Annabelle van Nieuwkoop-Read

Neuro-affirming Therapist & Trainer | Creating neuro-affirming spaces where being divergent is beautiful | Helping Neurodivergent people feel truly seen and heard. I value the importance of bringing my whole self to my work. I offer a integrative relationship-based, trauma-informed therapeutic experience grounded in my training as an Arts Therapist, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and Autism specialist. I am a reliable, experienced therapist specialising in working with neurodivergent individuals. The therapeutic counselling I offer follows no one-set-fits-all script or protocol. I take the time to observe, listen, and acknowledge what the client brings to the therapeutic space. I may guide the client by suggesting they draw or write what they are experiencing. There may be moments of silence too, sitting with that silence can have meaning and purpose. Together with the client, we find ways to facilitate change and encourage the exploration of feelings with non-judgment and self-love. Through this process, clients can learn their values and needs and how to express them to others. The therapeutic counselling I offer Neurodivergent couples integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Non-Violent Communication. The focus of the therapy is to explore communication styles and to learn helpful ways of communicating to meet (Neurodivergent) needs in a relationship.I bring to the therapeutic relationship my own neurodivergent experiences. Through my journey in counselling and therapy, I learned how to value myself and my unique ways.

2022- current: Private practice Nurturing Neurodiversity Netherlands 2013-2023: School Counsellor and Wellbeing Co-ordinator International School of The Hague 2005-2017: Private practice 2006-2008: Therapist with refugees and their children, Centrum 45 2000-2006: Multiple roles as a Therapist in social care and education.

2004: MA Arts Therapy (Drama) 2016: MEd Autism 2025: Post Grad- Psychosocial Therapy-Specialism Acceptance and Commitment Therapy