Cognitive Behavioural and Mindfulness-based therapies for the relief of stress, anxiety, depression, phobias and fears
Counselling, therapy and coaching for individuals with autism and/or family members
Specialist couple counselling where one or both partners has autism
ASPECT uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as well as integrative and Mindfulness-based models of counselling and therapy. Adapted as appropriate to the individual, CBT is an effective treatment for mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, fears and phobias, low self-esteem and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Mindfulness (an approach which draws on ancient Buddhist meditative techniques but without religious content) has been found to be effective particularly in treating anxiety and depression and maintaining benefits over time.
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- Young people and adults with autism often experience depression and high levels of anxiety in their everyday lives. For therapy to be effective, it is important that it is provided by a practitioner with specialist knowledge of the disorder.
- Parents of children diagnosed with autism face a period of grieving and huge adjustment in their lives. They not only need to be listened to and their grief and fears heard and understood, but also need to learn about autism, what it may mean for their child and their family. They need to learn about helpful strategies and resources, appropriate education and where to look for support locally and nationally.
- Spouses and partners of people with autism frequently experience extreme frustration and unhappiness, feeling that their partner does not care for them or understand them and cannot communicate with them on an emotionally intimate level. Couples can be helped by increasing their understanding of the other’s communication and emotional needs and learning strategies to recognise and meet them.
ASPECT can provide specialist counselling and therapy as well as practical strategies and advice. We can provide counselling for students at schools, colleges and universities as well as individual and couple counselling.