Amanda Budden

Amanda Budden


Registered Member MÍø±¬ÃÅ

Contact information

Phone number
07535673665

Contact Amanda


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Therapist - Highbridge

Highbridge TA9
07535673665
Sessions from £75.00

Features

  • Flexible hours available

Availability

I currently have limited availability for new clients and offer sessions both online (World-wide) and in person in Somerset. Appointments are usually available Monday to Friday during school hours, with limited early evening options for young people and parents.

I work with children, young people, and adults aged 4–25, and also offer parent consultations and joint sessions where appropriate. I aim to provide flexible scheduling for home-educated children and those unable to attend school due to anxiety or emotional-based school avoidance (EBSA).

Sessions are adapted to each individual’s needs, including sensory-friendly options such as cameras off, flexible pacing, or using video gaming therapy (Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, etc.) for engagement and communication.

If my diary is full, I can offer a place on my waiting list or signpost to trusted neuro-affirming colleagues.

I take regular breaks during school holidays to rest and reflect. Clients are always notified in advance, and messages received during leave are responded to on my return.

About me and my therapy practice

My approach is warm, relational, and grounded in curiosity rather than judgement. I work integratively, drawing on attachment theory, trauma-informed practice, and neuropsychological understanding to help each person make sense of their experiences in a way that feels safe and empowering.

I specialise in supporting children, young people, and young adults aged 4–25, particularly those who are autistic, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent. I also support clients experiencing anxiety, low mood, trauma, or emotional-based school avoidance (EBSA). My practice is fully neuro-diversity affirming: I view difference as diversity, not disorder, and focus on helping clients feel understood, accepted, and supported.

Many young people find traditional talking therapy difficult. I therefore use creative, play-based, and digital approaches - including video gaming therapy - where communication and connection develop naturally through shared activity. This helps clients express themselves and regulate emotions without pressure or expectation.

As a certified ADOS-2 and QbCheck assessor, I can provide specialist neurodevelopmental and emotional health screening to support referrals, EHCPs, and care planning. I work closely with families, schools, and professionals to promote collaborative, non-punitive approaches that focus on understanding behaviour, not controlling it.

My aim is to provide a space where clients can explore who they are and what they need, building confidence, autonomy, and self-acceptance at their own pace.

Practice description

Therapy with me is relaxed, respectful, and led by the needs of each individual. I offer both online and in-person sessions in a calm, sensory-friendly environment, with flexible options to suit children, young people, and young adults aged 4–25.

For many of my clients, traditional therapy rooms can feel intimidating or overwhelming. I therefore adapt sessions to create safety and comfort - this might include using creative tools, visual supports, or video gaming therapy (for example, Minecraft or Adopt Me) where play and conversation unfold naturally. These approaches allow clients to express themselves freely and at their own pace, supporting self-regulation, confidence, and trust.

Sessions are collaborative, not directive. We work together to notice patterns, understand needs, and find practical ways forward. For younger children, therapy may look more like play; for teens and young adults, it may involve reflective dialogue, gaming, or project-based exploration. Parents are often involved in parallel or review sessions so they can understand and support their child’s progress.

I can also offer specialist screening (such as ADOS-2 and QbCheck) where relevant to help identify underlying needs or inform educational or diagnostic pathways.

I value transparency and clear communication. Clients can expect an environment that is neuro-affirming, LGBTQ+ inclusive, trauma-informed, and respectful of sensory and communication differences. My aim is always to provide a space where each person feels seen, understood, and safe enough to grow at their own pace.

My first session

The first session is a gentle introduction, focused on comfort, trust, and connection rather than formal assessment. My aim is to help you, your child, or young person feel safe enough to explore whether therapy feels like a good fit.

As a neurodivergent therapist myself, I understand how important predictability, sensory comfort, and autonomy are - particularly for clients with autism, ADHD, PDA profiles, or a history of trauma, adoption, or care. I work flexibly to ensure the first meeting feels calm, transparent, and free from pressure or expectation.

Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend the first session if this helps a child feel more comfortable. Some stay throughout, others join for the beginning or end. Pets are also welcome in online sessions, as they can help reduce anxiety and support regulation.

Sessions take place online or in my quiet, sensory-friendly therapy room in Somerset. We can include movement breaks, cameras off, shorter sessions, or creative mediums such as play, drawing, or video gaming therapy to help connection develop naturally.

The first session includes discussion about goals, comfort levels, and any adjustments that might help the process. For children and young people, I often meet parents briefly before or after to gather background information and answer questions.

Where appropriate, I may introduce screening tools such as ADOS-2 or QbCheck later in the process to help identify needs or support referrals. There is no difference in rate for the first session, and no obligation to continue if it doesn’t feel like the right fit.

The focus is always on starting safely and building trust at your pace.

What I can help with

Abuse, ADD / ADHD, Adoption, Anxiety, Autism spectrum, Bereavement, Child related issues, Coach Therapist, Depression, Disability, Eating disorders, Identity issues, LGBTQ+ counselling, Loss, Mood disorder, Neurodiversity, Obsessions, OCD, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Relationships, Self esteem, Self-harm, Sensory impairment, Sexual identity, Trauma

Types of therapy

Behavioural, CBT, Creative therapy, Integrative, Internal Family Systems, Person centred, Play therapy

Clients I work with

Adults, Children, Families, Trainees, Young people

How I deliver therapy

Long term sessions, Long-term face-to-face work, Online therapy, Short term sessions, Short-term face-to-face work, Telephone therapy

Languages spoken

English, Polish