Autism

Understanding that you are autistic can bring many different feelings. You may experience relief in finally having an explanation for parts of yourself that have felt difficult or confusing, while at the same time feeling sadness, frustration, anger, or uncertainty about experiences you have had in the past.

You may have spent a long time trying to understand what other people expect from you, adapting to situations, or hiding parts of yourself so that you could fit in. This can sometimes mean that your own emotions and needs have become difficult to recognise or express. You might know that something feels wrong without being able to find the words to explain exactly what you are feeling.

Your emotions are real and important, even when they feel overwhelming, confusing, or difficult to communicate. Being autistic does not mean that you feel less. Sometimes you may experience emotions very deeply, or need more time and space to understand what is happening inside you.

Therapy can offer you a safe, non-judgemental space to explore these feelings at your own pace. It can help you make sense of your experiences, recognise your emotional needs, and develop ways of expressing what you are feeling that work for you. It can also provide an opportunity to explore masking, relationships, identity, and the impact of feeling misunderstood.

Most importantly, therapy isn’t about changing who you are, but it can help you to understand yourself more fully and to develop greater self-compassion. Your autism is part of who you are, and understanding yourself can be an important step towards feeling more comfortable, accepted, and able to be yourself.

If you’re interested in exploring your feelings around autism and understanding more about how this impacts your life and or relationships, feel free to get in touch for a free 20 minute consultation via my homepage. I am based in Lindfield Haywards Heath, West Sussex and offer both in person and online sessions.