If you are neurodivergent, whether diagnosed or self realising, you may be looking for a counsellor who understands what that means for you personally.
It's absolutely possible to have a successful and fulfilling life with autism or ADHD. But often this comes with sacrifices that other people may not fully see or understand, especially if you've spent years masking your struggles so effectively.
You may be feeling anger or frustration that your difficulties were not recognised earlier in life. There can also be sadness or grief for your younger self that needs space to be explored. Relationships with family, friends or partners sometimes need to be revisited too, with expectations adjusted on all sides.
And then there’s the question of how to move forward. You might be realising that the full-on lifestyle you've always pushed yourself to maintain is no longer manageable now that you understand yourself better. Perhaps you’ve experienced burnout more than once and want to find a more sustainable way of living.
These are all areas I work with regularly in my counselling practice. I offer a space filled with empathy, acceptance and understanding, alongside support in advocating for yourself, understanding your needs and finding a balance that works for you.
Although much of my work focuses on neurodivergent clients, I also support people with anxiety, low self-esteem, bereavement, relationship difficulties, stress and life overwhelm. Some clients come specifically for autism or ADHD counselling, while others are simply looking for a warm, supportive space to talk.
I started my counselling career advertising an ‘understanding of autism’ as a small by-line, and my practice quickly filled with autistic clients, wanting to speak to someone who truly “gets it”. Over the years I’ve learnt so much from the wonderful people I’ve worked with, alongside continuing to educate myself through books, training, lived experience perspectives and up-to-date neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
More recently, my work has increasingly included supporting adults with both autism and ADHD, reflecting the significant overlap between the two. I work with students, professionals, and adults of all ages, many of whom have spent years feeling misunderstood or overwhelmed. I also warmly welcome clients from the LGBTQ+ community.
Sessions are available online across the UK or face to face in Hayling Island on the South Coast of Hampshire close to Portsmouth and Chichester.
Taking that first step to contact a counsellor can feel daunting. I'll do my best to make the process feel as comfortable as possible by answering any questions you may have over email, text, or telephone before you decide whether counselling with me feels right for you.
Click here to get in touch, or to find out more, head over to the FAQ page.
You can also click the button to WhatsApp me directly from this page.
ABOUT ME


Karen Charman MBACP
BSc (Hons) Psych.
Dip. Humanistic Counselling

QUALIFICATIONS
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Inclusive Coaching Diploma (in progress)
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BSc (Hons) Psychology, 2023
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Diploma of Higher Education - Humanistic Counselling, 2020
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CPCAB Level 2 Certificate Counselling Skills, 2018
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First Steps in Counselling Skills, 2001
CPD
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Level 2 Induction for Disability Support Practitioners, 2024
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Mental health experiences & needs of Autistic teenagers, 2024
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Understanding Autism & ADHD, 2021
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Working with Autistic & Neurodivergent Clients, 2021

I qualified as a Humanistic Counsellor at The University of Chichester in 2020 and soon after set up Elephas Counselling. For nearly six years I have worked in private practice both online and face to face, supporting adults of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom are autistic, have ADHD or experience both. I am late diagnosed neurodivergent myself and have personal experience of parenting an autistic child/young adult.
Previously I volunteered as a counsellor at The Bereavement Counselling Charity, Hampshire for 18 months and at the University of Portsmouth Student Wellbeing Service as a counsellor for 2 years. Through these roles, I gained experience working with young adults presenting with a range of issues and with bereaved adults of all ages.
I am currently in training with Inclusive Futures for an Inclusive Coaching Diploma which is ICF accredited.
Alongside my counselling work, I completed a degree in psychology with The Open University. I have had a lifelong interest in counselling and understanding people. Before becoming a counsellor I worked in customer service, sales, account management, human resources and marketing.
I am insured and a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) and abide by their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
To find out what previous clients have said about working with me, click here.



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