With over 20 years of experience, Olena is a BACP-registered counselling practitioner (BPsych MA CSAccred) and clinical supervisor, working with individuals, couples, thruples and other relationship constellations.
Olena has a strong interest and specialism in helping those who are neurodivergent or a partner of a neurodivergent person. Working within the neuro-, gender, sexual and relationship diversity affirming framework, Olena’s approach is personalised, drawing from her extensive training in varied therapeutic modalities.
Supporting self-discovery, connection, and authentic living.
I am a BACP-registered therapist and clinical supervisor with over 20 years’ experience. I’m also openly autistic and an ADHDer, which means I bring not just professional expertise but genuine lived experience of neurodivergence into my work.
I specialise in supporting neurodivergent clients, partners of neurodivergent people, and those exploring Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) and Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM). I work with warmth, curiosity and respect, creating a safe and affirming space where you can explore your self-concept, grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, relationship challenges, and intimacy concerns. My approach is collaborative and deeply personalised, drawing on a broad range of therapeutic modalities to meet you exactly where you are.
I was awarded Best Neurodiversity Specialist Practitioner (UK) in the Mental Health Awards in 2023 by Global Health & Pharma.
I trained with Relate in Couple and Relationship Counselling. As a practitioner, I am warm, compassionate and diversity-affirming, allowing all my clients’ qualities and unexplored aspects to emerge and be validated.
I developed an early interest in physics and maths and studied psychology and business administration as an undergraduate. Later, I studied creativity and innovation in children through to adulthood for my Master’s degree, continuing my academic focus into relationship counselling and autism.
I have extensive academic training in various therapeutic modalities, including Gottman Method, and tailor my approach to each individual. Through my experience with a vast array of individuals, I have developed my ethos with one important lesson among many: as the psychoanalyst Harry Stack Sullivan said, “We are all more human than otherwise.”
I am here to support and advocate for autistic and other neurodivergent people. I honour my clients as the experts on their minds and bodies. I will listen to what you or your partner need and make adjustments in my virtual online practice and communication to support everyone and help them feel comfortable.
Common issues that my neurodivergent clients bring to therapy include emotional burnout, sensory overwhelm, social anxiety, frustration with trying to accomplish goals, relationship struggles, family and work issues, gender identity and sexuality.
Self-awareness
Many people struggle with motivation and question their life’s purpose. I help with, encourage and welcome self-reflection. We will explore why you do what you do and how to use that driving force to achieve your desired result.
Better relationships.
We spend all our lives trying to learn how to be ourselves and to be connected with others in fulfilling relationships. Often, it feels like the two work against each other.
Almost everyone in counselling is working on relationship issues of one kind or another — whether with themselves, partners, family members, friends or colleagues.
Anxiety & Depression
People have as many things to say about anxiety and depression as they do about what you should eat and how you should exercise.
While anxiety and depression are common experiences, the causes and solutions are also unique to each individual. For some, changes in the environment and social justice action are important in resolution; for others, the anxiety and depressive symptoms reveal physiological issues such as illnesses and hormonal imbalances. Sometimes, anxiety and depression present an opening to the exploration of relational and social dynamics and the starting point for progress and change.
I listen to your experience and work with you to find the next steps forward.
Qualifications and Memberships include:
Registered Member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy).
