. You just are.

You’ve Discovered You’re Neurodivergent—Now What About Your Career?Everyone’s journey is unique. As you learn more about...
17/03/2025

You’ve Discovered You’re Neurodivergent—Now What About Your Career?

Everyone’s journey is unique. As you learn more about yourself, you might realise that your current career no longer fits who you are. If that’s the case, here are some key questions to help guide your next steps:

1. What’s Not Working in Your Current Career?
• Is it the hours, the team, or the work environment?
• Are there specific challenges that make your job harder to manage?

2. What Do You Enjoy About Your Job?
• Are there tasks that make you feel fulfilled or energised?
• Which aspects of your work would you want to carry into a new career?

3. Does Your Career Align With Your Values?
• What truly matters to you—both in your job and beyond it?
• Does your work support or conflict with those values?

4. How Do You Feel at the End of the Workday?
• Are you drained, overwhelmed, or constantly in fight-or-flight mode?
• Can you unwind and recharge, or does work take a lasting toll on you?

Reflecting on these questions might reveal that a career change is the right path, leading you to a role that better supports your strengths and needs. Or, you might find that small adjustments—like reasonable accommodations or a shift in responsibilities—can make a big difference.

Whatever you decide, prioritising your well-being and aligning your work with who you are is always a step in the right direction.

Navigating your assessment Going through an assessment for ADHD or Autism can feel incredibly daunting. The long wait li...
12/03/2025

Navigating your assessment

Going through an assessment for ADHD or Autism can feel incredibly daunting. The long wait lists and pre assessment questionnaires can be time consuming and anxiety provoking.

But what we often don’t talk about is the emotional toll that it takes. Thinking about and retelling your life story to an assessor can be emotionally taxing and in some cases retraumatising.

Past experiences that are often tainted by trauma and pain. In addition the experience of being assessed and observed can in itself sometimes feel invalidating.

You may start to ask yourself questions about your past experiences. You may question the way you are currently living your life and you may even question your relationship with yourself and/or others.

Having a safe space to reflect on these experiences with someone that has been through it can’t be transformative. Change can be scary. That's why having someone guide and support you through can make all the difference.

Reasonable Adjustments: You Deserve Support at Work If you're neurodivergent, the workplace can sometimes feel overwhelm...
08/03/2025

Reasonable Adjustments: You Deserve Support at Work

If you're neurodivergent, the workplace can sometimes feel overwhelming—too noisy, too fast-paced, or full of expectations that don’t align with how your brain works. But here’s the thing: You have the right to reasonable adjustments that help you thrive, not just survive.

Whether it’s flexible hours, noise-canceling headphones, written instructions, or a quiet workspace, small changes can make a big difference. You’re not asking for "special treatment"—you’re advocating for what you need to do your best work.

If requesting adjustments feels daunting, you don’t have to do it alone. A counsellor can help you navigate conversations with your employer and build confidence in advocating for yourself.

You deserve a workplace that works for you.

My mission in life is not to merely survive, but to thrive ; and to do so with passion, some compassion, some humor, and...
04/03/2025

My mission in life is not to merely survive, but to thrive ; and to do so with passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” -- Maya Angelou

Are You Feeling Like a Zombie?Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions—exhausted, numb, and disconnected fro...
02/03/2025

Are You Feeling Like a Zombie?

Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions—exhausted, numb, and disconnected from life? You’re not alone. When stress, burnout, or emotional overwhelm take over, it can feel like you’re running on autopilot, barely present in your own life.

This isn’t just "being tired"—it’s a sign your mind and body need care. Pause. Breathe. Acknowledge what you’re feeling. You don’t have to push through alone. Small steps—like setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, or seeking support—can help bring you back to life.

Your emotions matter. Your well-being matters. If you’re feeling stuck in survival mode, let’s talk. You deserve to feel human again.

Collaborative and empowering counselling, supporting neurodivergent professionals to thrive.Hi, I’m Isabella, an autisti...
27/02/2025

Collaborative and empowering counselling, supporting neurodivergent professionals to thrive.

Hi, I’m Isabella, an autistic counsellor offering a safe, compassionate space for neurodivergent adults to explore, heal, and thrive. Life can feel overwhelming when you’re navigating a world that doesn’t always understand you.

You might be managing anxiety, depression, or burnout, feeling like you’re just surviving day to day. I understand because I’ve been there, too.

At Heart and Mind Therapies, my approach is different. Here, you won’t find one-size-fits-all solutions or rigid frameworks. Instead, I offer tailored, flexible therapy that adapts to your unique needs and celebrates your individuality.

Together, we’ll work to dismantle harmful narratives, reconnect with your authentic self, and move towards a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

If you’ve felt let down by therapy in the past, I want to assure you that it doesn’t have to be that way. At Heart and Mind Therapies, you’ll find a space that feels different—a space built on understanding, empathy, and genuine care.

Whether you’re looking to better understand yourself, manage life’s challenges, or simply feel more at ease, I’m here to walk alongside you.

Change can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.

You deserve to thrive, not just survive.

I live in Peterborough in the United Kingdom, and offer online therapy sessions across the world.

Visit my website to book a free initial consult.

https://heartandmindtherapies.com/

Address

Peterborough

Opening Hours

Monday 6pm - 9pm
Tuesday 6pm - 9pm
Wednesday 6pm - 9pm
Thursday 6pm - 9pm
Friday 6pm - 9pm
Saturday 10am - 12pm

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