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I am a therapist who is in high demand. Emailing me is the best way to reach me, because I won't be able to answer my phone if in session with a client. 

I am the founder, CEO and counsellor of Action for Neurodiversity (formerly Action for Asperger's, established 2008), a UK-wide charity providing autism-specialist counselling for lives adversely affected by autism.

With over 6,000 autistic individuals counselled across seventeen years, I bring both extensive clinical experience and personal understanding to this work. My academic credentials include a PGC in Asperger's syndrome and a Master's degree in autism, complementing my strong experiential foundation. I regularly deliver presentations on "what works when counselling lives affected by autism" and was honoured with an MBE in the 2016 Queen's Birthday Honours for my contributions to this field.

In July 2025, I completed an 8-year body psychotherapy training at the UKCP-accredited Cambridge Body Psychotherapy Centre, becoming a full clinical member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy College (member no 2011166457).

While I now work primarily in private practice, I continue volunteering with Action for Neurodiversity, running peer supervision groups and mentoring colleagues with the wealth of experience I've accumulated over nearly two decades in this specialised field. I also continue to see clients whom I have known for many years.

I also work closely with psychologist colleagues, conducting autism assessments and acting as a second clinician in the ADOS autism diagnostic evaluation tool.

I am regularly consulted by the legal profession for Expert Witness work, as well as writing regularly for magazines on autism-related matters.

Private practice: www.elainenicholsonmbe.co.uk/elaine@aspergertherapy.co.uk

Charity: www.actionforneurodiversity.org/elaine.nicholson@actionforneurodiversity.org

Body Psychotherapy: www.upeksha.co.uk

As one of the early pioneers of neurodivergent counselling in the noughties, I also led the way for video counselling, having used the medium to reach out to socially awkward Asperger/autistic clients in the mid to late noughties.  

I work via video platforms - primarily Zoom - and also consult in person in Corby or Weldon, Northamptonshire. I work with clients of all ages, from 3 to 100, and offer therapy for couples, families, and individuals. 

In terms of my body psychotherapy work, I prefer to work in person only. 

Although I work mainly with neurodivergent individuals and their close others, this does not preclude the fact that I can, and do, work with neurotypicals also.

Initial Session Structure

During our first session together, we will dedicate the initial 10-15 minutes to reviewing the counselling contract and addressing any questions you may have. Following this discussion, we will begin the therapeutic work as soon as possible. At the session's conclusion, we'll find out what we need to do for ongoing therapeutic collaboration and schedule future appointments.

Fees and Payment

My fee is £75 per session, with payment required in advance. You will receive detailed payment instructions in writing before your first appointment, and this advance payment structure will remain in effect for all subsequent sessions.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice will incur the full session fee. When 24 hours or more notice is given, no charge applies, as this timeframe allows me to offer the appointment slot to another client.