Mental Health Services by Mel Ricketts Psychology

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Being neuro-affirming is more than a label; it is a commitment to seeing your neurotype as a valid difference, not a deficit. My approach is uniquely shaped by my professional background in CAMHS and my lived experience as an ADHDer and a parent to an Autistic/ADHD daughter. I understand firsthand that traditional off-the-shelf therapy can often feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

In our sessions, I don't ask you to mask or conform to neurotypical expectations. Instead, we work together to identify the barriers in your environment and build a toolkit that actually makes sense for your nervous system.

How I Adapt Therapy For You:

• Flexible Communication: We can use cameras-on or off, utilise the chat function, or use shared digital whiteboards for visual mapping if finding the right words feels overwhelming.
• Sensory-Aware Sessions: You are encouraged to stim, use fidget tools, move around, or take breaks whenever you need to regulate.
• Executive Function Support: I provide session summaries, visual action plans, and between-session reminders to help bridge the gap between knowing and doing.
• Low-Arousal & Validation: We move at your pace. I prioritise emotional safety and sensory regulation, ensuring we never push into flooding or burnout.
• Collaborative Goal Setting: We focus on what you value, whether that’s managing anxiety, navigating a spiky profile, or simply learning to advocate for your needs at school or work.

The 'Why' Behind The Work:

Because I live the ADHD and AuDHD reality every day, I understand the nuances that textbooks often miss, like the specific exhaustion of sensory overwhelm or the frustration of knowing what to do but not being able to start. My goal is to provide a space where you (or your child) can finally stop apologising for how your brain works and start thriving because of it.

Neuro-Affirming Support: A Different Kind of Therapy

My approach is built on the belief that there is no right way to have a brain. Whether you are navigating ADHD, Autism, or a Spiky Profile, our work together focuses on understanding your unique nervous system rather than trying to 'fix' it.