Autism is not something that needs to be cured, removed or trained out of somebody. It is a lifelong neurodivergence that can influence how a person experiences communication, sensory information, routines, relationships and the world around them.
However, being autistic in a world that is not always designed for autistic people can create additional pressures. Anxiety, masking, exhaustion, social uncertainty, low confidence and emotional overwhelm can all become difficult in their own right.
I offer calm, individual hypnotherapy, NLP and coaching support in Reading, Didcot and online. The purpose is not to change you. It is to help with thoughts, feelings or patterns making life harder.
MAIL@THEEXCELPRACTICE.COM OR CALL 07807 540142
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Autism, Asperger’s and Changing Terminology
Asperger syndrome was previously used as a separate diagnosis. It is now generally included within autism spectrum diagnoses, although some people still identify strongly with the word Asperger’s.
Terminology has changed, but the individual person matters more than the label. Autistic people do not all think, communicate or experience emotion in the same way.
The aim of support should therefore never be to make somebody appear “less autistic”. It should be to understand what they are experiencing and help them develop approaches that fit how their mind actually works.
Experiences You May Want Support With
Autistic adults may seek complementary therapeutic or coaching support for:
- Anxiety or persistent worry
- Social pressure and fear of being misunderstood
- Masking and the exhaustion it can cause
- Sensory or emotional overwhelm
- Low confidence or self-esteem
- Overthinking conversations and situations
- Difficulty adapting to unexpected change
- Workplace or performance pressure
- Sleep difficulties linked to stress
- Recovering after rejection, criticism or bullying
These experiences are not automatically caused by autism. They may also be influenced by personality, circumstances, earlier experiences, ADHD, trauma, physical health or other mental-health concerns. We begin with you rather than assuming everything is explained by a diagnosis.
A Neurodivergent-Friendly Approach
Many conventional therapeutic exercises assume that everybody thinks visually, interprets language in the same way or can easily describe emotions. That simply is not true.
Some people think strongly in pictures. Others think through words, facts, sensations, patterns or concepts. Some autistic people also have aphantasia and cannot voluntarily create mental images.
I adapt the work accordingly. You will not be forced to make eye contact, visualise a peaceful scene, use vague emotional language or communicate in a way that does not feel natural. Sessions can be structured, direct and practical.
My approach may draw upon:
- Cognitive hypnotherapy
- NLP and language-based methods
- Coaching and practical problem-solving
- Emotional regulation and grounding
- Positive psychology
- Non-visual therapeutic methods
The techniques are chosen around the person, not imposed because a particular script says they should work.
How Hypnotherapy and Coaching May Help
Hypnotherapy does not treat autism itself. Used appropriately, it may help with related patterns such as anxious responses, anticipatory stress, self-critical thinking or difficulty settling after becoming overwhelmed.
NLP and coaching can help you examine internal dialogue, boundaries, expectations and the meaning attached to difficult situations. We can also develop practical ways of preparing for change, communicating needs and recovering after mentally demanding experiences.
You may also find the pages on anxiety, overthinking, overwhelm and confidence useful.
What Sessions Are Like
Sessions are calm and adapted to your communication preferences. You do not need a perfect explanation.
We will look at:
- What is happening now
- Which situations create the greatest difficulty
- What you would like to experience instead
- Which approach is most likely to suit how you think
- How any changes can be supported outside the session
Some clients prefer clear questions and structure. Others need more time to explore what they are experiencing. Both are acceptable.
Important Professional Boundaries
I do not diagnose autism and do not offer autism assessment. Hypnotherapy, NLP and coaching are not replacements for medical, psychiatric or specialist autism services.
If you need diagnostic assessment, substantial daily-living support or help with an immediate mental-health crisis, I will encourage you to contact an appropriately qualified service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hypnotherapy cure autism?
No. Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence, not an illness to be removed. The work focuses on particular experiences such as anxiety, overwhelm or confidence.
Do I need a formal diagnosis?
Not necessarily. We can work with a specific problem without diagnosing autism. However, I cannot provide a diagnostic opinion.
What if I cannot visualise?
That is not a problem. I have extensive experience adapting therapy for people with aphantasia and non-visual thinking.
Can you help with social anxiety?
Potentially, yes. The aim would not be to teach you to mask. It would be to reduce unnecessary fear and help you feel more secure in the situations that matter to you. You can also read about social anxiety.
Do you support ADHD as well?
I can provide complementary coaching and therapeutic support around patterns such as overwhelm, confidence and routines. Read more about ADHD support.
Ready to Ask a Question?
If you are autistic, identify with the older term Asperger’s, or think you may be neurodivergent, you are welcome to ask whether my approach may suit you.
Sessions are available in Reading, Didcot and online.
MAIL@THEEXCELPRACTICE.COM OR CALL 07807 540142