I’m a neuroaffirming counsellor with a special focus on working with neurodivergent children, teenagers, young adults, and their families. I offer a safe, accepting space where you can explore what’s going on in your life without fear of judgment or pressure to be anyone other than yourself.

I work in a way that’s flexible, person-centred and supportive—tailoring sessions to suit each individual’s needs. Whether you’ve recently received a diagnosis, are considering if diagnosis might be right for you, feel overwhelmed, or just want somewhere to talk things through, this is a space where you’re met with understanding, not assumptions. My approach is rooted in the belief that neurodiversity is something to be celebrated, not “fixed,” and I’m always guided by your pace and preferences.

As well as 1:1 counselling for young people, I also work with parents of neurodivergent children and teens. With many years’ experience working closely with schools and educational settings, I can help you make sense of your child’s journey and support you in navigating the challenges that can come with parenting in a world that isn’t always built with neurodivergent needs in mind.

Together with my colleague, Dr Lucy Hanson, I co-run Birkenhead Park Counselling Centre, where we also host The Stim Space—a free, friendly monthly group for neurodivergent teens (2nd Thursday of each month) and a relaxed support group for parents of teens (4th Thursday of each month). Everyone is welcome, and there’s no pressure to talk or engage in a certain way—we’re all about creating comfortable spaces where people feel they belong.

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I’m a qualified person-centred and CBT counsellor and a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP 398389), working within their ethical framework. My core approach is neuroaffirming, relational and trauma-informed, shaped by experience in both education and third-sector organisations.

I have worked extensively with children and young people facing a wide range of issues including anxiety, low mood, identity struggles, school trauma, bullying, friendship challenges, grief and loss, family breakdown, disordered eating and self-harm. I also have experience working with clients who have lived through recent or historic emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.

Calm, open, and easy to connect with, I aim to provide a non-judgemental, empowering space where people of all ages feel safe to explore what’s going on and work towards meaningful change—on their own terms.

I currently work as an in-school counsellor in several primary schools, and previously volunteered with RASA Merseyside and Positive Minds, supporting parents and carers of neurodivergent children.
I offer both face-to-face and online sessions, with options for short- or long-term counselling depending on your needs.

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You can also follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaymac_counselling/ for tips, resources, and insights around mental health, neurodiversity, and counselling support.

You can find out more about our work at the Birkenhead Park Counselling Centre by visiting our website: www.birkenheadparkcounselling.co.uk

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Training

Alongside colleague, Lucy Hanson, I have a new and expanding offer of CPD for professionals including counsellors, healthcare and support professionals and those working in an education setting. 

QLS LEVEL 5 DIPLOMA IN Working Therapeutically with Neurodiversity
This practical, neuro-affirming course is designed for qualified counsellors working under supervision who want to enhance their skills and understanding when working with neurodivergent clients. Training will take place over 3 weekends and will help you:

• Understand neurodivergence from diagnostic, functional and lived experience perspectives
• Explore how anxiety and trauma commonly show up in neurodivergent clients — and how to respond in ways that heal, not harm
• Learn how to adapt your counselling approach to meet individual needs and sensory preferences
• Build a strong, strengths-based foundation for neuro-affirming practice
• Feel more confident supporting clients who may have found therapy inaccessible or invalidating in the past
• Delivered by practitioners with both lived experience and extensive professional expertise

You’ll leave this course with a deeper understanding of what neurodivergent clients want from therapy, along with practical tools and insights you can immediately bring into your work.

Fees: £849 (payment plan available) Discounts offered for groups of 10+

QLS LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE in Working With Neurodiversity for Helping Professionals
This course is designed for people with a basic awareness of neurodivergence, who are ready to build their confidence, grow their skills, and offer a more neuroaffirming approach in their work.
We’ll introduce you to the key knowledge and insight from lived experiences associated with neurodivergence – especially Autism and ADHD – and help you understand what these mean in real-life, not just on paper. You’ll explore:

• What neurodiversity really means (and why it matters)
• How Autism and ADHD are diagnosed – and why many people are missed or misdiagnosed
• Common experiences like masking, burnout, and late diagnosis
• Strengths-based approaches that support clients without asking them to fit a “norm”
• Practical ways to adapt your support, communication, and environment
• How to challenge outdated stereotypes and reflect on your own practice

Fees: £349 (payment plan available) Discounts offered for groups of 10+

QLS -17191 CPD in Understanding Neurodiversity for Helping Professionals
This one-day introductory course is designed for people in helping roles – counsellors, educators, support workers and more – who want to develop a clearer understanding of neurodiversity and feel better equipped to support neurodivergent clients. Whether you’re just starting out or want a refresher, this short course offers a warm, practical introduction to:

• To be able to define and describe neurodiversity
• To be able to describe Autism and ADHD
• To understand the challenges faced by neurodivergent people
• To reflect on how you can support neurodivergent clients.

You’ll leave this course with a stronger foundation, fresh insights, and ideas you can take straight into your work.

Fees: £60 Discounts offered for groups of 10+

For further information or to book a place please contact: bpcounsellinged@gmail.com

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Useful Downloads

For Neurodivergent Clients (Teens & Young Adults)

• Coping Toolbox – a fill-in template for identifying personal coping strategies, grounding techniques, and safe people.
• Feelings Tracker – a visual daily/weekly mood tracker.
• What to Expect in Counselling – an easy-read guide explaining the process and what sessions might look like.

Revision Focus

• Revision Tips for ADHD Learners
• Revision Tips for Autistic Learners
• Revision Tips for AuDHD Learners

For Parents of Neurodivergent Children & Teens

• How to Support My Neurodivergent Teen – tips for communication, emotional regulation, and advocating in school settings.
• List of Possible Reasonable Accommodations for Schools
• Signs of Burnout in Neurodivergent Teens – a practical PDF to help parents recognise and respond to emotional overwhelm.
• Questions to Ask a Counsellor – a guide for parents choosing a counsellor for their child.

For Everyone

• 10 Calming Techniques for Overwhelm – quick sensory and cognitive strategies that work for all ages.
• Journal Prompts for Self-Reflection – especially useful for teens and young adults exploring identity or emotions.
• Safety Plan – a printable worksheet you can fill in during sessions and take home.

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