Neurodivergence-Affirming Counselling, Therapy, Coaching & Supervision

John Mackessy, MA, Adv Dip Couns, Dip Supervision, MBACP Accred.

I am a fully qualified and very experienced neurodivergent counsellor and psychotherapist. UK-based, I work with people from all parts online or over the phone.

Since 2001, I have been helping a wide range of people with an even wider range of concerns and life challenges. About 80% of my work is with people who identify as neurodivergent (for instance, ADHD, AuDHD, Autism Spectrum, Dyslexia ...) or who may be going through the process of diagnosis.

I discovered in 2021, at the age of 55, that I am neurodivergent myself and I am neurodivergence affirming in the way that I work. This means that I believe that while neurodivergence, including my own, can present very real challenges in life it is also an important part of people's identities. This deserves respect whether or not it is always seen as 'positive' in wider society. Frequently, though, it includes things like abilities, skills and being able to see, feel and experience things from other valuable perspectives. For more about this see the Diversity & Neurodiversity page.

I provide a safe and confidential space for people of all sorts to move towards solutions and ways forward that work best for them, both personally and professionally. 

Professionally accredited with BACP, I am also a registered and recognized practitioner with several medical insurance companies, such as AXA, BUPA etc.

I have helped people with issues like depression, anxiety, stress, trauma or bereavement. Much of my work supports people with personal and professional development - this could be anything from 'permission to be myself', to 'surviving in a diffcult environment', to communication/people skills, assertiveness and conflict resolution. Many individuals come with relationship problems, either during a relationship or when a significant relationship has ended. You don't have to have a 'problem' to come for counselling or coaching.

Beyond my private practice, I have worked mainly in the education and charitable sectors. I was Counselling Placement Coordinator at London Metropolitan University and have worked in various roles - counsellor, clinical supervisor and manager - at charities such as Witness Against Abuse, Action for Blind People and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

In these and other roles, I have counselled people who are having to manage major changes in their lives; changes that can affect their relationships, their careers and their sense of who they are. I have often worked with trauma and loss, where people are trying to adapt and reorientate themselves in their lives.

I am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and follow BACP's Ethical Framework. I received a distinction for my Master's Degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy, hold a Diploma in Clinical Supervision and supervise the work of counsellors and psychotherapists.

I also work as a teacher of counselling at CPPD Counselling School.

If you would like to arrange an initial telephone or online conversation with me you'd be very welcome to use this form: contact me by email or to use the following email address:  info@internetcounselling.co.uk

You can also contact me by phone on 07809 158 919

I will then get back to you to arrange a time to speak. It would help if you tell me when is a good time to ring and whether it's ok to leave a message for you. There is no charge for this initial conversation and it's covered by the same confidentiality as counselling.

I hope you find the information you need here but if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Best wishes,

John Mackessy