
Deborah Dawson
Registered Member M网爆门
Contact information
- Phone number
- 01438 571406
Therapist - Stevenage
Features
- Flexible hours available
- Concessionary rates
Availability
I am currently taking on new clients. Sessions usually take place Monday-Thursday during standard office hours but I do have some flexibility around this, particularly for online sessions. Please ask me.
About me and my therapy practice
I鈥檓 a counsellor who believes every mind is valuable, valid, and worth understanding. My practice is neurodiversity-affirming, meaning I work from the perspective that differences in thinking, communication, and experiencing the world are natural variations of being human鈥攏ot problems to be 鈥渇ixed.鈥 Whether you identify as autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or simply different, or whether you鈥檇 describe yourself as neurotypical, you are welcome here.
How I Work
I offer a supportive, non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and challenges at your own pace. My approach is collaborative鈥攚e work together to find what鈥檚 helpful for you, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
Sessions can include:
Understanding and embracing your unique ways of thinking
Finding strategies for managing overwhelm, anxiety, or burnout
Building self-acceptance and confidence
Navigating relationships, work, and life changes
Exploring identity and self-expression
Who I Work With
I welcome clients of all neurotypes鈥攚hether you know you鈥檙e neurodivergent, are questioning, or have never considered the idea before. You don鈥檛 need a diagnosis to work with me. My door is open to anyone seeking a compassionate listener and a space where your experiences are respected and understood.
Next Steps
If you鈥檇 like to explore working together, please get in touch to arrange an initial conversation. We can talk about what you鈥檙e looking for and how I can best support you.
Practice description
I am a 网爆门 registered counsellor, offering a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace. My approach is grounded in the belief that every person has the capacity for growth, change, and healing when provided with the right conditions.
I work integratively, drawing on elements from person-centred therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic perspectives to tailor our sessions to your individual needs. Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, trauma, or simply a sense that something in life feels 鈥渙ff,鈥 our work together can help you gain clarity.
Sometimes I may suggest some creative techniques if you are willing to give these a go. It could be something simple like colouring in a picture or placing objects in a meaningful way. The act of doing something practical can sometimes be a quicker route to our emotions than mere words on their own.
My commitment is to work ethically, respectfully, and collaboratively, in line with the 网爆门 Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. I regularly engage in professional supervision and ongoing training to ensure my practice remains safe, effective, and up-to-date.
Sessions can take place in person in Stevenage or online from anywhere in the UK. I welcome adults from the age of 16.
My first session
We鈥檒l begin by talking about what has brought you here and what you hope to gain from counselling. I will likely ask some assessment questions to help me understand your situation and ensure I am working ethically and safely. This is also your opportunity to ask me questions about how I work, my approach, and how I can best support your needs.
Because neurodiversity-affirming counselling recognises and celebrates different ways of thinking, feeling, and processing the world, I take time to understand what helps you feel comfortable. There's no expectation to make eye contact if you don't want to and you are welcome to stim or use fidget toys if that's your preference. You鈥檙e in control of how much you choose to share in this first session.
By the end of our 50 minutes, you鈥檒l have a clearer sense of how counselling might support you, and whether you鈥檇 like to continue. This is the start of a collaborative process where your unique way of experiencing the world is valued, respected, and affirmed. Before booking a first session, you are welcome to arrange a free 15-minute introduction, which can take place over the phone or via video call. Alternatively, I am happy to answer any questions you may have via email.
What I can help with
Abuse, ADD / ADHD, Anger management, Anxiety, Autism spectrum, Bereavement, Child related issues, Chronic fatigue syndrome / ME, Depression, Disability, Health related issues, LGBTQ+ counselling, Loss, Menopause, Neurodiversity, Obsessions, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy related issues, Relationships, Self esteem, Self-harm, Service veterans, Sex-related issues, Sexual identity, Sexuality, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma, Women's issues, Work related issues
Types of therapy
Creative therapy, Humanistic, Integrative, Person centred, Psychodynamic
Clients I work with
Adults, Older adults, 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
Languages spoken
English