The journey that led me here
I am proud to share that I have a Master of Counselling from Monash University in Australia, a Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Children and Adolescents, and a BA (HONS) Primary Education with QTS from Northumbria University. Furthermore, I am also trained in ASIST Suicide prevention & those bereaved by Suicide as well as being Ausome trained in supporting neurodivergent individuals particularly Autistic, ADHD and AuDHD identities.
Having previously worked as a Whole School Counsellor and Child Protection Lead at two prestigious international schools, in Singapore and Japan, I have extensive experience of supporting staff, students and their families with mental health challenges.
I’m passionate about the Neurodiversity paradigm in particular, and I’m proud to offer an inclusive practice that places focus on being Neuro-affirming. That means that I visualise Neurodiversity as essential to our human ecosystem and I value different ways of thinking, feeling, communicating and behaving. It also means that I celebrate differences rather than moulding deficits to fit into a neurotypical world. I welcome people from all walks of life and I’m proud to be an LGBTQIA+ Aly and support those exploring gender and sexuality identities.
- Master of Counselling – Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Children and Adolescents
- BA (HONS) Early Primary Education with QTS
- Professional Certificate in supporting Autistic Adults (Ausome Dawn)
- Professional Certificate in supporting Autistic children and adolescents (Ausome Leanbh)
- Professional Certificate in supporting individuals living with ADHD
- Professional Certificate in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Professional Certificate in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
- Certificate in Integrative Sand Tray Stories
- Diploma in Integrated Sand Tray Therapy through an IFS lens
- IACP (Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) Fully accredited member
- SAC (Singapore Association of Counselors)
- ISCA (International Schools Counselors Association)
- Neuro-differences – (ADHD, Autism, OCD, Trauma, Tourette’s Syndrome)
- Transitions – Global relocations and supporting the Grief and Loss cycle.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Gender and Sexual Identity
My Story
I’m fortunate to have worked in educational settings across the globe as a qualified teacher, supporting children, adolescents, young people and adults, alongside their families and carers. With a deep understanding of child development and the transition into adulthood, I have extensive experience supporting individuals and families navigating mental health challenges. I support adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and trauma as they navigate life’s challenges.
My 19 years of international work have given me a deep understanding of the complexities of relocation and significant life transitions. As a Third Culture Kid myself, I understand the experience of being an ‘expat’ or ‘repat’, including the grief, loss and adjustment that can accompany these changes. In my previous role, I supported families relocating internationally through my work with government embassies, helping them navigate and settle into new homes, communities and lives.
Why I became a Psychotherapist
My journey into counselling began while working in inner-city schools in London, where I quickly recognised the importance of seeing each student holistically. Creating spaces built on trust, compassion, non-judgement and kindness allowed meaningful relationships to develop and often revealed underlying mental health and emotional needs.
As my teaching career took me across the globe, I continued to see the importance of wellbeing, safeguarding and supporting the whole person. During my time in Singapore, I became particularly aware of the challenges faced by individuals and families navigating life away from their usual support networks, deepening my interest in relationships, self-care and mental health.
As Head of Lower Primary in an international school, working closely with Learning Support and Counselling teams ultimately inspired me to retrain as a counsellor. My goal was to develop greater awareness, understanding and acceptance of mental health, whatever someone’s story may hold.
My work has since developed into a particular passion for supporting neurodivergent individuals. I have expanded my practice to support children, adolescents and adults with neuro-differences, including Autism, ADHD and OCD, including those identified later in life. As a neuro-affirming therapist, I’m passionate about providing understanding, advocacy and meaningful support throughout the assessment and beyond — helping individuals understand themselves, recognise their strengths and navigate life with greater confidence.
Are you curious about living with a neuro type?
Get in touch with Annie to explore this further!